It's Bristol Baby!

I will not apologize, I love Nascar and this weekend made my Nascar dreams come true. I have to thank a few people for making it all possible. Dad and K helped us get the tickets to go. We are really tight right now with school loans and me working less so we were able to pay part, but they did the big part of it for my birthday and christmas (for multiple years! lol). Then, my friend D (who is an accountant as Nascar) was able to get all four of us passes into the garage area! I know he had to pull some strings, so I am incredibly grateful! Bristol is one of the hardest tracks to get these passes because the infield is so tiny, but it was so amazing to see all the action up close. 

First I have to show you some mountain pictures on our way! We had just been in Asheville the previous weekend for our frisbee and camping weekend, but this time we were just driving through. If you have to drive for hours, drive though the mountains so you at least have a beautiful view! 

 We met Dad and K a few miles away from our destination and headed straight to the track! 

On our way to the credentialing office, we ran into everyone's favorite sportscaster! Rutledge was really nice and the guy in the back looks excited to be in our picture too. HA!

 Getting ready to enter the tunnels! 

 We discovered the tunnels are a great place to meet people since we all have to use the same one! 

 I seriously could not believe we got HOT Passes! 

 Daddy getting up close for qualifying... 

AHHH I can't believe I'm doing this!

 Tony was not thrilled about his qualifying run. 

 I would have loved to get closer to Dale, but I am just not the kind of person that will force myself on the drivers. Plus, Dale stays swamped the entire weekend! 

 I got a picture with Austin at Daytona last year too! He's really nice and usually not surrounded!

 We had an awesome view of the track from our seats! 

 The noise is mind-boggling! 

 Despite all the noise, J managed to take a couple naps! 

Party going on outside the track! 

 The closest hotel was like 30 minutes away (without traffic) and unfortunately, we parked on the wrong side of the road and cops blocked every intersection so we could not turn around. It was the most frustrating experience; worst traffic coordination I have ever seen after any event! We eventually made it, showered quickly, and crashed after a long day in the sun! 

The next morning, we enjoyed a great breakfast at the hotel and were off again. Outside the track was a huge party zone! 

 Joey was so excited to try the BBQ! I of course, had to bring my food in the little backpack on Joey's back. Crappy part is that I still ended up crazy sick that night. I don't know if it was contamination or food poisoning from not keeping the turkey quite cold enough; traveling with food issues sucks! 

 Signing the start/finish line! 

 We made sure to D and K's names on the line too! 

Music to my ears! 

 Asked for a selfie and then realized Steve is way too tall for me to reach the phone out far enough! He was awesome though and helped me take it! 

 J had to drive home that night so I could work the next morning; therefore, he required mini naps any time we sat down! Ha! 

 We found a shaded area right outside the inspection tent; we got to see all the beauties come right by us. 

 So awesome to see the rainbow back! 

 We were on TV several times! PS. Chick doing the interview was hilarious to watch. 

 Really?!? This is a terrible pit sign! 

 Waiting for Steven Tyler! 

 Steven Tyler requires a little security...

 All lit up! 

 Inspiration on the pit wall! 

 This is just my hubby. 

 Usually I get a good picture out of him eventually! 

Oh, hi Michael! 

Skydivers and flyover 

 This was the coolest part; watching the pit crew work during the race!

START YOUR ENGINES!!!

Little warm up! 

Pit stop time!

Up close and personal! 

 Fueling station!

Perfect time for a blowout! 

Tunnel under the track! 

mmm... That breeze though!

 Lagano won, so that sucked, but overall we had an amazing time! 

 We really thought we would be able to see the drivers at the end, but they are whisked away instantly! We didn't realize until after that we should have used the tunnel again to our advantage, but we will be ready next time! 

 Terrible picture of me, but Chad was awesome and didn't seem to give many people this opportunity. He got married the next weekend, so I'm sure he was crazy busy! 

Bye Bristol! :(

I have to thank my amazing husband for driving us home! I had to work the next morning so he let me get a little over an hour nap before I got up to keep him alert. We made it home by 6am so I got another hour sleep then! I was like a zombie, but made it through interpreting and teaching spin before I collapsed! Totally worth it though!