Miles Driven: 1000+

Mountain Passes transversed: 2 each way

Best Friends Visited: 1

Races attended: 1

Cameras Taken to Vegas: 3

Cameras Used in Vegas: 2

Pictures taken: 837

NASCAR Drivers Interviewed: 1 (TONY STEWART!!!!)

Interviews needing to be transcribed: 1 (see above)

Voices Lost: 1

Annoying squeaky noises made attempting to talk: 1 million

Beagles starved for attention: 1

How she showed she was starved for attention: She sniffed my luggage for a couple minutes then went to take a nap

Loads of  vacation laundry to do: At least 2- possibly 3 depending on how I sort

Loads of laundry actually done at this writing: 0

Needless to say I am back!!!  And jumping right back to work tomorrow. That and hacking up a lung with this cough I recently developed. Fun times.  Look for more detailed post on the trip coming as soon as possible.

Anyway, this means that I won’t be blogging until after I get back.  I will probably have lots of pictures to share with you and lots of stories about what I did in Vegas both at the race and outside the race.

I might twitter now and again while gone so feel free to check my twitter (twitter.com/badgroove) to see what I am up to but remember that I refuse to pay for the data plan or unlimited texting plan so I might not get your replies until later in the day.  I might also update my facebook if you happen to by my FB friend.

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Also- here is a link to a contest where you can enter to win a VIP racing package for 4 that includes weekend tickets for saturday and sunday, hotel accommadations, spending cash, and other goodies.  Unfortunately if you are from CA like I am you can’t enter (you also can’t enter if you are in AK, HI, ME, MT, OR & WA). But hopefully one of my readers will win. Good luck.

Neon Garage

Finally we were let into the Neon Garage area where the red carpet was already laid out and all the show cars for the drivers sprinkled out and about  the main area for the photographing / viewing pleasure of all the fans. A band was playing. It was fun.  Took pictures of lots of the cars…

What? You notice I don’t have any of Tony’s car? Well let’s talk about that for a second.  I actually spent a lot of time taking pictures of Tony’s car.  One thing you don’t realize about Tony’s car (at least I didn’t until the first time I saw it up close and personal) is that the red paint isn’t flat. It’s got a gorgeous gold metal flake to it that sparkles in the sun. However I have spent TONS of time trying to take pictures where it doesn’t look just flat red and not just this time but anytime I have been able to get upclose to his car.  This time most of the pictures that do catch the metal flake made the car look dusty- which it wasn’t. It’s a hard thing to photograph…that glitter.  Then I found this picture I took from the hip of the Impala logo. For some reason it looks really dark which I can’t figure out why it looks like that since it was broad bright daylight out but you can see the glitter that I am talking about:

Anyway…if you have been reading me for any length of time you know that when I am in the garage area I find a theme and take pictures that go with it. I did tires at PIR in the spring. I did numbers at Inifineon.  I even did tools- that one might have been fontana last year…can’t remember. Well this time was no different. This time I did spoiler endplates. I won’t bore you with the 20 pictures I took of spoiler end plates but here are a couple:

(see what I mean about the red paint on Tony’s car photographing as a flat glossy red?)

Anyway- we took pictures upon pictures- then decided to take a sit and listen to the band. Then we staked our claim along the red carpet which spanned the garage area diagonally with the stage right in the middle. We didn’t do this right away because egads that would mean literally standing for four freaking hours. As it was we ended up getting a pretty good spot for just about three hours of standing. You will later see…it was totally completely worth it.  We ended up taking turns going to wander about, use the facilities, get beverages, whatever.   Here is our bundled up (hey it was cold) shadows as we stand against the railing flanking the red carpet:

We got bored and started making shadow puppets on the red carpet…the fun in that lasted all of about five minutes. I even started snapping pictures of the jets from Nellis AFB playing overhead:

Contrary to the picture this guy isn’t in a hard climb but actually landing. I just took it from a really strange angle as he was flying overhead and I was pretty much bent over backwards trying to take pictures.

Then Dale Jarrett hit the stage and took questions and answers from the audience.  As he began to make his way back to the media center from the stage he walked the red carpet:

Then finally the drivers started making their way down the red carpet- after each one had a little time on the stage. I didn’t realize they would be that close…I didn’t realize WE would be that close to them and had NOTHING for them to sign…a great missed opportunity. But I got some terrific pictures:

Vickers

Edwards

Kahne

Newman

Denny

Martin

Gordon

Tony

Busch

Series Four Time Straight Champion Jimmie Johnson.

I didn;t get any good pictures of Biffle or Montoya…the few I had were them with their backs to me for whatever reasons.  We stayed and watch the roast from the infield…and hustled out of there when it was over because it was cold.  Little did we know how cold it would actually get…

Stay tuned for Day 2: Burnouts and Stewies.

The trucks sit in empty stalls in the garage area post-practice and pre-qualifying.

The Trucks are pushed out onto the qualifying grid.

The wreckers take to the track pre-qualifying.

Johnny Sauter's truck gets pushed onto the qualifying grid.

Hart and Huntington were represented at the track by TJ Bell. This is their merchandise hauler and Carey's bike.

The trucks are lined up and we are ready for pre-race.

The crews line up for invocation.

The announcer said this was the most expensive car to ever be a pace car at a NASCAR race.

Trucks are parked on pit road during the warm up laps when the lights in turn one (including the ones in the stands) went out. Took about 20 minutes to fix.

Turn Two at LVMS in the Evening with mountains as a backdrop.

The evening before the race a lot of the drivers did an autograph session at the Statosphere Casino:

Johnny Sauter, who was the race winner.

Aric Armirola was driving Kyle Busch's number 51.

All in all we had a great time, but we got to the track WAY too early.  Next time we will know!

We should have learned our lesson last year with the fall Fontana race.  Once we decided to work in the Fontana race into our year last year- I was calling the box office as soon as I did a little online research about track and it’s facilities.  BFM’s favorite driver might be Jeff Gordon but I knew her second favorite driver was Jimmie Johnson- and I knew from my internet research that sometimes Fontana has a special Jimmie Johnson ticket package that includes not only race tickets but usually some kind of Q&A session with Jimmie and part of the proceeds of the tickets actually go to the Jimmie Johnson Foundation.  Sounded like something that would be fun- something that we would definitely be interested in.  When I called the box office I inquired about if there would be a Jimmie Johnson package for that particular race because I did not see anything about it on their website. The ticket agent told me that he wasn’t pulling anything up but that sometimes these special ticket packages weren’t set up right away. He kindly suggested that I wait about six weeks and call back to see if they had heard anything.  And that is exactly what I did.  Don’t think it wasn’t torture for me and my anal/control freak ways- let me tell you.  I waited six weeks on the dot and called back. Again I asked about the Jimmie Johnson Foundation tickets.  Again I was told that they did not have anything and that maybe I should wait. Well I had waited about as long as my obsessive nature would allow so I got us tickets and was finally at ease. Race Tickets? Check. Hotel? Check.  It’s all good. I am sure that you can tell what is coming up next.  Yep you guessed it- the Jimmie Johnson package came up for sale two or three weeks later.

Learn from my mistakes race fans. If you are like me and plan things out way in advanced- that isn’t always the best way.  While so far the ticketing offices that I have worked with have all been extremely helpful and willing to exchange tickets for others (I did this for the first race in Vegas actually- I had initially ordered up neon garage passes for Sunday and changed my mind- deciding that passes for Friday might let us see more action in the actual garage stalls- and the ticketing office was more than willing to accommodate my request for a change) sometimes it pays in aces to just wait to buy your tickets.  Especially now that tracks aren’t selling as many tickets as they would like- often facilities are forced to drop ticket prices closer to the date of the actual race.  Many tracks, in an attempt to drawn in more fans, are offering special ticket packages that might include things like driver Q&A’s or appearances, special food or hospitality discounts, and other deals on track amenities but these ticket packages are often last minute deals (or last minute to people like me who like to plan everything out well in advance).  Keep in mind that sometimes you will end up sacrificing better seats for some of the package plans- it is still something to consider because it might be that one time you get to get closer to your favorite driver.  So learn from me- sometimes it pays to NOT plan so far ahead.  Case in point,  I personally got a great deal on tickets for the Phoenix race (yes the next race) by going against what is natural to me and not planning the trip until about a month before the race.  By waiting we got seats in a section that was previously earmarked at a higher price for a lower price.  Now there were reasons we waited so long- and that was just one of them. And this whole upcoming trip to the race in Phoenix is going to be fodder for another post I am planning on writing after that trip- so expect this to be revisited a little in a couple of weeks.  But just be aware…sometimes it pays to procrastinate a little.

Kasey Kahne, Kyle Busch and Casey Mears.  The major problem there? Kasey Kahne and Kyle Busch were doing their appearances at the same time at separate ends of the Vegas Strip (Kahne was in the Stratosphere and Kyle Busch was at M&M World which was just down from the MGM Grand).

So we line up for Kasey on Thursday afternoon- and are a lot farther back that we thought we would be. It wasn’t looking good for meeting Kyle.  We both had pictures for Kasey to sign.  And when he finally got there he started signing and I tried to get pictures I really did- but it was so dark in the casino that he is just a blur.  We get a couple people away and BFM basically pushes me in front of her and says YOU GO FIRST.  Whatever.  I do. Let me tell you Kasey didn’t even look in my general direction.  He signed his name on my picture (he has very nice writing for someone sitting at a table signing their name a gazillion times). He spent most of that time talking to whoever was sitting next to him (apparently about the guy in front of us with an AJ Allmendinger hat that had no sponsors on it- I didn’t hear it though that was from BFM). Kasey did look up at BFM but only because she made a point to say kinda loudly THANKS KASEY to which he nodded at her.  It wasn’t the best experience but then again Kasey was distracted so…

So now the chase was on. We decided we would still try to make it to Kyle. By the time we got to her car it was like 5:15 and have you ever tired to drive down the Las Vegas Strip for any length of time? Its crazy. We made it to the MGM by 5:21 (using BFM’s local experience and backroads). Then we transversed the MGM parking garage, the little MGM mall, the casino and half a city block to get to M&M WORLD. When we got to M&M world an employee asked us if we needed help and BFM blurted out “Did we miss him?”  The employee escorted us to the end of the line which at this point was only about 10-15 people long.  So basically we were the last two people in line.  Again I get pushed in front of BFM…YOU GO FIRST.  Whatever I do.  Kyle is extremely nice. Not that I was expecting him to be rude but he made a total point to take the extra 15 -30 seconds to look at me, smile say hello, ask me how I was, etc.  I was just knocked over with how nice he came off. I guess maybe because he usually comes off as cocky on TV.

I have to say Kyle was extremely friendly beyond what I imagined. I don't know what I was expecting but he took time with every person in line. Including pictures if you wanted.

On Friday after qualifying day we went to the NASCAR Cafe at the SAHARA to meet Casey Mears.  We didn’t really even have time to go home afterwards- so I was still using my clear race backpack instead of a real purse, probably had wind blown hair since it was so windy and cold. Not to mention my chapped lips.  With the Casey Mears- there were no wristbands or tickets- pretty much you  just line up.  Again BFM goes to push me in front of her. Whatever. I go first. Luckily Casey had hero cards because I came empty handed-which I didn’t mean to do but I forget to pick up something at the track.  Anyway Casey is was also very nice- made eye contact, said hello, etc.  I didn’t get any good pictures of Casey either because he was in a really dark area of the bar and it just wasn’t conducive for good pics.

Now on Saturday BFM’s dad found out that Tony would be doing a signing at the Palazzo’s Sportsbook Bar and Grill.  So I would be seeing Tony afterall.  We booked it to the Palazzo and stood in line to get our wristband. Once the wristband was secured (and it was a pretty sparkly wristband too) we took off and perused the Venetian Grand Canal shops for a bit, went back to my car and got our Tony stuff to have him sign and then went back and got in line to see Tony.

Getting to see Tony this year was a pleasant surprise. He too was nice as always.

Tony was friendly and nice. And the Sportsbook Bar and Grill had these really nice hero cards- which I was able to get one even though that was NOT what I had Tony sign.  The one handler of his (the woman making sure everyone had just one item) was kind enough to make sure I got one of the hero cards.

All and all we had a great time at the driver appearances this time!

Walking in on Sunday Morning

I honestly don’t remember what time we got to the track on Sunday- but I want to say probably around 9:00 again.  We perused the midway- partaking in free COKE ZERO samples as well as getting free Bobby Labonte flash drives preinstalled with the ask.com nascar tool bar wiget thingy mabob.  Mostly though we scoped out a place by the SPEED stage and waited.  We were there solely to see Jeff Gordon’s interview by the PRN guys- but be cause we also got to see Richard Childress and Kyle Busch during their interviews and we got to watch Hermie Sadler film one of the cut-away car segments-which was fun too.  I got a few mediocre pictures of Richard Childress and one of Jeff Gordon:

Richard Childress spoke about just about everything including the economy and hunting

Jeff Gordon told us a funny story about getting a speeding ticket...

Part of my photo issue is that I am short and there were lots of tall people and one blonde woman who kept stepping in front of me so I would get a great picture of the back of people’s heads- hers in particular.  Secondly I decided to use a different camera on Sunday than I used on Friday. On friday I used my trusty Canon I5 SI that I LOVE and am most comfortable with. On Sunday I decided to use my new-to-me DSLR canon Rebel (I don’t know the model off the top of my head…but its the silver one).  It has some sort of fancy lense on it (again I don’t know which lense) but this was my first real outting with the Rebel and while overall I got some great pictures- I was frustrated with it and my lack of knowledge of what the heck I was doing with it.  Apparently I didn’t get ANY of Kyle Busch and I didn’t even attempt Hermie because he was down at ground level and off to my right so there was just no way.

Anyway- after watching the interviews by the PRN guys we escaped the speed stage area we meandered about the midway some more- got another free sample of COKE ZERO and then wandered over towards the Petty Terrace to settle into our seats.  Pre-race started and we could actually see pre-race a little better this year because of our awesome seats:

Flying Elvii- their helmets actually look like elvis hair- cracked me up!

One of the pictures I am most proud of- the fly over after invocation and the national anthem. I took this picture! It rocks huh?

Then the command to start engines came and the cars were off lining up behind the pace car:

The field lines up behind the pace car...a shelby (yeah I know you can't see the pace car...I kinda missed it).

Then the race went green- but not for very long as Matt Kenseth brings out the first caution of the day.

I was pleased with Tony- he seemed to move well and maintain a top five position most of the day. The Office Depot team did great pit stops.

Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon approach their pit stalls during a pit stop. We had a great view of their stalls since they were more towards the exit of pit road.

Kyle Busch pits during the race.

I still LOVE watching the pits stops and find that if there is a car on pit road that I can see…I am watching it. I don’t know what it is about the pitting that I love but it’s really exciting and fascinating to me. So I have lots of pictures of Kyle, Jeff, Tony and Kasey Kahne on pit road since they were right there by our seats.

I finally decided that I had to use the restrooms. I mean I really had to go. When I left Tony was somewhere in the top five. When I came back he wasn’t even on the leaderboard any more (don’t think that wasn’t the first thing I checked when I came back).  BFM shook her head when I got back to my seat and said Tony pitted out of sequence and she didn’t know why (we don’t bother with race scanners although I wish we had them then).

I heard that some people thought the Vegas race was boring to watch on TV but not if you were there in person:

Menard's car gets towed in on the wrecker. Fun times.

And even when I did get bored during one of the cautions I was able to occupy myself taking pictures of the mountains behind Las Vegas Motor Speedway:

Who says the Desert is bland? I think these mountains are Gorgeous.

And finally Kyle won at Las Vegas- and if Tony couldn’t win, and Jeff Gordon (BFM’s favorite) couldn’t win I am glad that it was Kyle.

Kyle Busch did an awesome burn out...then jumped out of the car and actually kissed the start finish line. I think he was pleased to win in front of his home town crowd.

Find out why I am glad that if my drivers and BFM’s drivers couldn’t win the Shelby 427, why I was glad to watch Kyle win in the next segment.

Coming up tomorrow: The Shelby 427: Driver Appearances.