2008 Kansas Cup race - 3 Sisters Racing

CUP RACE 2008!
We met, we planned, we conquered! Another beautiful weather day in the Heartland of America. Shannon was already at the track, in the pits, waiting for me (NASCarla), I had to do some serious tailgating before heading down there myself!

Security is always tighter on Cup day - at first it was "Access Denied" as we tried to stroll out onto the infield for pre-race ceremonies. But, my girl's got the charm, it wasn't long before we were personally escorted out by #212 Security Guard, I can't begin to tell you how incredible it is to be in the infield for the pre-race show and driver intro's - unbelievable! Nobody noticed me, everybody (pit crew guys, officials, even drivers) were all like "Hi Shannon!" Hello - I'm her Mom! I really didn't say that - I was too happy to be there, proudly basking in my daughter's shadow...

This handsome lad is Dale Jr.'s spotter. Looks pretty cool, but he's under lots of pressure with his driver, can't say any more, don't want to get anybody in trouble, but I sure wouldn't want his job!

This video has only captured a small bit of pit activity, just couldn't see too much - TV is better! After all - they are at work! Lots of color, sounds and action. And humor, this sign directs David Reutimann into his pit stall. Yes, his nose is a little large, but "Beak"? I met him a couple of times - very charming! He probably doesn't even remember how charming I am...

This is one of my favorite pictures of the whole pit experience - watching the drivers before their introductions, see how relaxed they seem? I think most of them are good friends with each other.

First time ever for
3 Sisters - we got to watch our favorite drivers race with our favorite Dad! Step Mom Nola Mae is a good sport and puts up with us - when we all know that she'd much rather be watching the other kind of horsepower, the
4-legged kind!

God - I love this country! I feel so patriotic on race-day in Kansas. Pictured above is the best picture I've ever taken, see how the fans are totally oblivious to their close encounter of the military kind? How cool is it, to have the pace car delivered to the infield in the belly of a CH-47 Chinook by the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment!!! Deron Cherry, the Chiefs Hall of Fame safety, drove the pace car out of the Chinook - AWESOME!

OK - I'm back in the stands now - a trek I prefer to only make once during the race - it's miles and miles on hard pavement. But so worth it! Especially the finish, oh my goodness! Edwards threw himself into the wall using the 'bonsai' move, probably hoping to propel his car into first place. The race concluded with a thrilling .280-second difference between first place Johnson and Edwards. NASCAR.com recently recognized the 2008 Kansas 400 as one of the five fantastic finishes of the season - and we were there, how cool is that?? After Martin's "no burnout", Stewarts "ran out of gas, no fence-climb victory celebration", and Biffle's "fuel-less sputter-slide" that we could barely see in the dark - thank you Jimmie Johnson, for the awesome burnout!!

Like usual - we all outdo ourselves in the food department - tables are pretty enough to be featured in Better Homes and Garden magazine!
Amy: ""Let's see, where are the kids? Oh! Race weekend! Time to change hats! Where's Tony???"

All the pretty flowers, and Mustangs - a beautiful sight to see upon entering the infield at Kansas Speedway, sure wish our yard had this kind of landscaping! And view of the track!

Not sure why Kathy Beth is giving this young, nice looking fellow Jimmie fan such a disapproving look right after Jimmie won the race! Must have been pulling her hair! Or maybe the fact that he was holding up her ride...

I entered this photo in a "Favorite Pics of Fall" contest held by the K.C. Star. Seriously, does anything get any better than this? I think NOT!

All kinds of winners this Race Day: #48 Jimmie Jimmie Jimmie won the race, Kathy and Pam H. got to see their favorite driver win at their home track, and James won the Driver Pot! Really, does it get any better?

Sammy Gonzales did notice me! He was so nice and helpful, probably just trying to get in good with Shannon through her Mom - but hey, whatever it takes! Thanks!

Sidebar: We 3 Sisters didn't know that this would be the last race we would spend with our Dad, he passed away in March of 2009. Dad had lung cancer, but after a tough go 'round with radiation, we all thought he had it licked. Had we known this would be our last race with him, would we have done anything differently? Hell NO! He was a true Race Fan, and there is no place he'd rather be on a Sunday afternoon! We love and miss you Dad.

Look at my girl Shannon (follow the red arrow in the pic to the left), she managed to find her way into Victory Lane! Thank Goodness for a 12x zoom and cell phones, otherwise this victory would never be documented.

And now, we say our good-byes to Tina, Rusty and Pam, then head out to tailgate, reminisce the race. Yeah, we took the easy way out, James chauffeured while Dane cleared the way - it's always a team effort. Especially when there's a grill to fire-up, stories to tell, and beer to drink!