Our
Tailgating has evolved to an extreme level! When Kansas Speedway first opened,
we arrived at the track at different times, our vehicles scattered all over
the parking lots - most times we didn't see each other until we were at our
seats. These days we are Super Organized, planning next years session as we're
enjoying the one we're doing. Anticipation is half the fun, right? Too bad we
can't take our setups to other tracks - maybe in the future... Starting in 2004,
tailgating for the Kansas Busch and Cup race became intense... We settled down
at
The Woodlands
- a horse and greyhound track located maybe a mile from the Speedway. It's absolutely
perfect for race fans, there is a shuttle that goes back and forth to the Speedway,
we even got to watch the horses exercise Saturday and Sunday morning. Yes, we
were there all weekend, even thought about making it our permanent home - but
everybody had to go back to the real world Monday. This kind of a party can
be expensive, depending on how fanatic of a fan you are. We all contribute our
Favorite Driver Flags, coolers, food, tables - whatever we've got. Of course,
we've got plenty of Graphics, Bumper Stickers to make our statements and support
our drivers, after all - that's why we're here! Our group of friends and fans
that show up every year is growing by leaps and bounds. Some we want to stay,
some we try to discourage - we're a picky bunch!
Kind-of
looks like a crime scene, doesn't it? These are the early-risers...
Tailgating before the Indy race, Kansas 2005. Judy Kay and
NASCarla had three of our supervisors from work partying with us, but like
we told them at work, "what goes on at Kansas Speedway, stays at Kansas
Speedway...
We
have other ways to entertain ourselves besides eating, drinking and gossiping.
We have a Driver Pot, that way newbies have a driver to root for and talk about,
and the rest of us die-hard fans can become a little schizophrenic - do we cheer
for money or love?? Kathy Beth brought these cute little Firecracker trucks,
we had a little race - lots of noisy fun.
What
are a couple of things we love about camping at the Woodlands on this particular
weekend? Waking up to the race-day sounds - like horses snorting and nickering,
hooves thundering down the track on early morning workouts, breakfast with
jockeys and race fans (it's all race-chatter!), hot coffee, beautiful sunrise...
Steve
and Sheryl enjoy that first cup of coffee, essential for nightshift people.
I think they look way too happy that early in the day. Well, at least Sheryl
does...
Setting
up the flag poles isn't as easy as it looks! Fortunately we have the proper
tools, like this nifty little clothes-hanger hook thingy, used to fish the plastic
do-hickeys out of the end of the pole. Requires intense concentration, and an
easily accessible storage location, onto the next pole...
Inside our Hospitality
tent - all the amenities of home - a NASCAR dream home! And more! It's shelter
for all our our food, drink and Tony Stand-up, you know, the important stuff!
The Woodlands has great 24/7 security, we've never lost anything to theft,
only to Mother Nature or our own forgetfulness.
When
Terry Labonte and Jimmie Johnson stopped by, we all fought to see who could
get the closest - it was MAYHEM! (Just kidding - they were cutouts, bummer...)
Lucky
Judy Kay - always the Birthday
Girl - October 8th - when the Cup Drivers come to town... Lucky for us too,
when Kathy Beth brings the CupCakes! How
convenient, all your friends are gathered around, Jeff Gordon is in town...
Check out Judy Kay's
birthday card - Twisted Sister Kathy Beth made the card and it is too cool,
didn't want it to get lost in cyberspace... Race Fan Resort - where you
can have your cake and eat it too!
Race Weekend - an hysterical, I mean historical, weekend!
We all head off in different directions for the day. Friday, some of us catch
qualifying, Trackside, the Lakeside Speedway dirt track Race... Saturday and
Sunday: more of the same - lots & lots of tailgating, racing, visiting.
We see lots of old friends, and make some new ones from all over the country,
all walks of life, but with one thing in common WE LOVE RACING!!! Just
like a big ol' Family Reunion - people coming and going all day (and night)
long - Race Weekend is the BEST!!
Temps
can be downright chilly this time of year, the campfire is always a popular
spot. There is Karaoke at one of the rowdier campsites. Don't have pictures
- won't tell stories, don't know if anybody could sing. DO know that there
are always a couple of tired fans at the race on Sunday!
Hugh
Smith, a Jockey (the Ultimate horsepower wheelman!) stops by. He had a
driver sighting for us... He and another jockey friend were staying at some
hotel in KC: Hugh's own words... "Dude, look yonder! There goes Jr. and
his crew!" Hugh's from New Orleans - cool accent!
Robby
Gordon Fans, they were off to Harrah's, check on
Driver's
Sightings for a picture of their special treatment!! Also on
Page
5 of our Fan Antics for a close-up of Tracy Jones' mohawk hair...
Kathy Beth And Pam Walker talk over setup plans, somebody
has to be organized!
Brad Wayman, his son Tyler, and our very own Randy Wayman
- fueling up, then off to check out the track festivities.
Kathy Beth again - this time schmoozing with "How
about those Rousch Guys" Craig Morford. Craig was responsible for the
anonymous 911 call - he did a few burnout's in his Rousch Mustang at our
Resort Saturday night. We weren't complaining...
Robby and Amy Young, serious Race Fans - very talented
cooks too! Check out their recipes on our
Tailgating
Recipe page. Both are Jr. fans, looks like Amy is leaning more in the
#20 direction - great choice!
Mom
(NASCarla): "Shannon, put your coat on right now, you'll catch pneumonia!"
Guys at Tailgating: "Shut-up Mom"
Rusty and Tina - the most AWESOME Above Average Race Fans
we met on our
Track Trek
to Texas! They hail from Oklahoma, Favorite Driver is Kasey Kahne -
great choice!
A couple of
couples we met this weekend - working on seeing if anybody wrote down their
names!
Arguably the best part of Tailgating, firing up the grills
is always an event in itself! Gets better and better each year, mmmm good!
