Moments in Time: Will They Forget: NASCAR’s Future
Following up on a previous post with a similarly titled, Moments in Time: Less We Forget I seem to look at this race differently than do most as clearly seen in the posts that have been made both during and after the race with it’s rather “Unpredictable” ending for a lack of better words. Posts ranging from one end of the spectrum to the other, posts with titles such as “Problem” Montoya, I hate it when I’m right, Newman upsets at Daytona, and One of the worst Daytona all of which give the authors view of the outcome with some going into detail of what it is They saw. Some, as expected, are from people who are very angry for some reason or another, either their driver did not win, got the “Shaft” or just did not do as well as They thought they should have. Others are from people who posts different views due to the fact that their drivers won or did better than expected, and get this, some even because Their driver had an Ill Affect to another driver, who, for some reason, They (the Poster, Not the Driver) feel needed to learn a lesson.
I see a totally different picture, and if you would so allow me, I will explain.
Pre Race Shows: Interviews & Information
Although most of the time, Pre anything is not exactly what excites me nor most of the fans I know, but, the shows, with interviews of Legends of Yesteryear along side the DOT (Drivers of Today {Poor attempt at humor}) were the kind that left the viewer in Awe. All the hosts we all know and love were Charismatic, Knowledgeable, just as full of excitement as the fans were and Wendy Venturini was “Eye Candy” for the Us like the Drivers have been for so long for the Ladies present *.
Anthem; Fly Bys, Country Stars; Driver Intros: A Fans Delight
From Grammy-Award Winning county star Trisha Yearwood’s rendition of the National Anthem to Brooks & Dunn, Chubby Checker, Michael McDonald and Kool & the Gang; all had the Full Attention of all who were lucky enough to be attendance for the “Once in a Lifetime” event. US Air Force Thunderbirds, with the Spectacular Fly-By had the crowd ‘Ohhing’ and ‘Ahhing’ and the looks on the youngest of fans faces surely let the parents know that the money spent was well worth every penny.
The Race: Daytona Champion 2008; Ryan Newman Alltel #12
With all the previous posts from other members, I can not for the life of me come up with anything else, “Intelligent” to add, except that it is kinda funny how Mr. Jimmie Johnson and Mr. Newman were rookies in the same year and he now follows him to the Halls of Hallowed Ground in Daytona. So NUFF SAID!
Champion Ceremony: Penske Racing; Hard Work and Perseverance
With wife, Krissie, crew chief Roy McCauley, McCauley’s wife, Amy (A Cancer Survivor, diagnosed 1 year ago Sunday), Father, who serves as his spotter Mother being home in Indiana, his Grandparents who were in the stands, Team Owner Roger Penske and all other members of the #12 Alltel Dodge present Mr. Newman deservingly received the Golden Edition of the Harley J. Earl Trophy amid Fireworks, Explosions, and then the party started with all present adorning smiles as wide as the race was long. A little known fact about Mr. Penske and his legacy in NASCAR is that he, Penske has come close to winning Daytona before. Bobby Allison was the runner-up in a Penske car in 1975, and Newman finished third in 2006.
You know all that, and probably a lot more since you are probably like all the other fans that have read the headlines, and even perhaps replayed the race either on the TV or in their minds via a dream at night or during the day. My way of perception is that I am just happy to have been here to witness History in the making and was even fortunate enough to have my family here to see it too. So in years to come, when I am gone and my sons look at their littlest fans, they can tell them how they watched it. They had seen the race that made history and all the Greats from the then past, Legends that will never be seen again, not then. They will have all that and al the years to come, Years that are full of hope and promise for a sport that is rapidly approaching the numbers of those Bigger Name Sports that have so long looked at NASCAR as some kind of “Bastard Child of American Sports” that they were ashamed of due to it’s rather less than honorable beginnings (in their opinions). Soon, NASCAR, with its “Super Bowl” at he beginning will set standards so high, with “Clean Athletes” and Family Oriented Events, the other sports will have no chance to keep up.
I guess my “Long Winded” point is that I was just glad to be here, now, watching a race, living, breathing, and enjoying, with all of you, the one time in our time that we know we were watching history. Tomorrow will come, the next race then the next, Tomorrows will soon make memories, memories that you think there is no way of forgetting, fade away as the season pass. There is one thing you can do to insure Your Time now will not be forgotten and all the while insure the Fans of Tomorrow will know. Do you remember what I asked in the previous post? Well for those who missed it,,,,,,
What? Where? When? How? Why? Are all questions that You are going to be asked again, and again. So you better Sit Up, Take Notice, and Remember.
February 17, 2008 Daytona 500
My Prayer: Unforgettable
One More Daytona, Lord, Be it your Will. To Be Unforgotten, Tomorrows Still!
Keep the Faith
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release-2.0.4.1/451 Wed Jul 9 19:20:39 UTC 2008
10 Comments
rockonjimmie
Mar 01 2008 10:56
Good Read :-)
I agree with Everybody On This One
Thanx! Keep Up The Good Work
JrCanuckFan
Feb 20 2008 21:49
Thunder
you are so fortunate to have been able to attend in person one of the MOST MEMORABLE _races for me _EVER! I enjoyed it immensely, talking to friends online, watching with my whole family cheering LOUD!!! and LONG!!!!
To me it didn’t matter who WON, it was an awesome race. The “pre” race, the tributes, the interviews, the features.
I guess what I am trying to say is it’s a RACE! the FIRST race of the season! How can anyone say it wasn’t GREAT?
And, God willing, I will be around next year to watch another GREAT race at Daytona!
Thanks Thunder – as was said before, thanks for keeping it real!
changingto18
Feb 20 2008 09:26
Excellent writing
And great suggestions.
lottolou
Feb 19 2008 21:18
ABSOUTELY AWESOME, THUNDR!
“Whatever the thought or action that takes place will be a “memory” once it does in that amount of time!” (a quote written by me that is legally notarized) which I thought would be appropriate for what you wrote in your blog here.
rubbercatfish
Feb 18 2008 21:02
I will remember this race as the first that
I was able to talk to friends , who only because of our love of the sport, came together.No work buddies, no kin folk, just mutual love of the sport. We are Nascar friends, yet become more than that!
Bnchrcngbabe
Feb 18 2008 17:07
Amen
Can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed a race so thoroughly. Always enjoy your comments.Thanks for keeping it real
jrgirl083
Feb 18 2008 14:05
That is
something that should never, ever be forgotten!
Reed411986
Feb 18 2008 12:24
that is something
no one should ever forget never
29thebomb
Feb 18 2008 10:54
every moment is precious
and then it’s a memory.
Never a wasted moment listening to your thoughts and perspectives.
I saw a good race.
Did you see Sterling Marlin standing behind Jr and Kevin during the Brookes and Dunne tribute to Earnhart when they rolled out the 3 car? The memory of that shot is 1 that is going to stay with me.
KarinB
Feb 18 2008 06:57
Thunder
thank you for always keeping me and others grounded and remind us what really matters.