The following weekend was more of a family affair when Anh, the boys, Grandma, and I joined Grandfather for his second trip to Daytona International Speedway for Saturday's Nationwide Series race. While only Jaxon and Grandfather had tickets to the main event, we all enjoyed the pre-race exhibits outside the Speedway. The boys were even able to get up close and personal with the cars. Some of the excitement has worn off for Jax since his first year attending the race, but he was thrilled to ride some simulators and enjoyed all of the other hands-on attractions. Oh, and of course the actual race was a huge hit. Baylor was simply amazed by the entire scene especially the free samples and trinkets that every booth seemed to be passing out to the fans.
Last year, the event seemed down-sized compared to past years, and we attributed that to the questionable economy. Companies were probably hesitant to spend the advertising dollars when ticket sales were down. This year, corporate sponsors were out in full force. Hopefully, that's a sign the nation is on the mend. However, I suspect that attendance was up due to a more sentimental reason. This year's 53rd running of The Daytona 500 marks the 10-year anniversary of the death of racing legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. at the Speedway. Earnhardt's passing changed NASCAR and racing forever. Plus, the racetrack has been repaved which is a rare event and adds to the overall excitement.
Thankfully, the boys were unaware of the solemn anniversary. As a matter of fact, the crowd seemed jubilant and ready to party. I mean, it is the Super Bowl of NASCAR after all! Getting back to the pre-race fun, we tried our hand at changing the tires in record time. Let's just say, Baylor and I have lots of room for improvement before any of the pit crews will be interested in recruiting us!
The boys' favorite exhibit was hosted by the U.S. Army. Guns, guns, and more guns! Should I be worried?
I think so! Just a little bit!
There were definitely more child-friendly exhibits like the Budweiser Clydesdale horses. Although, they just didn't prove to be as exciting for the boys as the machine guns and rifles. Go figure! Buck, the horse, did seem to take a liking to Jaxon and Baylor though. There was mutual fascination coming from both sides of the bars, a settling feeling for mom after the excitement of watching my children play with real weapons.
It wouldn't be a day ending in -Y, if Jaxon didn't point out a dream car. That particular day it was a gleaming yellow Corvette. I see trouble on the horizon. My gut tells me it'll hit right around Jaxon's 16th birthday. Lord, help me! I'm pretty sure I've figured out what he's saving his money for!
The monster truck was more Baylor's speed. It only makes sense. Both possess a talent for destruction on a grand scale!
Finally, it was time to part ways with Grandfather and Jaxon. Grandfather's excitement for the race never fails! It's cute actually. It doesn't matter whether it's his first, second, or third time at The Speedway. He's ready to hear the engines roar! For the record, this is Grandfather's 4th trip to The 500, but who's counting? Ha!
Grandfather and Jax made their way into the grandstand while Anh, Grandma, and I distracted Baylor so he wouldn't realize he was missing out on the real excitement. Don't feel too bad for our little guy. He's still a bit young to really enjoy hours of racing. He'd never be able to sit still for that long. Regardless, next year, Baylor will enjoy his first race with Grandfather. Who knows, maybe we'll even spring for 4 tickets so all the guys can go together. Grandma and I would certainly enjoy the break!
Of course, the real excitement was reserved for the big boys on Sunday. Grandfather and Anh made the final trek back to Daytona for the grand finale. On Sunday, NASCAR pulls out all the stops for The 500. The Speedway is a strange mix of celebrities, die-hard life-long NASCAR fans, curious first-timers, and those that are just along for the ride with one of the above. It's quite a sight! Not that I've seen it first-hand, but some of the pictures and stories I've heard are hilarious to say the least. Fashion sense is out the window at NASCAR events. The trashier the better!
This year, country superstar Brad Paisley entertained the crowd as the opening act, and the grand marshals for the race were the stars of this summer's blockbuster Transformers 3. Shhhh! Don't tell Jax! He'd be devastated to have missed out on the fun.
In honor of Dale Earnhardt, there was a Lap 3 moment of silence because Earnhardt drove the Number 3 car.
Records were shattered on that picture perfect afternoon in Daytona which made for one exciting day. On the freshly paved track (NASCAR didn't want a repeat of last year!), there were 74 lead changes which broke the previous record of 60, and a record 16 cautions at The 500 due to a few dramatic wrecks. One of those wrecks stripped Anh's and the nation's favorite driver, Dale Jr., of his chance at victory. It wasn't the ending so many had hoped for, but that doesn't mean it wasn't thrilling. Twenty-year old Trevor Bayne captured the checkered flag breaking yet another record. He is the youngest driver to win The 500. This year was clearly one for the record books! 
As Dale Earnhardt once said, "You win some, lose some, and wreck some." Looking forward to Race Week 2012!
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