Never say never. If you had asked me if I would ever attend a NASCAR event, not only would I have laughed at you, I would have said never. Thus, no one was more surprised than myself when I agreed to a weekend of NASCAR events. Two things pushed me to say yes: 1) I am a big believer in doing things outside of my comfort zone, as it ultimately makes me a better person and 2) I am a big believer in Toyota and I was asked to go on their behalf as part of the Toyota Women Influencer Network (TWIN). I was also tempted by the fact that no travel would be involved, since the events were taking place in my hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. After months of non-stop travel, a staycation at the gorgeous and centrally located Hyatt House Charlotte was definitely in order.
Our day began bright and early at a Toyota family event held at the Joe Gibbs Racing Center. There we were able to meet Coach Gibbs himself and receive a special behind-the-scenes tour of everything that comprises Toyota Racing.
Joe is one of those guy’s that exudes confidence, ambition, and an insatiable desire to constantly improve himself all while retaining a strong moral compass. He explained to us that he had never been a huge racing fan and that the sport had somehow found him (most people know him as the ex-Washington Redskins Coach), however now it is his greatest passion in life and he is determined to make Toyota Racing the best team in NASCAR.
Until you see race cars in person, you will never comprehend the blood, sweat, and tears that goes into making them. Behind each one is a dedicated and loyal team that works almost every single day of the year. NASCAR employees only take breaks during Christmas and New Year.
The main event of the day was at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, where we would be watching the Dollar General 300 from a luxurious Toyota executive suite. We were each issued “Hot Passes”, which granted us VIP access to just about everywhere.
As the cars began to come out onto the track the infectious excitement in the air was palpable. It was time for the show to begin!
For hours we watched as the cars zoomed around the track; they were so powerful that they shook the suite we were in each time they passed by. I honestly thought I would be bored after a couple of minutes, but I found myself endlessly daydreaming about what it would be like to be able to drive a car that fast as my profession, since speeding driving fast is my greatest vice.
Before I knew it, the race was almost over and since it was clear that a Toyota car was going to win, we were rushed to the Winners Circle in the middle of the track. Cars were still whizzing by at around 190 miles per hour while we waited for someone to cross the finish line first.
A winner emerged from the smoke and dust and it was the car Call of Duty with Toyota Racing driver Joey Logano behind the wheel.
Want to know what victory looks like after racing in a car for 300 miles? It looks like this:
Disclosure: I was selected for participation in the TWIN community through a program with Clever Girls Collective. I did not receive any compensation for writing this post, or payment in exchange for participating. The opinions expressed herein are mine, and do not reflect the views of Toyota.
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Just FYI, Gibbs coached the Redskins, not the Cowboys (they’re bitter rivals — don’t want you to get lots of hate e-mails!).
Thanks! I was actually working on another article at the same time believe it or not and was mentioning the Cowboys and got my wires crossed. Thanks for the heads up. Error has been fixed!
Hmmmmm…. not sure I would have chosen that to attend out of my own volition, but you made it look like such a rush! I don’t really “get” watching NASCAR on TV, but watching it live looks a lot different!!
I was pretty shocked I said yes as well, but it was a HUGE rush!!! I seriously had the best time. I’m not going to become a NASCAR fan, but I wouldn’t say no to free tickets in the future…
Like you I couldn’t imagine myself attending Nascar voluntarily but good to hear you survived Andi!
Definitely survived and with a huge smile as well! 🙂
It is always great to step outside of your comfort zone. That is what I like about you, you are not afraid to do something different: unless it is camping 🙂
Hahahaha but you know what I would try camping with YOU! 🙂
I’m not sure I could handle the NASCAR, but I could definitely handle that hotel room! 🙂
Haha yes it was GORGEOUS!!!!!!!
You surprised me! Gotta try everything once though, right 🙂
Absolutely! And I’m glad that I surprised you. 🙂
SPECTACULAR shots of the race! I am seriously blown away. NASCAR isn’t really my thing either, but that looks like such a cool experience. And speeding is also a vice of mine — I once got a ticket for going 20 over. On a military installation. Driving a government vehicle.
*oops*
Hahahahahaha I LOVE you!!!!!! We would be such good friends IRL I know it. Thanks for your kind words re: my pics. Honestly I thought I was going to regret going, but I had so so so much fun.
The ONE thing I have learned is to NEVER say never LOL. Looks like fun and your pics are top notch of course <3
Agree!!! Thank you sweetheart!
It was such an awesome experience! I’m counting down the days until the 2013 season starts. I’ve already warned my family that our weekends will be filled with NASCAR races on tv once February rolls around. lol
Great photos, Andi!
Hahahaha I LOVE it!!!!!! You rock you know that? XO
I might say the same thing about NASCAR, but I’d step outside my comfort zone too… especially into a luxury box. stay luxurious, Craig
Hahahaha I like your thinking! 😉
I imagine these cars aren’t as noisy as Formula 1? Melbourne would have those races when we lived there and you could hear them for miles! Sounds like a great day out.
I’m not sure if they are as noisy or not, they were EXTREMELY loud, had to wear something in my ears to protect them. But I know that Formula 1 cars go faster.
Looks like a great experience Andi, and that hotel…oh my!!!
It really was an awesome experience and yes that hotel was superb! My hubby and I will try to do another staycation there sometime.
Hey Andi…I’m in Charlotte, what a small world =) I’m following you on twitter, btw =)
Are you really? I would love to meet!
Excellent photos – you capture the noise and colour very artfully. What a fantastic opportunity you had to see the action at such close quarters. I’m a NASCAR fan and planning a trip over from New Zealand to attend an event next year… can’t wait!
Oh wow, I’m SO honored that a NASCAR fan likes my photos yay!!! That means a lot to me. If you’re in Charlotte, please let me know. 🙂
I have only been to NASCAR once and distinctly remember the power of the engines as the cars roared by. But, I also remember being stuck in the parking lot for four hours after with overflowing porta potties 😉
Yes, we left the first night much later than most people and then the second night much earlier than most people, so we were able to avoid that craziness!!! The engine power was INCREDIBLE!!
Good for you for going outside your comfort zone! And these are definitely the most beautiful NASCAR photos I’ve ever seen… almost tempts me to go!
Awww what a HUGE compliment!
Nascar is huge in the south and it was all new to me when we moved here. So fascinating. Love your pics-very cool!!
Are you in the South as well dear? It is very fascinating… Thank you! XO
fun I am excited to see the formula one in Austin
Oh that will be fun!!!
Looks like fun! (And I love those purple lamps!)
Aren’t they fabulous!?
I would probably say that I’ll never end up at a NASCAR event, but this definitely sounds like the way to do it if you’re going to break that “never”!
I’ve surprised myself A LOT this year with doing things I thought I would never do! 🙂
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The Hyatt looks great 🙂
It was superb!
Love the colors in the hotel room. I would set out to go to Nascar, but would definitely take advantage of the opportunity!
Me too, I want to decorate our room like that now!!!
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You somehow managed to make something that would normally put me to sleep look exciting!
Why thank you darling!!!!!