Not many people know that Charlotte, North Carolina is the 17th largest city in the United States of America and until a couple of years ago it was the banking capital (now New York City holds the honor). I am really proud of the changes that the Queen City has gone through over the last decade and while I never thought I would return after Graduate School, not a day goes by where I do not wake up thankful that I did. The Charlotte Motor Speedway is considered the home track for NASCAR, since many of the race teams are located in the surrounding area and after spending the morning exploring Uptown that is exactly where my TWIN colleagues and I headed.
We arrived just in time to see Samantha Busch, wife of Toyota Racing driver Kyle Busch, win a breast cancer awareness contest. Samantha and I both contribute to Queen City Magazine. I am always amazed at how small the world truly is!
Then we went behind the scenes to witness the various teams preparing for the upcoming race. The adrenaline was beginning to kick in for everyone involved and there was non-stop activity no matter where you looked.
Our Hot Passes also granted us access onto Pit Row. Even though I am not a racing fan, I must admit that standing on ground that is considered sacred by millions definitely was thrilling. The air was filled with an intoxicating mix of gasoline, burnt rubber, and chants from adoring fans.
Back up in the Toyota executive suite we were dazzled by fireworks at the start of the race. Thankfully, there were no serious crashes that evening, although I now have and enormous amount of respect for people whom can drive a car that fast for hours while maintaining their focus and ultra-fast reflexes as other cars zoom around them. I left the track wondering if I am good luck for Toyota Racing? Because just like the previous night, they won again!
Oh, and weeks later I still feel as though the ground is vibrating beneath me.
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.
I wouldn’t have thought it was possible, but you’re actually making me want to see a NASCAR race! (From the relative comfort of an executive suite, of course.) 😉
What a compliment! Thank you sweetheart!!!
I know, right? Same here!
🙂 🙂 🙂
I’ve been meaning to catch a race the next time I motor my way through one of the many places with a track. Maybe I can catch the next race at the Las Vegas Speedway.
I do have a question though. Is it really as loud as everyone claims?
Oooh you should definitely go see one! Yep, it’s really THAT loud!!
I’ll be sure to bring ear plugs then.
I’m so glad you didn’t see any crashes! That would be scary, especially if someone were seriously hurt. Glad Toyota won again!
People go to NASCAR for the crashes, makes me sick to my stomach! I would have freaked if I saw a serious one. There were some, but nothing serious. Wahoooo go Team Toyota!
Another great post about the awesome time we had at NASCAR! Great pics, Andi. 🙂
Thanks my love!
So fun!! 🙂 I confess that whenever I’m homesick for American accents here in Oz, I turn on Nascar and grin the whole time it’s on. 🙂
Hahaha I LOVE that confession!!!
how cool that you got to go to that, i can imagine it would be a fun atmosphere to be in 🙂
It really was SO much fun!
Great photos Andi, you’ve really captured the atmosphere well! I pass by the speedway everyday on my way to work and I’ve never seen it like this!
Awww thank you so much for such a kind compliment, I’m tickled pink!
I used to live in Virginia and visited Charlotte quite a bit. I always thought it seemed like a great place to live. I love your shoes!
It is a really great place to live! 🙂 Thank you dear!!!
Great pictures and cute shoes!!
Thanks and thanks babe!
We have a car racing event in Toronto and I have never gone but I think I may be missing out, it looks like fun.
We need to go when I finally come and visit Toronto again!
I have never been to a NASCAR race, but it looks like quite a spectacle from the pictures.
A spectacle is the perfect word!
I had no idea Charlotte was the banking capital – I thought it had always been NYC…
We were for a long time, but then when the recession hit, NYC became the capitol again.
I love the photo of your feet standing on the line!
Thanks love!!!
Oh, I love car race. I am a Formula1 fan, but would not say no to a nascar race either 😉 and I just love your photos, I think I will visit your site more often to learn from you. Thanks for sharing 🙂
So glad you enjoyed your 1st post here!!! I would LOVE to go to Formula 1 race now!