How WE Got to Drive DALE, JR. Around!
Posted by Melissa Carter at 2/14/2010 11:01 PM 
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: Jr. NASCAR Daytona 500 Melissa Bert Show Dale Earnhardt Katie Jo
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: Jr. NASCAR Daytona 500 Melissa Bert Show Dale Earnhardt Katie Jo
My girlfriend, Katie Jo, loves her NASCAR. And her Dale, Jr. And her Dale, Sr. for that matter. So when she introduced me to the world of NASCAR a few years ago it was a requirement for me to honor that family tradition as well. She got us Daytona 500 tickets for Valentine's Day, and a nice cottage to stay in for the weekend, and I took advantage of an opportunity to have something extra-special happen for her.
One of my best friends is married to a Chevy dealer (West Chevrolet) in Knoxville. Through them I met Kelli Sheffler, who invited Katie and me to drive one of the NASCAR drivers around the track for introductions at the Daytona 500. We accepted, not knowing who our driver would be, but feeling it an honor to drive any one of them around the track once before the race began. But Katie's dream by far would be to meet Dale, Jr.
Our Valentine's morning began with an early meeting before the race to get instructions on what we were about to do. That is Kelli giving us those instructions.
All of us drivers, which included Chevy dealers from around the country, were trammed through the tunnel into the infield.
There we found our line of trucks, ready to pick up the drivers. We got to choose which truck to drive, but learned from some veterans there that the NASCAR drivers would load into the trucks based on how they placed for the race. We tried to choose according to Dale, Jr.'s position.
Katie drove, and I rode shotgun. I figured if we did get Dale, Jr. in the truck he wouldn't be offended by my Danica Patrick hat, since she drives for his team.
Our procession headed toward Pit Road, where we would pick up the NASCAR guys. Notice the handles in the back window of the trucks ahead of us. That is what the drivers hold on to as they stand to wave at the crowds.
We finally learned our driver was indeed Dale, Jr. as he climbed into the cab of our truck! Katie concentrated on her required speed of 25mph, but I must say she kept her cool pretty well while I was the one who was about to freak out.
A Bert Show listener just happened to take this picture before he knew it was us in the truck.
But if you look closely at his picture, you'll notice my stealth attempts at taking Little E's picture outside the passenger window.
However, that's how I took the following pictures:
As we drove around the track we were fascinated by the banking! (Look how it slants above the yellow line. They are almost on their side while driving.) Later we were a little somber heading around Turn 4 - where Dale, Sr. died.
But Dale, Jr. seemed at ease despite the chilly temperatures in Daytona that day.
If this next picture had sound, you would hear: "D-A-L-E!"
He was kind enough to stop and shake Katie's hand before heading to his car.
And he and the #88 Chevy ended up finishing 2nd in the 2010 Daytona 500! Katie felt she was a little bit of a good luck charm for him.
Thank you, Kelli, and West Chevrolet. Without you guys I would have never gotten to see Katie get the chance of a lifetime.
That's really cool that you got to drive around the track, especially being able to tote around a favorite driver!
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That is way cool! He is my favorite driver, I am 11 yo and have gotten to go to the Daytona 500 for the past 4 years. This year I got to sit with my Paw paw on the Start Finish line!! It was great to watch Jr go from 10th to 2nd in less than a lap. My paw paw got the same experience 2 years ago at the Daytona Night race, only he got to drive my dad's favorite driver Carl Edwards!! You guys were so lucky!
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That is so awesome for Katie Jo & you!! I would have peed my pants from excitement, and I don't even really follow NASCAR that much!!
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You and KatiJo are my hero's!!
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I would have freaked out. I love nascar and I'm a huge Dale Jr. fan.I don't know how you will top that next year!
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That's so cool! Charles loved that he got mentioned.
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I'm so glad it worked out! Next time I'll make sure I pose for the camera as I yell instructions!
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Awesome snaps. I like that silver car.
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