Finally it had arrived, the Kobalt Tool's 400 NASCAR race, I was ready to see my favorite drivers try to win and stay on the track! It was an early morning, grabbing brekky and snacks downstairs we gathered up our camera's and NASCAR jacket and gear and headed for a taxi, a much longer taxi might I add but one that took us directly through Nellis Air Force Base found just off the strip and right next to the Speedway. Everything from stealth B-2 bombers to fighters to Blackhawks and one of the best ones was the Warthogs, 6 of them that had to break out of 2 formations to come into land on the other side of the track! SO COOL!
We arrived and started the walk to find the Neon Garage, which we discovered was a very big hot-spot as the line was give or take 150 yards back from the entrance, it moved fast though and stopping along the way to get pins and a beer coolie we were to the front in no time, a big tunnel led us under the track with many many other bodies, till we popped out in Neon Garage territory. Due to the long taxi ride and later nature then we had intended on we were a little late to take our total time and see everything, but we skimmed the garages and headed to Pit Road to see the cars lined up and get a closer look at the pit teams rigs which were really cool and had lots of tools on them. After a few photos we headed to the drivers introductions on the stretch of finish, the track is always one of the best parts the incline of it will make you think your crazy but is the coolest thing at the same time. The drivers came out and we had a few good laughs at the reactions of the crowd for some of the drivers cheers for Gordon, large boo's for Busch (Kyle not Kurt) and a few of inbetweens.
But now it was time to race!! Marie Osmond sang the national anthem and 5 fighter jets blasted over the stands (coming in to circle and land afterwards which was almost as cool as the fly by), the engines roared and the stands shook and there we go.
Unfortunately Tony Stewart had car issues it seemed and dropped back quite a bit at the beginning of the race, but by lap 200/267 we couldn't take our eyes off him, the leaders had a strong hold on their positions but Tony, no one could stop him he was zig-zagging his way up to the top. Finishing in 11th place it was the best I've seen him do in a long time and to watch him work his way through the pack was the coolest part, I might have even made a believer out of D who agreed that he even wanted to get a jacket to match mine.
Due to the size of the race and the poor organization of the taxi line it took us 2 hours to get home including the taxi line and the ride through Nellis air force base, but we did get to see all those planes again and thats just cool if I may say so myself.
We hadn't planned anything for dinner or a show Sunday night so we decided to look something up quick and have a burger that was magnificent! We relaxed and watched some tv for a little bit and went for a nice walk through the Miracle Mile Shops across from the south side of the building before heading out to just a silly show we had searched for. It was a little more adult humor and a little stranger side of Cirque du Soleil, more casual and goofy with a lot more interaction with the crowd but it was fun and funny and some of the performers were incredibly talented and strong. That topped off a great night, we headed home, poured 2 whiskeys, grabbed a blanket and put some music on and cuddled in the love-seats on the balcony and watched the Vegas lights twinkle in the night. That just might have been the best part.
Monday was not as fun loving, we knew it would have to come to an end eventually and as D walked me to my security gate I steadily got more and more upset thinking of having to leave him yet again for a busy schedule that I had to uphold. I may have cracked a little watching him walk away and kissing him goodbye but what woman wouldn't with a man like him. I took one last look as I walked through the security doors and tried to smile, all I wanted to do was get home to my dogs and get one more day closer to going home.-A.G
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