It’s even louder than I expected. Like earth-shaking, bomb-exploding loud. And the cars go faster than I expected. Like paint-peeling, motion-blurring fast. But most of all, it’s way more fun than I expected. Fun in a – I might be changed forever thanks Ricky Bobby – sort of way. Just watch this clip (make sure your volume is up).
Truth be told, I’ve never been a NASCAR fan. But I’ve always heard that in order to understand it, you have to see it (and hear it) in person. So, when Chevy called and invited Laura (my wife) and I up to Fort Worth to see a NASCAR race at the Texas Motor Speedway, I couldn’t pass it up. And on a Sunday Morning in April, we headed north for the midday race.
This is the Silverado they loaned us to drive. A 2500 HD “High Country” edition. It was epic.
When we arrived we joined a group of Chevy Truck Legends. Basically, if you’ve driven a Chevy truck over 100,000 miles or owned multiple Chevy Trucks, you can be part of this group and be eligible for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. All the folks in this photo were picked to have a NASCAR experience. I’m the goofball in the back with my hands up. If you’re eligible – make sure you sign up.
Chevrolet Truck Legends Event Sunday, April 9, 2017 prior to the start of the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Susan DeVault/HHP for Chevrolet)
As soon as we arrived at the track, we were whisked away for a tour of pit row and the garage bays.
Some of the truckloads of tires waiting to be shredded on the track.
Chase Elliott’s car going through pre-race inspection.
The Chevy SS pace car.
After the tour was the most incredible part. We were all taken onto the track before the race and loaded up into a black Chevy truck. Soon, an actual NASCAR driver hopped into the bed and we set off as part of the driver parade. It was insane! I felt like everyone was cheering for me, but then realized they were just cheering for my cargo – driver Jeff Earnhardt.
The Midnight Edition Silverado 2500 that we drove around the track. (Photo by Susan DeVault/HHP for Chevrolet)
Laura catches the breeze.
Jeff Earnhardt waves to thousands of adoring fans.
Then came the actual race. It was an experience for sure. Laura and I spent our time going back and forth from the suite to the stands. Rather than just watch cars go around in circles, you can rent headsets and listen to the radios from every driver. You get to hear the drivers and pit crews chat about strategy, when it’s time to change tires, and/or talk smack on others when they get cut off.
How does this thing work?
A good day for racin’.
All in all, this was an insanely fun day. Chevy-driver Jimmie Johnson took home the trophy, but we had the best time. Even if you aren’t a NASCAR fan, you’ve gotta go and experience a race in person. I might be hooked. But even more surprising – my wife might be hooked. If you register for the Truck Legends program, maybe you’ll hit the track with me for the next race, cause I’ll never miss one. Huge thanks to Chevy for the invitation. Vaya con Dios Amigo. And remember – “If you’re not first, you’re last.” – Ricky Bobby.
