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DRIVE BY CRITIC. COM |
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Coca Cola 600 Pole Night
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 I came to Charlotte, NC 15 years ago. I was quickly informed that this was NASCAR country and I had better "choose sides" fast. Well, I have to admit, I did not readily know what "choosing sides" meant. I could not comprehend how deeply rooted NASCAR was in the hearts and minds of the people around me. I gradually learned to appreciate how important NASCAR was to my co-workers and friends but for whatever reason I could not commit myself to the sport. I felt that there was something inherently missing from a sport that did not involve a ball or an upright or goal post. I eventually "chose a side" when I determined that I would try to be a Jeff Gordon fan. Why Jeff Gordon? It was part random chance to be honest. That year he was driving his number 24 car with a design inspired by the Star Wars franchise. Being a big sci-fi fan it caught my attention. I learned more about Jeff Gordon and determined that he was the kind of driver I would aspire to be were I a racer myself. But it was still an upward climb for me with this sport. I was not the fast cars kind of guy. Then last Fall my girlfriend, Leigh won tickets to the Hendrick Motorsports suite at Lowe's Motor Speedway for the Bush race. We sat in the front row, high over turn number two with the racing action right below us. I became a fan of stock car racing that night. What better first experience can there be at a speedway than the VIP treatment I received as a guest of Mr. Hendrick? I was delighted to find out that my driver of choice/chance happened to be a Hendrick driver. I have been back to the track once more since then. Thursday
night I attended the Coca-Cola 600 Pole Night, with my girlfriend as a
guest of Hendrick Motorsports. I had a fabulous evening once again.
I have to give full "kudos" to the all the people from Hendrick for making
my evening so enjoyable.
In addition to enjoying one of the best views of the track available, I was also treated to a very nice buffet supplied by Townsend's Gourmet. This was my second time experiencing the fabulous barbeque and slaw that they lovingly make. I do have to admit however that my favorite part was the desert. Wonderful cheesecake, and a delicious chocolate cake were among the different choices. What racing suite would be complete without an open bar? In
addition to the beer choices which I declined were two fabulous wines.
I wish to express my deepest appreciation to the staff and management of Hendrick Automotive Group for allowing me to attend this event and for helping to cultivate in me a love of stock car racing.
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Hendrick suite is hosted by Betty Lee, a charming lady that does far more
for Hendrick Motor Company than merely greet appreciative race fans at the
suite. In my talks with her and many of the other Hendrick
employees, it becomes very apparent just how well the employees are
treated and how much they value being a part of such an incredible
corporation. In a world where companies value their employees less
and less, this is an admirable quality that I would be remiss to not
mention.
