The first race weekend is now officially over. What a weekend!!! My thoughts are spinning around in my head like the cars were on the track Sunday. Please don't expect an in depth report because you won't get it from me. These are just a few thoughts that stand out, and even these thoughts have a little sheet metal damage.
THE WINNER: Ward Burton. I think it's wonderful. I did not realize that a driver from Virginia had never won The Daytona 500. I'm glad to see Ward bring the honor home. Ward drove the way he talks, slow and steady, and it got him in Victory Lane. No fuss, no muss, and no controversy involving Ward. Congratulations to Ward and the entire Bill Davis team.
PRESERVERANCE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. just kept getting out there and up there. WOW! I think if they would have let him, he just would have kept driving until no other cars were left on the track. And the best part was, he didn't whine about what happened. He said he had fun. Great attitude, and one we can all learn from when things start going wrong.
CONTROVERSY: Yup, it was there big time. I haven't seen NBC's numbers on how many viewers they had, but I can just about guarantee that there will be at least that many opinions on what happened. My personal view is that is was billed as a race, but they forgot to tell us about the demolition derby that would be included. Lot of money went into all that scrap metal, and I'm very thankful no one was hurt, and only money was lost.
THE SPOILER ISSUE: I had told Rob, our illustrious webmaster, that I hoped that at least two of the more obscure Ford drivers would show up in the top 10 to prove it could be done. Thanks to Elliott Sadler, Geoffrey Bodine, and Kurt Busch, that hope was fulfilled. Honestly, I can't even begin to understand if the spoilers made any difference at all, since it basically came down to just staying out of the way of all the trouble. I am sure that the spoiler factor will be discussed again. After all, it's a great excuse for everyone to fuss about. Soon enough it will be time to changes sides of the fence you are standing on, and start fussing again.
All in all, I got what I wanted out of the Daytona 500. The chance to be with my family and friends, good food thanks to Lea Waite, the Race Club chef of the week, a chance to laugh (the new Napa commercial is great), plenty of beer, a chance to pick on friends and be picked on, and a big Smile at the eventual outcome. What more can you ask for?
Lisa@insidethepitbox.com
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