I am still in shock that my driver won the Nextel Cup. Yes, Kurt did it. I knew it all along. He is brash, but so talented. From the first time I watched him drive, I knew he was fearless and persistant-traits of a champion.
In December 2003, I happened to be in NY during NASCAR Championship Week. I had the great opportunity to see Jeff Gordon at the Wall Street Borders. He signed his book, and was nice enough to say hello to my then 76 year old mother (she is the other Track Potato Lady) on my cellphone. He was kind and signed many books for over 2 hours. The following day I went to the NBC Experience. I was able to say hi and get autographs from Matt Kenseth (who was busy listening to Jaimie McMurray), Jaimie McMurray who was talking non-stop to Matt, Travis Kvapfil (who was amazed that I knew who he was) and Brian Vickers. These were the Champions and Rookie of the Year. It was so exciting to see these great drivers that I had only previously seen on the small screen. An hour or so later, MY DRIVER, arrived. Kurt Busch arrived via limo wearing a well tailored suit. Although he is so young, he was confident and poised. He had the swagger of a champion. After waiting for some time, I walked up to the table. I told him he was my favorite driver because I thought he was the best and most exciting driver on the track (he was still coming off the Spencer incident). I also told him I was so sorry he did not make the top 10-just missing that by a few points to Terry Labonte. He looked at me, like Travis had. Then was looking down signing my cap. I told him, Kurt, I believe you will win the Nextel Cup Championship in 2004. He looked up at me with a twisted smile, and said you really think so. I said, yes I do. I walked away.
Almost every week during the first 26 races, I sent Kurt an email telling him I believed he would win the Championship. In the last ten, it was every week no matter what. I cannot even tell you the joy the races brought me, particularly the last one. The only sad part was the plane crash at Martinsville. This tragedy affected everyone in racing and all who love it and beyond. I could see how much this affected Kurt; although, he was quiet about it until winning the Championship.
I believe Kurt will win other championships, if he remains in the Nextel series. I hope he wins in 2005, but I believe this might be Junior's year. He is my second favorite driver. I will decide after the first couple races.
Right now I am excited that Daytona is not far away, and I am also hoping the Dakar Rally will be covered on TV like it was last year. Last I heard Robby Gordon was going to drive in it.
I want to introduce myself-I am 53, single, semi-retired and have been going to stock car races since I was 7 or 8 years old. I met early on AJ Foyt, Mario Andretti, the Unsers, Johnny Rutherford, Eddie Sachs, Parnelli Jones and many others. Those were the days when anyone could go into the pits. I also love Football, Baseball, Hockey, other car racing divisions, Olympic Sports, Tour de France cycling and much more. I am an avid reader, walker, cook, and create various forms of paperart. I also love the computer. I am attempting to write a daily blog here about my love of racing-my feelings, my perspectives. I am a Nascar news junquie.
My Mom, who will be mentioned from time to time is an avid Nascar fan. She is very active albeit retired. The only time she sits down to watch TV seriously during the day is the minute she hears, "Gentlemen (Drivers) start your engines!" And yes, I look forward to seeing more diversity in the lineup.
The other name who will be mentioned in this blog with regularity is Geoffrey. He is our beloved black lab who will turn 7 next week. He was abused and abandoned. He was rescued by us from the SPCA. He sits with me through every race.
Happy New Year! Cannot wait to hear-"Boogity, boogity, boogity-let's go racing!"
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