NASCAR Update

If you didn't catch the original NASCAR post, visit it here. This was the only photo Roland would let me take before he ran out the door with Brian to meet Michelle, Steve and Connor-man at the Nashville Motor Speedway for his first NASCAR event. He was so excited. I covered him in sunscreen, dressed him in something bright, Brian got sound-proof ear plugs (for him) and headphones (for Roland) and they were off! (I have no idea what this pose is...)

As Brian tells it, they got there just in time, spotting Connor, with parents, walking in the parking lot dressed like Roland with matching hats and headphones...but Connor had on his shades and Roland stopped, turned, and said, "Dad, wait, I need my sunglasses so I can match Connor." Best friends have to roll tight together. They both have the same shirt Connor is wearing and enjoy matching at school. (Man, are those some shades. Crack me up every time I see them but he loves them!) Here's the motley crew hanging out before the start of the race.

The cars are doing an organized warm-up lap around the track and Brian is explaining what is about to take place and trying desperately to answer all of Roland's questions. And then...

The little guy in the lifted tower above the track waves the start flag and every car floors it right in front of the stands. I've been there, it's LOUD, and really, really exciting. As Brian told me later, "He started doing this spontaneous alternating-fist-pumping dance and was just screaming with delight." (Ok, I might have amended that, but you get the gist.) And the photo helps. You think he's enjoying it?

The boys had a blast. Everyone took turns taking them for an exploratory walk around the grounds when the 225 laps became a bit monotonous. (Wow. That's a long race!) But the earplugs, endless supply of visual entertainment, fair food and best friends made it the best NASCAR race ever. When Roland came home I asked him what his favorite part of the race was, he replied, "Fun cake!" I learned this is what Roland called the funnel cake that he enjoyed at the end of the race.

Thanks Michelle for the awesome, awesome photographs, memories and good time!