12/08/2003

NASCAR AWARDS BEST YET TO DATE
by Andy Owen

This was by far the best NASCAR awards show I’ve been to yet. It was a battle getting there with the first winter storm whacking us hard. I honestly was starting to wonder myself if my truck enduro racing partner, Eddie “Scorpion” Colon and I were even going to make it there. On arrival we pretty much got there as the stage director said ”action.”

The NASCAR managing team sure knows how to throw a great event. The dinner was filet mignon, goose liver, and more (it was incredible). It starts with the “top ten” countdown. After the handing out of the big dollar checks, sponsor plugs, speeches and trophy handouts we were able to greet the top ten drivers behind the stage as they came off the main stage. They come out on a red carpet and into a media pit of photographers and interviewers. As they pose, some photographers yell out a small verbal command, ”smile,” “thumbs up,” or “turn to me.” All the NASCAR drivers kind of laugh it off; it’s a frenzy of flash bulbs and organized chaos. They all take it in stride, each one glad to shake hands or talk for a bit as they’re shuffled through.

After this, we make our rounds dropping in on the hospitality rooms (Chevrolet, Ford, etc.). We prefer the Chevrolet room, in there, a roomful of incredible NASCAR talent consisting of Earnhardt, Gordon, Labonte, Johnson, Childress, Stewart, Waltrip, Craven, and many more are on hand. There are so many familiar faces; it’s hard to concentrate. After a while, it’s announced the ballroom’s ready for the party. First, Kenseth toasts the huge room, then its party time. The live 15-piece band kicks off and slowly everyone mingles, drinks, dances and gets crazy. Seeing Kurt Busch dirty dancing with two girls had a lot of people watching. Kenseth, his crew chief along with crew were busy dancing a storm, celebrating. The night shortly got wilder and wilder. In one small group we found ourselves drinking & dancing with Kenseth, Earnhardt, Jeff Burton, Kurt Busch, Ryan Newman & Jimmie Johnson. It was amazing to be in this pack, It’s unbelievable to be standing next to Earnhardt Jr. as he lip syncs to “Sweet Home Alabama,” swaying with Budweiser in hand. The party ran till 4 AM, at which time everyone (against their will) trickles back into their new private parties that probably go even longer. Sigh, such a long winter, but before you know it, we’ll all be watching the Daytona 500.

Sources:  Andy Owen/LongIslandJam.com
Posted:  December 8, 2003