12/07/2004

NASCAR AWARDS 2005 - LOT'S OF DANCING AND DRINKING
by Andy Owen

Well, another year of exciting NASCAR has come and gone. Based on the partying last night at the annual awards, I’m sure that most are just waking up, most like myself, with hangovers. Early in the night, Creed’s ex-front man singer, Scott Stapp, cranked out some great music, followed later by Brian McKnight who sang a song as well. A lot of talk, a lot of bashing was discussed related to the new Nextel points “Chase to the Cup”. As all the drivers got the handsome payout paychecks for their finishing positions, most had nothing but praise and admiration for the new points system. The only driver who had spoken with a bit of negativity was 4-time Champion, Jeff Gordon. Jeff didn’t look to good, and with good reason as he was literally in a hospital bed the previous day with a case of severe flu. He mentioned/hinted that based on the old points system he would be this year’s champion. All the driver’s speeches had the same praise for the system, and also the usual long list of sponsors.

The most amusing speech was from none other than “future” NASCAR champ, Dale Earnhardt Jr. He poked some fun at the infamous 25-point penalty and fine he was slapped with for muttering the “s-word” in victory lane, this time substituting, using the word “crap.” As each driver received their one million dollar plus check, a comedian from SNL who playfully teased and poked fun at each driver, getting laughs by the audience and drivers alike, met them. The last driver to come up was of course the champ, Kurt Busch, who got his $5.2 million dollar check which, by the way brings his total to just shy of 10 million bucks. He was relatively quick with his speech.

After the ceremony my buddy (Eddie “The Scorpion” Colon) and I hunted down the scattered hospitality rooms (Chevy, Ford, etc.), loaded with drinks and exotic foods and desserts. One room to the next, NASCAR drivers galore, as well as all the numerous announcers, Allen Bestwick, Benny Parsons, owners, Richard Childress, Teresa Earnhardt, and many more as there were too many to list. Then came the fun… The “Party of Parties.” A 15-piece band came out and belted everything from Barry White to country, to disco, to motown to rock. Here is where my memory fades as the NASCAR family can party! All about the ballroom, all the respected teams mark their territory and dance & drink the night away. My goal of the night was of course to get as many pictures of drivers, although only a handful stayed for the party, as the balance of them must have partied elsewhere. The other part of my goal was to question Dale Junior about getting involved in the rebuilding/purchase of Riverhead Raceway, (although, yes I know, not for sale ).  I waited for a good moment when he was in transit to the bar. Well, I flat out asked, “hey, why don’t you buy the track I race at, in Riverhead NY, it’s a ¼ mile asphalt oval?” He says, ”sure that would be cool…” But then walked off and rejoined Kenseth & buddy Truex in his heavy drinking. Earnhardt and Kenseth were roughing it up with each other, putting each other in headlocks, punching each other playfully.  I was kind of dumbfounded, and it took only a second to realize, he’s hammered. Oh well, I thought, hey, one never knows, maybe there is a Santa Claus, but unfortunately, not tonight. Then again, maybe he’s waking up right now wondering about the who’s and what’s about the talk of buying a racetrack was all about. It’s actually a good thing he was wasted, because I probably would be in quite a spot if he really did want to buy the track and talk about it. Although, it’s too bad I didn’t have a contract in hand with none other then a “Sharpie” marker to have him sign away, while he was flying high on “Budweiser.”  Well I conclude with, NASCAR rocks (on the rocks), as the NASCAR community sure can throw a party. The Daytona 500 will be here before we know it and 2005 will be an exciting year, that’s for sure.

Sources:  Andy Owen/LongIslandJam.com
Posted:  December 7, 2004