Gas and Go
A NASCAR BLOG BY David Exum
Coca-Cola 600 definitely adds life to NASCAR
While the race is months away, it's never too early to start thinking about the running of the 50th Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway.
I covered my first 600 in 2005 for a Boston daily that I wrote for before I became a staffer at SceneDaily.com and will never forget how blown away I was when I first saw the palatial speedway while driving down the street now known as Bruton Smith Boulevard.
I had watched the 600 for years on television, but nothing compares with actually being at the big track in the heart of NASCAR Nation. I am still in awe of the track whenever I drive past it. It is, without a doubt, a true gem and a must-see for any NASCAR fan who visits the Charlotte area.
Over the weekend, the friendly folks over at LMS allowed myself and family to tool around the infield of the speedway as long as we promised to not get out of our car. I was psyched to be able to show them how massive the place looks from inside the infield. I think they were impressed. I know I was.
My favorite Coca-Cola 600 moment was the 1994 race. Jeff Gordon won from the pole for the first victory of his Cup career. He was full of emotion in victory lane, with tears streaming down his face. It was an impressive victory for Gordon as he showed veterans such as Rusty Wallace, who finished second, and Geoffrey Bodine, who finished third, that he had finally arrived.
There are 131 days before the next Coca-Cola 600, and I'll be counting down every one of them until the start of the big race.
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Comments
9 responses to "Coca-Cola 600 definitely adds life to NASCAR". Post a Comment.
Michael Daly said:
Jan 13, 2009 at 10:45 AMGordon crying in victory lane was a disgrace - but then his whole Winston Cup buying spree - i.e. career - is a disgrace.
The 600 is a good race, but 1994 was a low point.
chris welch said:
Jan 13, 2009 at 11:41 AMa disgrace? what is wrong with you? it was a major accomplishment in his life. he worked very hard to get to that point much less everything else he did. (i'm not a gordon fan)
Robert Wingert said:
Jan 13, 2009 at 2:54 PMA disgrace? Gordon is one of the greatest drivers in Nascar history.
Michael Daly said:
Jan 13, 2009 at 6:34 PMChris and Robert, he's a disgrace. He was given everything, had his success bought for him by a briber, is an on-track thug, and never paid any dues. He doesn't belong in the sport.
Tracy McKay said:
Jan 13, 2009 at 7:14 PMWhat "dues" are people suppose to pay? There are so many people that say that about a number of drivers and I was just wondering if anyone could explain to me exactly what it is someone is supposed to do before they should be "allowed" to win a Nascar Championship?
chris welch said:
Jan 13, 2009 at 9:52 PMthat is ridiculous daly. he has raced since he was 8 years old. he has paid his dues. he has raced with and BEAT some of the greats in the sport. WHAT does he have to prove? ALLLLLLLLLLLLLL of the current drivers in cup had their seat bought to an extent. today it is nothing more than a bunch of rich kids because the sport is now far more expensive than most people can even think about trying to afford. you sir are crazy if you dont respect his pure talent and ability. and who isn't a "thug" on the track besides mark martin and we see what that has gotten him, 0 championships. ALLLLLLLL of the drivers today say he is the best ON THE TRACK TODAY. case closed.
chris welch said:
Jan 13, 2009 at 9:54 PMP.S. i am a die hard dale sr. fan so i am NOT biased towards jeff gordon you cannot deny his talent. you are a disgrace as a fan with those comments and must not know anything about NASCAR or racing in general.
K P said:
Jan 15, 2009 at 5:38 PMIf Dale Sr. can accept Gordon, respect him and praise him (which Dale did), then I don't think any of us fans have a valid point to the contrary. Michael Daly, you are certainly entitled to your opinion. Even if it is lame.
Michael Daly said:
Jan 15, 2009 at 6:27 PMTracy, Gordon was supposed to earn his way up, not get the best cars, budget, and engineering help in the Winston Cup level from the start. Chris Welch, it's not relavent to anything that he's raced since he was 8 years old. "What does he have to prove?" That he can win WITHOUT anything close to the resource/technology edge he has never gone without his entire Winston Cup career. "All the drivers say he is one of the best." Their opinion means zip. K P, Dale Sr's opinion meant zip - the objective reality is Gordon earned nothing; it was bought for him.