Carolyn Brewster: Confessions of a NASCAR fan
COMMENTARY
I may never admit this again, but I actually watched a television program called “Cribs,” which allows viewers to glance into homes of the famous and see their extravagant or not-so-extravagant digs. Although not a regular viewer of the program, I am a race fan, so when I heard NASCAR drivers would be featured, I set my DVR to record.
Let me start by saying this was the first time in a long time my television has been turned to CMT – Country Music Television. I like country music but somehow got the misconception that it was music or things having to do with music that were aired on the station. My mistake.
Anyway, how could I resist the opportunity to check out the homes of Kevin Harvick, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Busch. Since none of the three racing stars are in my circle of friends (or acquaintances), why not peek to see how a Sprint Cup ride and a few trophies translate into square footage.
Here’s an equation: Sprint Cup equals really big house. When the stats on Harvick’s house popped up, I had to rewind to make sure I was seeing it correctly. That would be 22,000 square feet for the quaint, intimate home of Kevin and Delana Harvick.
I’m not sure that I can even wrap my brain around that number. It is quite possibly larger than my children’s elementary school.
Anyhow, I was thinking that’s a lot of house to enjoy in such a little time at home. I made myself feel better by remembering how grateful I am not to have to clean it. Oh wait, I’m guessing when you have a house that large, you can afford to have someone clean it for you.
Hamlin’s home sweet home was a modest bachelor pad at 10,500 square feet. More interesting than his home gym and billiards/poker room was the fact that Miss Hawaiian Tropic was playing Wii in the basement. I own a Wii, and much to my husband’s dismay, Miss Hawaiin Tropic has never come over to our house to play. Oh wait, that’s right, I’m not a NASCAR driver.
Busch’s pad was the “shack” of the three driver homes viewed, if one can call a gorgeous 6,000-square-foot home with pool and grotto a shack. Pretty decent starter house, Kyle. And that free Lexus sitting in the driveway from Toyota? Not a bad perk.
The line between envy and appreciation can be somewhat fine for me. When I watch shows like “Cribs,” I constantly remind myself these drivers have earned the money it takes to live this lifestyle.
Driving in Sprint Cup means you are the best. Being the best gets you paid like the best. It’s a job both dangerous and demanding, and few can truly achieve at this level.
So if Harvick wants a massive kitchen yet only uses the microwave, then so be it. These houses are indicative of what it means to be successful in today’s world of NASCAR.
Gentlemen, go and enjoy your ridiculously grand homes. You’ve earned it.
