On the Right Track
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Driver gets a kick out of Mexico City
Apr
20
MEXICO CITY – There's a sizable number of NASCAR drivers and crew member here in Mexico City who have been spooked by the stories – urban legends, perhaps – of widespread muggings and kidnappings.
As such, they prefer to stick close to the hotel and decline to venture anywhere outside a two-block radius.
Not Landon Cassill. The sociable 18-year-old Iowa native felt like exploring a bustling outdoor marketplace after Nationwide Series qualifying Saturday, so without much hesitation, he did.
As he walked through the various tents, eyeing goods ranging from candy to nail clippers to mystery meats, Cassill spotted a pair of young boys engaged in a game of soccer.
Immediately, he decided he'd like to join in.
"It'll be a cultural experience," he said.
Cassill waited until the one of the boys – roughly 7 or 8 years old – booted an errant shot in his direction. Displaying what he thought was fancy footwork – but probably looked quite amateurish to Mexicans – Cassill dribbled the ball and passed it back to the boys.
Neither of the Mexican children ever said a word, but they let Cassill participate in their game, and even let him play goalie.
Cassill had introduced himself ("Me llamo Landon," he said) and shook their hands, but there's no chance either of the boys would have thought they were playing futbol with a NASCAR driver.
After about 15 minutes, Cassill bid the boys "adios" and walked away knowing he'd taken advantage of a rare opportunity and created a memory that will last far longer than this race weekend.
As such, they prefer to stick close to the hotel and decline to venture anywhere outside a two-block radius.
Not Landon Cassill. The sociable 18-year-old Iowa native felt like exploring a bustling outdoor marketplace after Nationwide Series qualifying Saturday, so without much hesitation, he did.
As he walked through the various tents, eyeing goods ranging from candy to nail clippers to mystery meats, Cassill spotted a pair of young boys engaged in a game of soccer.
Immediately, he decided he'd like to join in.
"It'll be a cultural experience," he said.
Cassill waited until the one of the boys – roughly 7 or 8 years old – booted an errant shot in his direction. Displaying what he thought was fancy footwork – but probably looked quite amateurish to Mexicans – Cassill dribbled the ball and passed it back to the boys.
Neither of the Mexican children ever said a word, but they let Cassill participate in their game, and even let him play goalie.
Cassill had introduced himself ("Me llamo Landon," he said) and shook their hands, but there's no chance either of the boys would have thought they were playing futbol with a NASCAR driver.
After about 15 minutes, Cassill bid the boys "adios" and walked away knowing he'd taken advantage of a rare opportunity and created a memory that will last far longer than this race weekend.
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