Richmond Race

In celebration of the Richmond race tonight....we have been to the Richmond race many times over the years and it seems like each time we go some memory sticks out!
 

1. Richmond was the first NASCAR race that Henry Sr and Henry Jr ever went to. It was 1988 the year we moved to Richmond from Va Beach. Not knowing any better our seats were only about 10 rows up so we were covered in rubber, the loud speaker was right in front of us and I think was louder then the cars. Lastly, I had a great parking spot right next to the entrance...it took 3 hours to get out of there. Back then I was not considered the "king of all parking"!!
 

2. I went twice with my friend Eric Kyser and he has said that the first race was the coldest day ever and the second was the hottest day ever...since then he won't even watch it on TV!!
 

3. We also went to another Richmond race a few years later with a crowd...unfortunately I can't remember everyone but I think it was Henry Sr, Henry Jr, Larry Sr, Larry Jr, David, Doc, Eugene Green, Donna and Mike Clark?? Most of us stayed at the Red Roof Inn and started tailgating a little early but we made it to the race. Larry Sr was driving our van and on the way home we were about out of gas and we were not in a nice neighborhood!! Needless to say he was not a happy camper and has never let me live it down!
 

4. In 1998 I received some tickets to the race from a uniform company. The tickets were for Richard Petty's suite and included an autograph session. Well Richard was running behind so they brought us back to his motor home where he signed autographs. It was pretty cool being back in the motor home lot. Patty Petty cheered Kyle Petty on from the suite with the rest of us...OK most of us were cheering for "The Man"...Dale Sr!! In 2003 Merita Bread did a program to help support Victory Junction so during the check presentation at the Petty garage I had Richard sign the pictures that we took in 98...Henry Sr has his in his basement.
 

Kyle and Patty Petty run a camp for kids with serious health issues in honor of their son, Adam that was killed in a race car in New Hampshire in 2000. It is associated with the Paul Newman Hole in the Wall camps but theirs is called Victory Junction. If you are ever looking for a place to send a donation to, they are always appreciative. They are as nice in person as they appear to be on TV.
 

Fun times! Go Harvick!!