Speedweeks is over in Race Country USA. What a time we had the past ten days!

The Sprint Pit Crew Challenge - way to go #83 Red Bull Team.

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck NC Education Lottery 200 - congratulations to Matt Crafton and his Menard’s team.

The NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race - congratulations to Kasey Kahne and Gillett Evernham Motorsports.

Windstream Pole Night - how about Kyle “Rowdy” Busch taking the pole in his Joe Gibbs prepared M&M’s Toyota-way to go Kyle.

The Food Lion Speed Street - uptown Charlotte - with its three days of food, fun, driver appearances, and concerts (American Idol-Kelly Pickler performed).

The World of Outlaws Rite Aid Outlaw Showdown - Lance Dewease taking the win in that battle.

The NASCAR Nationwide Series Carquest Auto Parts 300 - Kyle “Rowdy” Busch gets another win; this one overshadowed by a pit–emptying brawl between the crews of Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski over a race incident between Hamlin and Keselowski.

Then the one we were all waiting for: the Coca-Cola 600. 400 laps, 600 miles, day into night. This one can be the best of the season, or the most grueling race ever. It all depends on the Beast of The Southeast. And All Star winner - Kasey Kahne was able to tame the beast. Salute to Gillett Evernham Motorsports on being victorious in this battle of wits, timing, and patience.

I was fortunate enough to get a ticket for the 600. My seat was in the middle of the bend of the track between turns 1 and 2. I had a full view of the track; albeit I couldn’t see pit road. However, I could listen to the pitstops on the radio and watch them on the infield jumbotron. As the race lapped away, with few cautions, exciting lead changes, and a few spectacular crashes, I got to know my new friends surrounding me in the stands.

Trista and Mandy were there with their dad - David. They are originally from Virginia, moved to Race Country USA in 1995 and got the racing bug. Mandy has been a fan of Jamie McMurray since his rookie year - she has a picture of herself with a cutout of Jamie as her prom date. Trista is a big fan of Jr. and David is also a Jamie McMurray fan. Before Jamie came along, they were fans of Ernie Irvan and Ward Burton.

Brian and Ryan declared they were the only Robbie Gordon fans in the place. They were heartbroken when he fell out of the race. They too, reside right here in Race Country USA.

Shanita and her son, Zaniya were here for all the festivities: Pole night, the World Of Outlaws, the Nationwide Series, and the 600. Zaniya got the racing bug when his Cub Scout pack came out for the Busch race last October. They are originally from Wilmington, but now call Race Country USA home.

When I asked the young man behind me how long he had been a Tony Stewart fan, he said forever - Mom piped in 9 years. That’s how old my new buddy Josiah is. He, his mom - Debbie and dad - Darryll are all Tony Stewart fans. Proudly wearing their Tony t-shirts and cheering him on. Josiah showed me the latest addition to his memorabilia collection: 2008 Tony Stewart Home Depot Toyota Camry 1/64th die cast. Mom-Debbie told me they probably have a room full of Tony Stewart collectibles. If Tony changes sponsors, she doesn’t know what she’ll do. Debbie also added, when hubbie Darryll retires, they are going to buy a camper and travel the race circuit, following the show, provided they can afford the gas.

As I was leaving, I met Tyrone (named for Tyrone Powers) and Taryn (named for Taryn Powers-Tyrone Powers’ daughter). They are husband and wife who make about 20 races a year with their souvenir trailer: Race Devil/Race Angel. They too, have a passion for the sport of NASCAR, and live right here in Race Country USA.

Throughout Speedweeks this year I met many people from all over this great country of ours, and a few from across the borders, as well as across the ponds. They all have one thing in common:  the need for speed. This is the tie that binds us as friends and family. While we all have different drivers we cheer for, different colors we proudly wear, it boils down to the basics:  we are all one family. The family of Hard Core Race Fans.  See ya in October, save me a seat.