With no on-track action on Monday and Tuesday, I had the chance to spend a little time with my family before the hectic activity starts up again Wednesday. Covering the NASCAR circuit is an amazing job and when I am able to share my love with those I love, it is that much more special. Tuesday, I was able to play tour guide to my fiancée Courtney and young daughter Abigail in one of the most historic towns for motorsports in the world.

Our first stop was the 2.5-mile behemoth Daytona International Speedway.  Driving down International Speedway Blvd. the frontstrech grandstands rose like a mountain range in the distance. While my fiancée Courtney has been to a number of races in the past - mainly at Lowe's Motor Speedway and her all-time favorite Bristol - she was simply amazed by the size and magnitude of the structure that now stood before her.

We parked the car, unloaded Abigail into her stroller and made our way to the Daytona 500 Experience located outside Turn 4. Walking up to the entrance we passed the statue of "The Intimidator" in all his glory with the Daytona 500 trophy. Not a race fan before meeting me, Courtney has quickly learned the history of the sport as our relationship has progressed. Standing there, she was excited to see the sculpture of Dale Earnhardt in one of his greatest moments.

After a brief walk through the welcome center, the three of us made our way to an open gate for their first look at the historic track built over fifty years ago. With Abigail in my arms, we made our way towards the fence as other Hardcore Race Fans did the same. There were a number of Richard Petty Driving Experience cars on the track, giving both Courtney and Abigail just a taste of the action on the track. All smiles, Abigail looked around trying to figure out exactly what was going on.

Climbing back in the car the three of us made our way down Highway 92 and made the right hand turn on Highway A1A, driving to the spot where it all began - Daytona Beach. Walking down to the beach it was amazing to think that at one time race cars screamed down this strand of beach for hours at a time. The weather was wonderful and as we made our way to the famous First Turn - where the cars would turn off the beach and onto A1A - Courtney and I talked about seeing the cars fly down the beach and make that hard left through the dunes. A sight that has been lost in history and available only through archives, walking on the beach made this writer long for a time long past but not forgotten.

After dusting the sand off our feet and climbing back in the car, we headed to our next point of interest - the Streamline Hotel. Just one of the numerous hotels along the strip in Daytona Beach, the Streamline Hotel played one of the most significant roles in NASCAR history. In December 1947, a group of men - led by Bill France Sr. - gathered at the hotel to hammer out the rules and regulations for the new organization they called the National Association for Stock Car Automobile Racing, or NASCAR for short.

We ended our day of sight-seeing by enjoying a meal sitting across the street from the Daytona International Speedway. Sitting outside on the deck enjoying our meal and the view, it was great to think that one day Abigail will be old enough to go to her first actual race. Racing is my life, it is in my blood and I wouldn't want to work in any other field. I have had the opportunity of a lifetime being able to cover the sport I grew up watching and wanting to be a part of. Being able to share just a part of that experience with the two people I care for most was something more special than the first time I drove through that tunnel into the speedway.