For Tuesday’s Goodyear tire test at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway, I took advantage of the fact the grandstands were open free to the public.  Instead of heading to the infield media center and perusing the nearly empty garage, I headed home to grab two of my neighbors to come along.  One a Hardcore Race Fan, the other a third-generation curious fan, the three of us headed to the speedway to watch four cars go in circles. 

Unlike tests in the past, teams are limited to what they can and cannot try during the two-day test at Lowe’s.  Working primarily to find the proper compound for Goodyear, the four teams participating in the test make a few laps at full song and then head to the pits for an examination by Goodyear officials.

Sitting in the grandstands as the sun attempted to poke through the clouds we talked about some of our favorite memories from the Lowe’s Motor Speedway.  Griff, the long-time NASCAR fan, and I told James about the finish of the 1992 Winston, Earnhardt’s pass in the grass and Brian Vickers’ bouncing tire last May.  At the speedway for only the second time, James sat in awe as he looked out at the 1.5-mile track.

Making their final run of the day, the teams hit the track in pairs – Kasey Kahne and Paul Menard, and Jimmie Johnson and Marcos Ambrose.  Standing along the first row we got a true feel for the speed.  With Kahne screaming past us through the dog-leg you couldn’t help but notice the smile on both Griff and James’ faces.  

Watching the test from the stands, we joined roughly twenty-five fellow Hardcore Race Fans.  A great way to spend the afternoon, the test is open to the general public free of charge.  This is something speedway officials need to re-examine and promote to more and more fans.  Getting fans into the seats for a free tire test will most likely result in a filled seat for the race.  One on our way home, Griff learned of the payment plan option for the Coca-Cola 600 and immediately expressed his intent to buy a ticket to the race.  

Covering the sport of NASCAR, it is easy to get caught up in the swing of things.  Busy schedules both at the race track and at the office make covering the sport a demanding task.  Sitting in the grandstands for Tuesday’s test session took me back to why I do what I do.  A fan of the sport from the earliest days, I couldn’t help but sit there and thank my blessings I get to cover the sport I have loved for so long.

The Goodyear tire test continues again today (Wednesday) and is once again open to the public free of charge.  So, if you are in the area and have a few minutes or are looking for a great thing to do with the family, head to the track and catch some action.