rockover

We are done. Spent. Wiped out.

We had lots of fun. Had our own interview along with Aaron Peirsol. We had our own photo "session" with Piersol also. He brought a gold medal and Azucena got to look at it up close.
We sat in the Drivers meeting, although we were not introduced. Aaron Peirsol was and got a rousing ovation. Azucena did get several autographs here. But most of the autographs overall were of driver's crew and the staff that waited on us hand and foot.
I got introduced to the NASCAR fans before the driver introduction, along with Aaron Peirsol, Elizabeth Dole and Cindy McCain. Yep, They were there, as well as at the Drivers meeting. And yes, Azucena did get their
autograph and spoke to them briefly. I spoke a bit to Ms. Dole as we stood at the receiving line to shake hands as the drivers were introduced. She was getting hungry and wanted a hot dog and fries. Ms. McCain was further down, and she had a few "secret service" people dressed casually keeping an eye on things.
We had one photographer and video crew following us around. We had to drop stuff off at our camper so we encouraged them to tag along. They interviewed the next door neighbors and on cue, we came out and talked to them as well.
For the big finale, I finally got to go up the flag stand. Ooops. I didn't have earplugs or headphones, so I was going to be in a wail of hurt when the cars started coming by. We got about 4 sets of earplugs plus a set each of scanner/headphones and we left them with Christa (personal assistant, really our Point of Contact for Bank of America who was with us ALL day Saturday. Patrick was with us most of the day as well.). So, I'm at the top of the stand with a green flag double to practice with in front of our cameraman and a few others that wanted photos. Azucena climbed up and we got pictures taken and she took a few. Then the flagmen climbed up and gave a few instructions. Flag waving went smooth. Alas, I could only stay for 5 laps. The flagmen, Richard and Rodney, travel to all the Cup races and alternate who waves the flag. The other has to keep the flags ready to pass off to the Flag waver. They alternate races on who waves.
Our last stop was at the Bank of America tent behind the pit stops. There we waited for awhile before Jessica Simpson showed up. She got her photo taken with Mr. Piersol and then with me.
Christa took us to our camper to drop stuff off and said good bye outside the last gate we would enter. We were in the Bank of America stands and at some point, Azucena got bored and just had to turn around and mention the green flag for one last time. The guy she talked to kept saying "No Way" "That's so cool" "No Way" "That's so cool". Towards the end of the race, his buddy showed up and found out. His comments were "No Way" "That's so cool". I wonder how much beer they had. Yes way, Yes so cool. Photos and pictures to prove it and she did.

By the way, at the start of the day, we thought this couldn't get any better. It did when we got our own media interview (two more followed after that!!). Then it got better when we saw the ESPN highlights of UT/OU. Then it got better when Azucena got to see and talk to Ms. Dole and Ms. McCain. Then it got better when I was introduced to 150,000 or so fans (I thought I was going to see their introduction, not being introduced). Then it got better when Azucena was able to join me at the top of the flag stand for a moment (yes, she had to exit before the real flagmen came up, but still). Finally, it got better when we were chatting with campers across the road and found out that Ohio State won. Then we chatted awhile with our next door neighbors and thanked them for being gracious enough to be put on the spot and on camera.
Some would think that it got better when I had my arm around Jessica Simpson. Not to say it wasn't better, but that was already part of the plan. Not my arm, but next to Jessica. Ok, so since I was able to put my arm around her, I guess it did get better. Then during the race, Brian Vickers was blowing away the field, so it definitely was about to put the cap on the trip. Then Jeff Gordon was blowing away the field. Double cap.
And you thought a Hole in One would be the highlight of your life. Not any more.

The driver's introduction (on the pre-race show - ESPN) got pre-empted by the finish of the ND/UNC game.
Even though you don't get to see me wave the flag, unless you have hi-def and look really hard, you will see me and Azucena while Jessica Simpson sings the anthem (look for the flag in the stands and you'll barely make us out). After she sings, the camera keys on a flag in the stands and you'll see me standing there clapping. Just before Aaron Peirsol starts the engines you can see both of us, and Azucena is the better shot since she's by herself.
After the race starts (on ABC), you won't catch us unless you know its us (white blur among dark colors). And yes ABC could have shown the starters, but they chose to go from a different direction which was the only real disappointment because we had lots and lots of people pausing their activities to watch the start of the race.

Till we see everyone, see ya! And is it ever late. The famous never sleep, do they.