Race weekend recap

It's a week late, but I've been a little busy...here is the second helping of the weekend at the Kansas Speedway.

I got to tour the garage all weekend with Fox Sports reporter, Lee Spencer. This was a bonus for me. As a professional, Lee is somebody I look up to. She is not only one of the top reporters in the business, but a woman who has worked hard to accomplish a lot - in a man's world. When I met her Friday she was more than accommodating to this rookie writer and took me along to an interview with ARCA driver Parker Kligerman. Kligerman is a driver to watch. He is wise beyond his years and studying marketing at UNC-Charlotte is paying off for this 19 year old. He is not only a great driver, but he can lay on the charm. A great kid with a promising future.

Saturday I did a majority of the day solo, walking around and seeing the sites. Trying to figure out what was going on and just checking everything out because there is so much to see. I attended a news conference with majority owner of Richard Petty Motorsports, George Gillette. It was my first live press conference and I found it fascinating. I took some notes, but mainly soaked in the atmosphere and tried to learn from some of the best motorsports reporters that surrounded me.

I will say one thing about my Saturday afternoon. I have a lot to learn, and I haven't even begun to scratch the surface.

I was able to watch the Nationwide race from the press box high atop the track. I was so high I could see where I parked. If I would have leaned forward (I didn't because I didn't want to look like a goofy rookie) from my assigned media seat my forehead would have touched glass. I hate heights, so I was a little hesitant about being jacked in the air, but it was awesome. Feeling the vibration in your shoes, is indescribable.

Sunday was equally eye opening. Lee took me to the garage with her before the race to 'find some trouble' as she put it. I was able to attend the drivers meeting and Lee introduced me to the Wood Brothers. Eddie Wood, and daughter Jordan, were amazing folks and more than hospitable.

I loved the opportunity to see just how people do their jobs behind the scenes. I'm a behind the scenes person myself - so seeing people in their element gave me new perspective. It gave me a new appreciation for crew members.

Fans at some tracks (Kansas included) can roam the garage with the right credentials. It was insane trying to do a job with all the people around. Fans in this sport are privileged unlike any other. I realized just how much they get to do and see, but fans have a tendency to forget about the folks who work hard to make the sport what it is - or bring the sport to their living room or computer. To the fans, do us a favor, let us work. It would be greatly appreciated. The media is more than happy to help you get unprecedented access, but a the same time - take a step back.

I covered the race from the infield media center and I liked that experience as well. The media center is very busy and there is a lot going on. I liked that aspect because I don't like to be bored. The race was won by Midwest favorite Tony Stewart. The winners press conference was a trip as Stewart seemed to be in rare form - he had the media center quite entertained. Kansas is now minus a chair - but that's another blog.

My garage experience was something I hope I can continue - I'd do it for free if I could get to the track. I found something that felt like a good fit, and I haven't felt like that in a very, very long time.

It was pretty humbling for a nobody, rookie writer from the middle of nowhere.