Racing in the Valley of the Sun

Sunday March 2, 2014 It dawned with bright sunshine after a Saturday filled with rain. There was water standing and running everywhere in the desert and it turned some of the foliage bright green. The desert was beginning to bloom. We however headed off to Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) to see the spring NASCAR race. We got there plenty early and found paved handicapped parking and quickly got set up. Becky forgot to pack the paper plates and silverware so we ended up bumming some from our neighbors so we could eat hotdogs that we cooked on the grill.
Here is a photo dump.

A good view from the seats

Another nice view

Kevin Harvick was the winner of the race, Dale Jr 2nd and Jeff Gordon 5th

Jimmy Johnson is Patrick's favorite driver and he bought himself a new hat to replace the last one he outgrew. Had to believe that he is wearing men's sizes now.

We found this strange looking combine in the display area. I thought it might be a baler for hay but no, its a cotton picker. Who Knew? I didn't.

Patrick had 48 painted on his face to go along with his new hat. While I was waiting, I struck up a conversation with the a guy sitting at the booth about the Chicago Bears and he showed me his Super Bowl ring. Turns out he was on the 85 Bears team. Interesting the people that you meet.

Getting out of the race was possibly the easiest that I have ever experienced. I got in the elevator line right after seeing Jeff Gordon cross in fifth and it was still a wait to get down. Then the line out of the parking lot wasnt very long and we got right out and moving. It was a pleasant experience. We saw this little gem as we were leaving, a Thoroughbred Stallion.

So today (3/8/2014) I broke down and went to Verizon to get a wireless router (MiFi) so we could have fast, reliable internet service. It is much faster than the park's wireless and secure. So now my pictures do not take hours to upload to the blog, it was like having dial up without the squealing and beeping.