February Love

When a person is asked "Why do you like February?", most people may commonly answer that they like Valentine's Day, or the day off from school for President's Day, or even those rodent lovers may even say Ground Hog Day, but for us race fans, we have a whole different idea. When a race fan is asked "Why do you like February?", we all answer the exact same: Daytona 500. Unless you're a fan of NASCAR, know a someone who is or live with one, you may not know what this is, so it is my duty to gladly make you more knowledgeable.

Daytona International Speedway is located in Daytona Beach, Florida. It opened in 1958 (51 years ago for those who aren't mathematicians just like yours truly.) The races were originally ran right on the beach, but then later a real track was built. The track is 2.5 miles long, and it's tri-oval (most of the tracks you've probably seen are just regular ovals, so that's another reason Daytona is special.) Daytona is a monster all in its own. The lengthy 200 lap race around the 2.5 mile track provides a race full of unknowns. Everyone awaits the wrecks and wins that are brought with the race every year. New paint color schemes and new team drivers are revealed in their new full potential. Champions are formed and even lost; Dale Sr. was killed when he crashed into Turn 4 in 2001.

The Daytona 500 race is the first race of the NASCAR season, so every fan waits patiently and eagerly for its arrival because it means that the 3 months without racing has FINALLY come to an end. Thank goodness! When racing comes back, it feels as though you've returned home after being lost for a long period of time. The feeling is just pure joy and excitement. I woke up today and I felt as though it was Christmas--I'm so very, very excited for the race. I feel rejuvenated! I can't even tell you how excited I am later to watch the race on my pretty 60in HDTV. Yay.

In the words of Darrell Waltrip,
"Boogity boogity boogity! LET'S GO RACING BOYS!"