Start Your Engines!

What is the #1 spectator sport in the U.S.? If you guessed baseball, football, or soccer you would be wrong. Go ahead guess again. Basketball, hockey, or golf you say? Well, you are wrong again. Shocking? Well, most are at surprised, drop their jaw, and widen their eyes when I tell them that NASCAR is the number 1 spectator sport in the entire U.S. If you're not shocked now what would you do if I told you that NASCAR races are broadcasted in over 150 countries, NASCAR has the most loyal fans, and more Fortune 500 companies are involved in NASCAR than ANY OTHER sport! After you stop calling me crazy and saying things like "I don't believe it" you should consider attending a race to see what all the excitement is about.

So what's the appeal it's just cars driving in circles, right? Wrong! So, sometimes you might speed a little when your late for work or on a long stretch of highway and you might get up to maybe 80 or 90 MPH. Seems fast at the time. Now imagine piloting a performance machine that has over 800 horsepower and reaches speeds up to 200 MPH. That's probably quadruple your vehicle's horsepower and more than double your "late for work" speed. Once you reach 200 MPH don't worry about the other vehicles tailgating you and focus on tailgating the person in front of you and keep your eyes peeled for a chance to pass. Do that for 4 hours risking your life and every other driver's life in the pursuit of finishing the race in first place. Something to think about the next time someone says "It's just cars driving in circles."

One of the more popular races is the Daytona 500. Usually takes place around mid to late February in Daytona Beach, FL. Not a bad place to be in February for a Michigander. I would make the most of the trip by arriving on a Thursday giving me plenty of time to explore Daytona Beach. Visit places like the Rockin' Ranch, Aqua Lounge, and Racing's North Turn Beach Bar & Grille. However, when race day rolls around it's time to get focused and start some serious tailgating. I'd make sure to have Rinaldi's Italian Sausage on the grill along with my favorite beverage in hand. A Baggo game tournament, good friends, and some great tunes.

NASCAR? Daytona 500? That's where I wanna go!

~Anthony

Twitter | @ThatsWhereIGo

www.facebook.com/pages/Thats-Where-I-Wanna-Go