Last saturday was a memorable experience for Carl and his brother Carrell. It all started last Father's day when I asked my sister in law, Lois, if she wanted to go in together and get the #1 all time Nascar fans, Carl & Carrell, a ride -a-long Nascar Experience. I'm so glad she did. Well, several of us made the trip. My son Keith, Carrell's sons, Keith, Tony, and Homer, his grandkids, John Henry and Darla went too. A good family friend, Leonard and his lady friend also went. It was a beautiful day, a little hot, but sunny and blue skies. It took about an hour from check in to ride. Carrell was on deck first. They were both happy that one of the cars was #24 Jeff Gordon. That's their favorite driver. So, Carrell made his 3 laps with speed up to 180 mph! Then it was Carl's turn. He was "on deck" waiting as Carrell came in the pit and climbed out of the car. Remember. the "boys" are 78 years old and Carl was worried with his arthritis he wouldn't be able to get his hips and back to bend well enough (or get his belly) through the window of the race car. Well, he managed to get in except his head wouldn't clear the car roof to get it in place in the headrest. The young man assisting kept pushing on Carl's helmeted head but it wouldn't budge! I began to get worried, it looked like he might push hard enough to snap a disc in his neck! They finally said "well, get back out and lets try it again". I heard Carl say "Just take the damn helmet off!" So, they took off his head gear, then got his big ole head in the right place and then re-helmeted him. I was afraid if they made him get out he would walk off and say forget it! So off he went for his 3 laps at the Talladega Super Speedway! Carl has only missed one race since 1969. He really is a #1 fan! As he was getting out of the car, he had a big ole grin on his face. It made my heart feel warm. I was so glad I got this for him. For the next couple of days, he continued to talk about it. It was definitely and experience of a lifetime for the guys.
