[Clois Harlan]

Let me tell you about "Prefered Parking"! Granted things have changed over the years but our Prefered Parking only helped in the trek from the parking lot to our seats. In fact we were less than 50 yards from the gate entrance. Problem was an old accounting principle "FIRST IN LAST OUT" and we were. First year we didn't get out of the parking lot until 9:30 (race ended before 5:00) and the second year was a little better.

Over the 5 years I attended this race I learned that general parking is best for exiting quickly or let's say quicker. Perhaps the best facility for traffic management and fan friendliness has to be Indianappolis at both the IRS and Nascar races. Many other places could learn from them. I also learned to never park in a grassy field on an incline at Talledega when there is any chance for rain, without a 4 wheel drive vehicle.

I hope you get to take your wife to the race but keep in mind that some of the most fun happens in the campgrounds after the race. Grill a burger or steak after the race and just hangout for an hour or so and you will have a much better time.

Clois