Last week in Charlotte

Drove up to Randleman, N.C. (where R. Petty lives) and went to his personal museum.   Here's the winged car (superbird) he drove in the early 70s

 Here's another view of the world's largest tv screen (back of it).   Note its size compared to the cars below.   It was incredible to watch parts of the race and repeats of the wrecks on this screen as well as interviews with drivers and crew chiefs. Each of those levels are a story  (100 feet to stop - screen is 80 X 200 HD)

Went to Michael Waltrip's fan days, had him sign his book "In the Blink of an Eye" about him becoming a race driver, as well as what happened to him after Dale Srs. death.

Stood in line at Bass Pro shop for Ryan Newman's signature on his NASCAR Pets book and on a race card.

Went to Rousch's Fan Days.   Chocolate (Danny Myers) was broadcasting with Sirius Radio Show.   He is a regular with "Trading Paint".   He was Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s gasman for many years, including 6 of his championships.

Saw Marcus Ambrose at Petty Fan Days.   Chatted with him about Tasmania, where he is from.

View of Charlotte Motor speedway turn 3 and four from our seats.   What a race Sunday evening.   Our guy (Dale Earnhardt. Jr.) was leading on final lap and ran out of gas on the last turn.  Ended up 7th.   It was sure exciting finish.

Sunday morning church at the track.   Paul Menard's (#27) right rear tire changer and pit crew trainer gave his testimony at church.   The older, shorter guy is Joe Lewis, a pastor we have come to know quite well.  

We are now headed home.   Had a trying, tough day yesterday (Memorial day).   Roy chipped his tooth, the wheel bearings on our trailer went out, Roy lost his cell phone searching for some parts that came off the trailer, and the dogs knocked my IPOD into the dog dish and now its trash.   Days like that tax our patience to the maximum.   We are in St. Louis, waiting to see how long it will take to fix the trailer (they are trying to order parts at the moment).   We'll make it home, but don't know when.

This will be the last trip blog for now.   Will hopefully start another next week.