Pictures and Comments from the California 500 - 2001

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Almost two months after my last NASCAR adventure (Las Vegas), Tim and I embarked on another journey to the land in racing known as Fontana. This voyage would known as the NAPA 500, 2001. Our trip was sponsored by DeWalt tools, whose car #17 is driven by Matt Kenseth.

The Fontana track is less than 10 miles from my home, so we planned on leaving by 6:00am so we could be to the hospitality tent by 7:00am for breakfast. Tim woke up late and didn't make it to my place until 6:30.  We were at the track by 6:50, with traffic and crowds were very light. We made about a 1 mile trip to the infield, going this way and that. Ah finally, we made it at 7:40, and were in time for the pit tour!

Mike Calinoff, Matt's spotter, was our tour guide. This was my first ever trip through a Winston Cup garage. I was wide eyed and excited the entire time. I kept clicking pictures. We were able to walk through the DeWalt Transporter (notice the self portrait picture on the mirror).  Many of the teams were starting up the cars, and making final preparations before taking the cars to inspection.  We then made our way onto pit road.  The pit was set out, with the crash cart and tires already set out for the race. When walking out of the garage area, I was able to get a picture of Sterling Marlin

When we arrived back at the hospitality tent, we heard a short speech from driver Matt Kenseth, and then a quick autograph session.  Matt was quiet and kind during the process.  He answered all the questions graciously, but was really getting ready mentally for the race.

Much of the hospitality group left on the second pit tour, with the 3rd leaving 15 minutes later. With not much to do after his visit, Tim and I asked if we could go along on this third pit tour. Why not was the reply... YES!!!

By this time (9:00), there was a lot more activity going on.  Most teams were already on pit road.  A few were still planning strategies, and having their team meeting.  I was able to get a picture of Ray Evernham as he walked by.  Almost got a picture of Jack Roush too, but someone stepped in the way.

The pits were much more crowded too as you can see from the pictures. I was able to get some great pictures of the cars before the start of the race. Too bad my camera takes about twenty seconds to process a pictures so the next can be taken. After the tour, we made our way up to the stands. Our seats were in turn 4, right at the entrance to pit road.

The pre-race ceremonies had a 3 jet flyby (for Dale Earnhardt), and lap three with a three finger salute.

The race was exciting. Jimmy Spencer led most of the 1st 1/3rd of the race. When Bobby Labonte spun out the first time, many teams were able to make adjustments, tightening up the field. The finish was great with a duel between Rusty Wallace and Jeff Gordon. Jeff was chasing down Rusty, but Rusty held on to win his 54th

After the race, we went to the souvenir trailers to browse and mingle while the crowds and traffic died down. When we made it out to the car, a well placed early morning parking spot, combined with great timing got us out in 10 minutes. Another great day at another NASCAR Winston Cup event