BLOG: It's Begun...

We're under way here in Charlotte!

THe obligatory opening kickoff luncheon took place in the atrium of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, hard by the newly populated Glory Road.

Speakers included NASCAR President Mike Helton, Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon, NC Governor Pat McCrory and CMS President Marcus Smith.

Best line of the presser came from Cannon, upon being presented a bumper cover (with rookie stripes!) by Smith, Cannon cracked, "I think my wife knew about this. She said my rear end looked so good!"

McCrory also had a good line, wondering if his bumper cover was from the car that former Governor Mike Easley crashed one day at CMS. Easley is a Democrat, McCrory a Republican.

McCrory also told of his first race experience at CMS. Driving a 1972 Fiat 124, he wandered across the speedway during the Coca-Cola 600. He drove in, found an open gate and walked in. In penance, he offered Bruton Smith a $5 bill to make up for sneaking in. Bruton did not, as far as I know, ask about the interest on the "loan."

Off to Stewart-Haas Racing press event shortly...