Race Weekend Central

The Frontstretch 5: Reasons Not to Take NASCAR Too Seriously

 

1. Every race ticket comes with a free cold shower

Aside from the racing, people-watching is the most entertaining thing you can do at the racetrack. This story happened when I was a kid in the grandstands at Richmond Raceway.

The race had just ended and people were filing out, but my dad and I stayed there still sitting in our seats, waiting for the crowd to die down. This guy, a few rows in front of us, decided to lighten his load by pouring the melted ice out of his cooler right there in the grandstands. As soon as the icy water hit down below, we heard the screams of probably a dozen people echoing up at us.

This ole boy heard the cries of his victims, paused for a second, then said with a grin, “Looks like somebody’s getting a cold shower.” He then apathetically resumed pouring the ice/water down onto the helpless folks below. 15 years or so later, and that memory still cracks me up. – Michael Massie

2. That time when Sterling Marlin thought dynamite was hilarious

Actually, I think he finds it funny all the time and apparently has an unlimited supply. In addition to this prank on his two young teammates, Kenny Wallace has a story about the time Marlin gave a quarter stick to his nephew Steve, who discovered that once you light it, nothing will make it go out, including submersing it in a toilet.  It will, however, make the toilet explode. You can’t make that stuff up.

In the video, Casey Mears fills us in on how the two youngsters got revenge. – Amy Henderson

3. Junior Johnson is apparently magic

One of the best NASCAR stories of all time. – Toni Montgomery

  1. 4. They don’t call him Happy for nothing.

It was the June race at Pocono in 2002. I was with the crew of the No. 11 Brett Bodine Racing Ford. Hooters was our primary sponsor at that time and young women from nearby franchise locations would be our special guests at races.

As we were loading the hauler after the Pocono event, our guests inquired about getting driver autographs. The No. 29 RCR transporter was parked near ours, and Kevin Harvick was in the process of leaving the lounge. As he and then-girlfriend DeLana were descending the stairs, I casually mentioned, “Kevin Harvick’s right there.”

Suddenly, all four young women frantically swarmed Kevin, pens in hand and jostling for position. While the look on Harvick’s face suggested his now-popular nickname, the furious expression on DeLana’s was totally something else. I don’t know what she said to Kevin as they walked toward the motorcoach lot, but I don’t think it was very nice. – Mark Howell

5. Even the ambulances were dangerous back in the day

This is another of the best stories ever. – Toni Montgomery

If the dynamite didn’t make you laugh and this doesn’t make you laugh, I’m not sure what will.—Amy Henderson

Do you have a favorite funny moment? Join the conversation and let us know!

About the author

The Frontstretch Staff is made up of a group of talented men and women spread out all over the United States and Canada. Residing in 15 states throughout the country, plus Ontario, and widely ranging in age, the staff showcases a wide variety of diverse opinions that will keep you coming back for more week in and week out.

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Brian

You realize none of this has anything to do directly with NASCAR and everything to do with the personalities and experiences of those independent contractors and fans of the sport.
Now if you took from the 100’s of examples of hilarious NASCAR stuff itself from leadership, to employees, to rationale then you would have an actual story matching the headline. Hell you could probably run this same article everyday for the entire year and never duplicate an item just from the past 15 years of Brian France leadership.

DoninAjax

When I read the headline my number 1 choice was Brian.

Mary

LMAO listening Buddy Baker’s story! These guy’s are more entertaining than the races these days.

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