Monday, August 4, 2014

Photographical Recap of NASCAR
Race Mom’s Indy Weekend
(#crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar)

NASCAR Race Mom was honored to be one of the twelve bloggers selected to participate in this year’s ‘Capture the Crown’ event held over the “Super Weekend” at the Brickyard. (July 25-27,2014)

The annual scavenger hunt is crafted to enhance our event understanding of the “Your Hero’s Name Here” program while providing fun and friendly competition.

To celebrate the maiden visit to Canada of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of England, Seagram’s Chairman Samuel Bronfman developed a unique whisky of refined smoothness for the occasion. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

NASCAR Race Mom flew into the Indianapolis International Airport on Friday, and was escorted to the JW Marriott Indianapolis. Crown Royal had a sweet welcome bag in NRM’s posh room. Note the personalized purple camo bag in the lower left corner of the photo. 

To celebrate the maiden visit to Canada of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of England, Seagram’s Chairman Samuel Bronfman developed a unique whisky of refined smoothness for the occasion. But he needed something to present this crown jewel in. Something regal. Something luxurious. It was decided this special whisky would be housed in a velvet bag of purple — since ancient times the color reserved for royalty — with drawstrings of gold. 

The blogger’s first challenge consisted of a whiskey tasting. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar


The blogger’s first challenge consisted of a whiskey tasting.

  • Crown Royal was introduced in 1939 and is the original version of the brand. It was available only in Canada until 1964.
  • Crown Royal Black was introduced in 2010, and is a darker, higher alcohol (90 proof) whisky.
  • Crown Royal Reserve was introduced in 1992. The whiskies are aged for a longer period than the original.
  • Crown Royal XR (Extra Rare) was introduced in 2006. This limited-release version is sold in numbered bottles and was originally made from the last batches of whiskey distilled at the now-closed Waterloo, Ontario distillery
  • Crown Royal Maple Finished was introduced in 2012. It is a blend of Crown Royal with maple flavor.
  • Crown Royal XO was introduced in January 2014. It is a blend of 50 whiskies that is then finished in Cognac casks from the French Limousin Forest.
  • Crown Royal Monarch is the newest offering and 75th Anniversary Whiskey Limited Edition. “Showcasing Crown Royal's signature Coffey Rye Whiskey, this exquisite blend is meticulously crafted using some of the finest, most unique hand-picked whiskies from our extensive stocks. The result is an exceptionally rich and smooth whisky highlighting an elegant complexity of light spice and dried fruit.” - CrownRoyal
  • Crown Royal Cask No. 16, a former version, was introduced late 2007. It was made from over fifty blended and individually aged whiskies in 12 year old cognac barrels.
NASCAR Race Mom found her first taste of Crown Royal XO exquisite – if you have not tried it you are missing out.


Part of the ‘Capture the Crown’ benefits are the networking opportunities abound.  #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Part of the ‘Capture the Crown’ benefits are the networking opportunities abound. Here, Brett Singer of Daddy Tips  and NASCAR Race Mom are collaborating over the menu at Harry & Izzy's Steakhouse.

We both opted for the Grilled Salmon entree. After a lifetime of friendship and building St. Elmo Steak House into a hugely successful business, Harry Roth and Izzy Rose celebrated their personalities in a more casual and updated environment.


Crown Royal Mixologist, Steven Wilson brings Hailey Cobb her birthday cake.  #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Crown Royal Mixologist, Steven Wilson brings Hailey Cobb her birthday cake. Joe Clarkson photographs as we bloggers sing the “Happy Birthday” Song. Fun Times!


Créme Brûlée served as the perfect succulent ending to a great evening with the ‘Capture the Crown’ Crown Royal gang.  #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Créme Brûlée served as the perfect succulent ending to a great evening with the ‘Capture the Crown’ Crown Royal gang. 

Bright and early on Saturday morning, the ‘Capture the Crown’ bloggers congregated in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Media Center for Press Credentials.  #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Bright and early on Saturday morning, the ‘Capture the Crown’ bloggers congregated in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Media Center for Press Credentials. 

NASCAR Race Mom was part of #TeamHailey! Victor, Jeremy and DJ, were my handsome teammates.

NASCAR Race Mom was part of #TeamHailey! Victor, Jeremy and DJ, were my handsome teammates. While the goal of ‘Capture the Crown’ is to emerge the winner and earn a tour of the Crown Royal facility in Canada; NRM’s trip objective was to highlight the nuances of Crown Royal’s sponsorship of the Brickyard 400. . . . and to have fun.

Views from the Crown Royal Pagoda Eighth Floor Suite.  #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Views from the Crown Royal Pagoda Eighth Floor Suite.  #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Views from the Crown Royal Pagoda Eighth Floor Suite. The Pagoda Suites are located on the middle floors of the Pagoda, right at the start/finish Line. 

Jet Dryers clearing away the morning mist – boy these big guys are very noisy. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Jet Dryers clearing away the morning mist – boy these big guys are very noisy.

There is plenty to do on the Midway at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.#crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

There is plenty to do on the Midway at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. #crownheroes #reignon

NASCAR Race Mom had the opportunity to meet Big Machine Records, Founder Scott Borchetta. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

NASCAR Race Mom had the opportunity to meet Big Machine Records, Founder Scott Borchetta. The label was part of a joint venture between Borchetta and country singer Toby Keith. Did you know that Borchetta “discovered” singer Taylor Swift?

Photo opportunity for Crown Royal guest Vasquez in the Pagoda Hospitality Suite. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Photo opportunity for Crown Royal guest Vasquez in the Pagoda Hospitality Suite.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum, located five miles northwest of downtown Indianapolis on the grounds of the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is recognized as one of the most highly visible museums in the world devoted to automobiles and auto racing. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum, located five miles northwest of downtown Indianapolis on the grounds of the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is recognized as one of the most highly visible museums in the world devoted to automobiles and auto racing. In 1987, the museum and Speedway grounds were honored with the designation of National Historic Landmark.

As part of the Crown Royal Heroes Project, IMS NASCAR fans were able to stuff CAMO care packages to be sent to military servicemen and women stationed abroad.  #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

As part of the Crown Royal Heroes Project, IMS NASCAR fans were able to stuff CAMO care packages to be sent to military servicemen and women stationed abroad. 

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Garage Tours included a stop at the NASCAR Tech Tent. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Garage Tours included a stop at the NASCAR Tech Tent. Here, Casey Mears and his GEICO team ready for his 400th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start Sunday at the Brickyard, a place where the Mears name is omnipresent. Mears started the race from twenty-six place and finished thirty-third two laps down.

Cole Whitt’s #26 Toyota Crew wait for their turn through the Tech line. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Cole Whitt’s #26 Toyota Crew wait for their turn through the Tech line. Whitt started thirty-ninth and took the checkered flag in thirty-second, two laps down. NRM interviewed Whitt in February

The Crown Royal Garage Tour Guide was very knowledgeable about the track and the sport of NASCAR.  #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar


The Crown Royal Garage Tour Guide was very knowledgeable about the track and the sport of NASCAR.

NASCAR Race Mom bumped into old friend Chris Monez. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

NASCAR Race Mom bumped into old friend Chris Monez. NRM meet Chris when he was keeping her son Moses safe on the track – he is now Cole Whitt’s spotter.

Terrence J, an American actor, television personality and model, John Wayne Walding, race name recipient, and Justin Moore, country music singer and songwriter signed to Big Machine Records interviewed at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Terrence J, an American actor, television personality and model, John Wayne Walding, race name recipient, and Justin Moore, country music singer and songwriter signed to Big Machine Records interviewed at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Greg Biffle and David Gilliland have a chat before driver introductions. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Greg Biffle and David Gilliland have a chat before driver introductions. Biffle finished the race in thirteenth and Gilliland thirty-sixth after completing a mere eight laps. 

This photo is the winner of “cutest” - Kurt Busch walked through driver introductions with nine-year-old Houston Hermanstorfer, Kurt’s girlfriend, Patricia Driscoll’s son.  #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

This photo is the winner of “cutest” - Kurt Busch walked through driver introductions with nine-year-old Houston Hermanstorfer, Kurt’s girlfriend, Patricia Driscoll’s son. 

Actor Chris Pratt, star of the soon-to-be-released movie “Guardians of the Galaxy,” served as honorary pace car driver. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Actor Chris Pratt, star of the soon-to-be-released movie “Guardians of the Galaxy,” served as honorary pace car driver in a 2014 red and silver Chevrolet SS Pace Car for the Crown Royal Presents the John Wayne Walding 400 at the Brickyard Powered by BigMachineRecords.com.

Scattered thunder storms did not affect the IMS NASCAR Fans.  #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Scattered thunder storms did not affect the IMS NASCAR Fans. Weather did not hinder the Crown Royal Presents the John Wayne Walding 400 Powered by BigMachineRecords.com.  The race is 160 laps around the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a total of 400 miles.

Sunoco, the Official Fuel of NASCAR® since 2004, is the exclusive provider of racing fuel for NASCAR’s three national series. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Sunoco, the Official Fuel of NASCAR® since 2004, is the exclusive provider of racing fuel for NASCAR’s three national series: The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Their racing fuels can always be counted on to deliver maximum performance.


This year’s winner John Wayne Walding and 2012’s winner Curtiss Shaver, a firefighter and certified EMT, take a break in the Pagoda Suite before the start of the race. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

As we hustle and bustle through our everyday pursues, the majority do not take the time to reflect on that which is most important. Many do not recognize the significance of Crown Royal’s “Your Hero’s Name Here” contest. This yearly nationwide search for an everyday hero is an essential reminder of the abundance of patriotic men and women who are selflessly dedicated to the service of others!

Here this year’s winner John Wayne Walding and 2012’s winner Curtiss Shaver, a firefighter and certified EMT, take a break in the Pagoda Suite before the start of the race.  Walding lost the lower part of a leg after being shot by a sniper during a mission to capture a high-value target in the Shok Valley area of Afghanistan on April 6, 2008.


Crew of Michael Annett’s team, the #7 Pilot/Flying J Chevrolet, stand in formation during the race opening ceremonies. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Crew of Michael Annett’s team, the #7 Pilot/Flying J Chevrolet, stand in formation during the race opening ceremonies.

J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president shows off his purple socks in tribute to the Crown Royal Presents the John Wayne Walding 400 Powered by BigMachineRecords.com. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president shows off his purple socks in tribute to the Crown Royal Presents the John Wayne Walding 400 Powered by BigMachineRecords.com. His purple tie was pretty snazzy too!

 Kevin Harvick took pole and Jeff Gordon, who started second won the race. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

This year, the Crown Royal Presents the John Wayne Walding 400 Powered by BigMachineRecords.com marks the 20th anniversary of NASCAR racing at the Brickyard. Kevin Harvick took pole and Jeff Gordon, who started second won the race.

Crown Royal VIPs huddle on the Pagoda Balcony for the Winner Circle Festivities.  #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Crown Royal VIPs huddle on the Pagoda Balcony for the Winner Circle Festivities – NASCAR Race Mom, DJ and Kristin Barclay hustled themselves into Victory Circle for the best view!

Jeff Gordon lights up his tires after his the Crown Royal Presents the John Wayne Walding 400 at the Brickyard Powered by BigMachineRecords.com win. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Jeff Gordon lights up his tires after his the Crown Royal Presents the John Wayne Walding 400 at the Brickyard Powered by BigMachineRecords.com win. Now, he stands on another pedestal alongside Michael Schumacher as the only drivers to win five races at IMS. 

#24 Jeff Gordon in Victory Circle - Chevrolet owns an eleven -year win streak at the Brickyard and has won fifteen of twenty Brickyard 400s overall. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

#24 Jeff Gordon in Victory Circle - Chevrolet owns an eleven -year win streak at the Brickyard and has won fifteen of twenty Brickyard 400s overall.

John Wayne Walding and Scott Borchetta right before Jeff Gordon's trophy presentation. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

John Wayne Walding and Scott Borchetta right before Jeff Gordon's trophy presentation.  The John Wayne Walding Brickyard guitar was really sweet.

Rick Hendrick, Gordon’s car owner  congratulates the #24 Axalta Coatings/AARP Drive To End Hunger Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet SS team. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Rick Hendrick, Gordon’s car owner  congratulates the #24 Axalta Coatings/AARP Drive To End Hunger Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet SS team.

Jeff Gordon with his Crew Chief, Alan Gustafson. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Jeff Gordon with his Crew Chief, Alan Gustafson,  “I don’t think there’s a greater feeling for a racecar driver and a race team,” Gordon said. “It’s such a great race and such an important victory and such an important moment in the season and championship.”

Gordon joined by his team, car owner, and family prepare to kiss the bricks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

Gordon joined by his team, car owner, and family prepare to kiss the bricks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 

NASCAR Race Mom was honored to shadow Green Beret Hero John Wayne Walding at the race bearing his name.  #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

NASCAR Race Mom was honored to shadow Green Beret Hero John Wayne Walding at the race bearing his name.  John is humble, sweet, and handsome in every way. 

TeamHailey won the trivia challenge.  I must say it was tough to concentrate with Country Star Justin Moore asking you the questions. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

#TeamHailey won the trivia challenge.  I must say it was tough to concentrate with Country Star Justin Moore asking you the questions.


The bloggers' last night together was spent at “Dick's Last Resort.” #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

The bloggers' last night together was spent at “Dick's Last Resort.” Don’t expect to stumble upon Hoosier Hospitality at Dick’s. In fact, quite the opposite. This downtown restaurant and bar is known for its intentional employment of obnoxious staff. NRM would post the photo of the paper hat they made me wear, but I would loose my “G” rating.

Group photo taken in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame. We are all piled into Rick Mears’ Gould Charge 1 Indy Car. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

No blogger event would be complete without a group photo. This one was taken in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame. We are all piled into Rick Mears’ Gould Charge 1 Indy Car.

My artsy photo – the view from my JW Marriott Hotel Room. Goodbye Indy. #crownheroes #jww400 #reignon #nascar

This is my artsy photo – the view from my JW Marriott Hotel Room. Goodbye Indy. Goodbye to the super fun “Capture the Crown” blogger group. Goodbye and thank you to Crown Royal for this wonderful opportunity.

Remember to take a moment everyday to acknowledge
and thank the heroes around us.

#crownheroes #reignon #jww400 #nascar

If you drink, please drink responsibly!

Related Articles:

  1. John Wayne Walding-Crowning Heroes
  2. Gordon Kisses The Bricks Again
  3. Jeff Gordon Wins The Crown Royal Presents the 'John Wayne Walding 400' at The Brickyard Powered By BigMachineRecords.com."
  4. Brickfest: The Band Perry, Justin Moore, Thousand Horses
  5. Photos from Indianapolis Motor Speedway
  6. Researching the Brickyard 400
  7. Off to the Brickyard
  8. Jeff Gordon Talking 20th Anniversary of Inaugural Brickyard 400 Win
  9. Watch @IMS for Clues Each Day
  10. Crown Royal Presents the John Wayne Walding 400 at The Brickyard Powered by BigMachineRecords.com
  11. Who’s Going To the Crown Royal Presents the John Wayne Walding 400 at the Brickyard Powered by BigMachineRecords.com?
  12. 2007–2014 Crown Royal ‘Your Name Here 400’ Winners
  13. Crown Royal and NASCAR Race Mom Say Thank You To Local Hero
  14. John Wayne Walding Crown Royal’s American Hero
  15. John Wayne Walding "Your Name Here" Winner
  16. Green Beret Announced As Namesake of Brickyard 400 During CMT Music Awards Live Broadcast
  17. Crown Royal Presents the “John Wayne Walding ‘400’” at the brickyard powered by the BigMachineRecords.com
  18. CMT Music Awards and Crown Royal Reign On
  19. Crown Royal To Rename 2014 Brickyard 400 After An American Hero
  20. Crown Royal’s “Your Hero’s Name Here” program Nominations will be accepted through April 13th
  21. Crown Royal Your Hero’s Name Here Program Kicks Off this #NASCAR Weekend!

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