NASCAR Race Mom: NASCAR Magic Kingdom

Monday, March 2, 2020

NASCAR Magic Kingdom - Fontana

#NASCAR Magic Kingdom - Fontana

Stater Bros. (#staterbros) and Smithfield Racing “Smithfield Race to the Table” VIP Experience

Aric Almirola and NASCAR Race Mom

For a NASCAR nut like myself, the big show coming to town tops a trip to the Magic Kingdom of Disneyland. The only thing that could make it better is that NASCAR Race Mom (NRM) was bestowed a NASCAR VIP Experience by Stater Bros. (#staterbros) and Smithfield Racing.

Myrna and I at Auto Club Speedway, Fontana, Califoria

My buddy Myrna (a NASCAR greenhorn) and I hit the California Freeway bright and early Sunday morning. I was pleasantly surprised when the traffic was fantastically scant, and we arrived at the track before 7:30 a.m. Arriving so early proved essential due to a few hiccups at the Will Call Window. Nevertheless, we still had time to explore the Fan Zone before our scheduled Garage/Pit Tour. There we were able to gather our free earplugs for the race.

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Waiting for our garage tour-and a meet and greet with Aric Amirola #fun thank you #StaterBros. #nascar @nascar #AutoClub400 @ACSupdates

A post shared by Z. Smith (@zwriter1) on Mar 1, 2020 at 2:28pm PST

Myrna and I met Lauren at Gate 30 at 9:10 a.m. sharp. Lauren was very NASCAR savvy and provided us with a tour both informative and entertaining. During our garage promenade, we spotted Clint Bowyer (so friendly and greeting our group with jovial jabs); Regan Smith (he can be seen photo bombing us at the Smithfield Hauler); Cole Custer (breezed by me as I waited in line without acknowledging my greeting); Corey LaJoie (very handsome); and Ryan Blaney (a personal NASCAR RACE Mom Favorite) strolling briskly to this pit area.

Spot Regan Smith Ex-Driver, now a pit reporter for Fox?

Our tour included a stop at the Smithfield Racing hauler for a Meet and Greet with Aric Almirola; a tour of his hauler; and a stop at the #10 pit area. We were even allowed to climb atop the Pit Box to sit where the crew chief navagates the race.

Don't we look happy sitting on Aric's Pit Box #NASCAR

However, the coup de grâce was this NASCAR Fan’s honor of greeting NASCAR Legend Leonard Wood as he sauntered past. Mr. Wood took the time to stop, turn and wave in response. What a great memory.

We enjoyed the Chase Bryant concert in the comfort of the Busch Beer Block party. The generous hospitality area was centrally located and offered a wide variety of libation and cuisine. My sausage sandwich was delicious and really hit that spot. Since I was the designated driver, NRM stayed away from the alcoholic refreshment and opted for the bottled water.

Chase Bryant provide an awesome concert sprinkled with much appreciated patriotism

The rain started right before the scheduled green flag. My partner and I doubted that the race would even start – let alone finish this day. However, we were mistaken.

After a fitting tribute where the race field lined up five-wide for one of NASCAR's GOATS, Jimmie Johnson, Alex Bowman dominated in Fontana, to secure his second NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series victory!

P6 in qualifying at @ACSupdates today. Always good to start up front and we know our @SmithfieldBrand Mustang has speed. Looking forward to having that speed for 200 laps tomorrow. 🤙😎#SmithfieldRacing pic.twitter.com/MBROehqg4C
— Aric Almirola (@Aric_Almirola) March 1, 2020

Our NASCAR Hero started sixth and finished eighth - a good top-ten day!

Thank you to Stater Bros. and Smithfield Racing for the very special “Smithfield Race to the Table Sweepstakes, sponsored by Stater Bros." NASCAR VIP Experience. It was a thrill.