For Steve's 50th birthday, which is tomorrow, I really wanted to do something special. In early June while we were out having dinner one evening, I casually started questioning him about his upcoming BIG birthday:
Me: "Honey, what would you like to do for your birthday this year?"
Steve: "Nothing special...absolutely NO party!!"
Me: "OK, no party, but how about something a little extreme?"
Steve: "Like what?"
Me: "Skydiving?"
Steve: "No Way!"
Me: "Bungee jumping?"
Steve: "Absolutely not!"
Me: "I know, how about matching tattoos?"
Steve: "Not a chance. Are you crazy?"
Me: "OK then, what is something out of the ordinary that you have always dreamed of doing?"
Steve: (without hesitating) "Drive a race car."
Me: "Sure, like that could happen. I don't think anyone would be willing to let a total stranger drive their race car."
I stored the info in my mind and casually changed the subject.
The next day I started searching online for race tracks that offer amateur racing. I was striking out when Kyle happened to call. I told him what I was doing and he remembered hearing about one of our local tracks offering something called "Spectator" racing. I immediately checked it out and signed Steve up. The track is a 1/3 mile asphalt oval track and the cars are modifieds that can go over 100 mph, but usually only get up to about 70 because of the turns. He would be allowed 10 practice laps, then 2 laps to qualify for position in the main event, and then race a 15 lap main event...and all in front of the usual race night crowd since it would be during regular Saturday night races on Sept. 27th!
Warm up laps. Steve is driving the #15 car.
First lap of qualifying went well.
Second lap of qualifying resulted in spinning out and stalling the engine!
Push vehicle was called to help, but unfortunately it got hooked up with car, sooo...
they had to call out the BIG truck!
All lined up for the main event. Steve qualified for sixth place out of thirteen cars, which was great considering he only completed one qualifying lap.
Main event action!
Notice how close the #17 car is to Steve!
They ended up making contact and Steve spun out, but didn't stall his engine, so he got right back in the race.
And crossed the finish line!
All in all it was a great evening. Kyle took all the photos while I took videos with Steve's camera and Sam was there to cheer! I am not sure what place Steve finished, but it was somewhere in the middle of the pack. He did really well considering he got passed by several cars when he spun out.
Happy 50th Honey! Just wait 'til you see what I have planned for your 60th!!
9 comments:
I want to thank my wonderful wife for such a special day. It was certainly a "Once in a lifetime" experience. It was great to have my family there to cheer me on and give me support. It was something I thought that I would never do. But now I have done it. Not sure what Sandy has planned for my 60th, but, I will be careful in what I say (for the next 10 years).
I was a bit nervous just before the main event, but with a little prayer, I was calm again. Driving on the curves were a bit tricky. The car wanted to turn a bit sharper than expected. But once I got used to it, it was a blast. It was a very warm day (in the mid 90's) and wearing a racing suit and helmet, it was quite hot. After racing was done, I was sweating and very tired.
I enjoyed it alot and thank you Huney for the great present. I also want to thank both of our boys for being there and enjoying the whole experience.
You are very welcome...I am so glad you enjoyed yourself. You did great and I was really proud of how hard you raced. It was extra special since the boys were both there too.
Happy 50th!
Dad:
I'm glad you had such a nice time racing - it sure was fun watching and taking pictures! We thought it was hot in the stands to, but I'm sure it was nothing compared to what you went through with the racing suit and all. I'm glad I was able to be there last weekend.
Mom:
You should try to post some of your videos on here too - they turned out nice! For Dad's 60th birthday, how about you guys BOTH go race cars together?!?!?!
Hi Kyle,
I don't really know how to post a video and I don't like all the commentary on them.
I think by 60 we will just be satisfied to watch you and your brother race!
Mr. L.
Happy 50th birthday!!!
It looks and sounds like you had alot of fun out there! It's so great that your family helped to make one of your dreams come true, and were all able to be there to enjoy it with you!
Mrs. L.
I enjoyed reading your blog about the event and the conversation that led up to it! Just an idea...what if you bleeped (is that a word?) out the commentary, and put on some music in the background of the videos?
Hope you both have a great day!
~Janis~
Hi Janis,
I'm glad you enjoyed the post. I also suggested putting music over the commentary, but Kyle informed me that we would lose the "racing" noises in the background. However, I think that would still be much better than listening to all my babbling!
Nice to hear from you. Thanks for the comment.
Hello Janis,
Thank you for the birthday wishes. I certainly had a blast.
Huney, Kyle & Sam,
Thanks again for the support, encouragement and just being there enjoying it with me.
Sandy,
Wow, what a fun birthday!!! You are a wonderful wife to do something so nice!! What a fun experience!!
Dee
:)
Happy Belated Birthday Steve!! Looks like you had a wonderful time!!
Thank you Dee! It was so much fun watching Steve have fun! I don't know if he had a better time or if I did just watching him experience a "special moment".
I am sure you will come up with something memorable for Ed's
50th. At least you still have a loooong time to plan it!
Post a Comment