Greetings Race Fans....Welcome to the Milwaukee Zoo 150, hosted at the Milwaukee Mile in West Allis, Wisconsin.
Before we begin this weekend's festivities, lets take a look at the history of the Milwaukee Mile.
Track is a one mile flat oval with relatively flat banking: 9.25 degrees in the turns and 2.50 degrees in the straights.
The track opened in 1903, and has the distinction of being the oldest operating racetrack in the world. At least one auto race has been held here each year since 1903.
Track was operated as a dirt track for the first 50 years, and was pave in asphalt in 1954.
The Milwaukee Mile has hosted events by major sanctioning bodies of: AAA, USAC, NASCAR, CART and the IRL series.
Our event sponsor is the Milwaukee County Zoo, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Some tidbits about the zoo for you animal fanatics are:
Opened in 1892 in downtown Washington Park in Milwaukee.
By 1902 the Zoo had grown to about 800 animals on 23 acres of land
The Zoo moved to its current location in 1958, and is home to 1700 animals representing 350 species.
The Zoo has several endangered animal programs, featuring; Humboldt Penguins, Bonobo's (Primates) and Trumpeter Swans.
OPENING DAY at the track is Friday for practice of the Show us Your Moon Tour 2008. The drivers are anxious to begin. The first four events of the season saw four different drivers win a four events: Jon464, Tezgm99, Jbroomy, and Klvalus. Will this weekend's race give us a new winner for the season? Or will one of our prior winners become the first two time winner for 2008?
Wait a second...there's some commotion down in the infield by the tunnel area. It seems that the Milwaukee County Zoo has given guest passes to some of the Zoo residents to cheer on their favorite GGW drivers.
The first pair of guests spotted are looking for their favorite driver...Jokerswild!
Closely behind them is a single Big Brown Bear looking for RSO author...Hanahan!
Sitting to the side is the Silverback Gor*illa looking for the banana smoothies. He is the third cousin twice removed of GGW driver...Photogr!
Mischieviously peeking behind the others is GGW prankster...Texascudaguy!
Another observer to this weekend's activities is from the step family of....Sweetkena!
Looking above the crowd is a good friend of GGW driver...YeeMum!
WOW, we certainly have a good mix of fans here at the track this weekend!
What's this.... a group of penguin's looking for the ice cream and favorite driver...Gerrel!
OK...OK...back to the racing drivers and the practice for the day.
The first practice session is almost done, and last week's winner Klvalus is leading the pack of Girl-rilla's. The Guy-rilla's are not far behind with Tylerhead staying calm and cool behind the leader.
As the second practice session winds down later in the afternoon, there is a lot going on at the track, and Hotfootlori has now dominated the field. Klvalus is not too happy with the turn of events. Better watch out...these GGW drivers have been known to keep an ace up their sleeve!
SATURDAY DAWNS clear and bright for Qualifications at the Milwaukee Mile. All the drivers are ready to give it their all, and as the session winds down we have the following GGW drivers in the top 10 positions for Sunday's event:
Jokerswild
Tylerhead
Forensic2
Tezgm99
Jbroomy
Texascudaguy
MeanDovine
Hanahan
Sweetkena
Tsfanpc
Uh, Oh...Someone is not too happy...Ms. Hotfootlori is out for retaliation. It seems that during her qualification run, several lug nuts came loose, and the right side tire came off after the first lap, giving her a 12th place start in the field. Klvalus was seen with a pocketful of lugnuts and bragging to Dwindy how she was going to make Hotfoot eat some crow!
So sad fellas! Moseby and Jon464 are trying to forget that they are in the back of the pack for this week's race.
Some of the rest of the gang; Tylerhead, Jokerswild, Forensic2, Tezgm99, and Jbroomy were content to relax for the evening...knowing that they were in the top 5 for tomorrow's event.
Watching the final event of the day with great interest was 24X2 and Speedbeagle. The parrots were in fine form during practice of the flyover for Sunday.
And as a backup, the seagulls were practicing their manuever's also.
Both MeanDovine and Frevr3fan got a little too close watching the seagulls, and ended up with some white bird doo-doo in their guy-rilla fur.
Well Folks, tomorrow is race day. Grab your buddies, get a seat with a good view,
And come on out to enjoy the race with the GGW gang!
WE'LL SEE YOU IN VICTORY LANE AT THE MILWAUKEE ZOO 150!
It's time for my bi-annual trek to Michigan International Speedway this weekend. As I start to pack the van this weekend, I ponder what to bring to the races. Yeah, we have the usual stuff for camping, but I don't want to forget about race day, and being comfortable at the track. After all...that's the focus of the weekend, Sunday's race.
Most everyone on this blogging site has been to multiple NASCAR races, so you can relate getting your stuff together for the trip. Part of the fun is showing your support for your favorite drivers or teams. Whether it be your clothing or assessories you take with you to the track. And of course all the tracks have restrictions on what you are allowed to bring into the track.
The following is an abbreviated excerpt from the 2008 MIS Guest Guide that comes with your tickets in the mail:
Items Fans May Enter MIS Admission Gates With:
Only One Soft Sided Cooler or Bag allowed per Ticket Holder.
- One softsided cooler is allowed into the grandstands provided it is the following dimensions: 6"x6"X12". Or scanner bag, fanny pack, purse, camera bag, etc.
- One Clear plastic bag is allowed into the grandstands provided it is no larger than 18"x18"x4". Bag may not contain ice or freezer packs.
Items such as binoculars, scanners, cameras (not in bag) are still allowed in the grandstands. MIS recommends using necks straps or belt clips to carry items in. Seat Cushions are also allowed. Video equipment is allowed but must not interfere with another guest's enjoyment of the race.
All items brought through the Admissions Gates are Subject to Inspection.
Then there are the items you can't bring in with you. Most are common sense, but are spelled our clearly to avoid any confusion to the fans.
Fans May Not Enter the Admission Gates With:
- Hard sided coolers, thermoses or insulated cups of any size.
- Any canvas/cloth or non see through bag, backpack, purse or container larger than specified size.
- Firearms, knives, fireworks, and items restricted by local, state or federal laws.
While all this may seem like a lot or rules, I don't really feel they are being overly cautious. Sure, it took awhile to get used to NOT being able to bring in my hard sided cooler covered with NASCAR stickers. But now I have grown used to bringing minimal items into the track.
So what am I bringing into the track this weekend?????
#1 - the Obvious....YOUR TICKET! (Don't leave home without it) Good to have a clear plastic ticket holder with neck strap too, for convienence sakes.
the rest...in no particular order: Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Race Cap, Money, Bottled water to fit in soft sided cooler, Scanner, Seat Cushion, & possibly my camera (although we have been to so many races here that we tend not to bring the camera much anymore).
Of course I do like to dress for comfort, and most serious fans do. So typical outfit is Jean Shorts, T-shirt, Socks, and Athletic Shoes. Havent bought any new racing gear lately, other than a hat. Years ago I went all decked out in DW gear...he's my all time favorite driver. Now I am content to root for Mark Martin (when he's racing) and Kevin Harvick.
***** uh, oh.....the weather report shows 30% chance of rain on Saturday & Sunday. Hope those showers stay away from Brooklyn, MI until after the race!
S0....what do you bring to the track with you on race day? Any tips to share with your fellow bloggers?
As you may know, one of Kyle Busch's sponsors is Pedigree Dog Food. He is an avowed dog lover himself, and actually has a pair of West Highland Terriers. This year (from May to November) he is helping to raise money for shelter dogs.
In conjunction with Pedigree Dog Food, Kyle Busch is participating in a program called Kyle's Miles Program. You can donate $1.00 per mile driven by Kyle Busch. It can be for as many miles as you want. This will also enter your name for a chance to meet Kyle Busch at the Phoenix race this fall.
Since Kyle has been driving so well lately...this could add up to some sizeable donations for the dogs. Even if you are not a Kyle Busch fan, it is good to see the NASCAR stars support something that is close to their heart.
For additional information you may click on the link below to the Pedigree website.
Some interesting tidbits of news today for the 92nd Indianapolis 500, which takes place on May 25, 2008.
Eddie Cheever to serve as an analyst for Indy 500 coverage.
This is exciting news to liven up the current broadcast booth for the race. Cheever is the 1998 Indianapolis 500 winner. Cheever, who turned 50 this year, has raced in Formula 1, CART, and the IRL during his career. He last raced in the IRL in 2006 for his own team, before folding the team due to lack of sponsorship in mid-season.
He joins both Marty Reid and Scott Goodyear in the booth for the qualifications and race day coverage of this year's 500. While both Reid and Goodyear "know their stuff" it will be nice to have a new voice in the booth to add some excitement.
I am sure that some of you will remember Rusty Wallace, who served as an analyst for the 2006 IRL season on EPSN. While Rusty was certainly enthusiastic in the booth, I believe that his comparison's to NASCAR and unfamiliarity with some of the IRL differences, often led to additional humor during the broadcast.
Jim Nabors to return to the Speedway to sing "Back Home Again in Indiana"
One of the most beloved prerace traditions of the Indianapolis 500 is the singing of "Back Home Again in Indiana" by Jim Nabors. He has sung the traditional song 29 times since 1972. Most notably during consecutive prerace ceremonies from 1987 - 2006.
Last year he was unable to sing due to illness, and the Purdue University Marching Band played the song, while the race fans were encouraged to sing along as the words were scrolled down the Video Tron Screens. Even though Nabors will turn 78 this year, his strong voice and rendition of this song have endeared him to race fans young and old alike.
Julianne Hough (Dancing With the Stars instructor) will sing the National Anthem.
Julianne Hough, who partnered with Indy 500 Winner Helio Castroneves during last year's season of "Dancing With the Stars" , is scheduled to sing the National Anthem at the 92nd Indianapolis 500.
Who can forget the excitement last fall as the gorgeous Julianne and Helio Castroneves danced their way into America's hearts as they won the DWTS trophy. While I don't believe there is any dancing scheduled during the prerace ceremonies, it is always fun to see all the celebrities who attend the race each year. Another part of the prerace ceremonies, is when the Speedway announces this year's guest celebrities on the PA system, and then they ride around the track in convertibles and wave to the race fans.
For additional information on the Indianapolis 500 and all the festivities for the 2008 race, check out their website at:
WOW! Some hot news from the Indy Racing League today. Coca-Cola North America has signed a multi-year agreement with the Indy Racing League to sponsor them through 2010.
This is HUGE! Probably the biggest sponsor ever to align themselves with the IRL. As with NASCAR, there are incredible marketing possibilties available. We all know (and love) those Coca-Cola commercials with our NSACAR guys. Now the IRL guys can ham it up in front of the camera's now too with their new favorite beverage.
Finally after over two months of searching we have located our infamous GGW racing member, Texascudaguy. Yep...he has taken the plunge ladies, and has married the lovely Naomi Watts of King Kong fame. The wedding actually took place down under in Australia yesterday on April 1, 2008. The wedding was a noisy affair as the GGW G*rilla gang was in a very festive mood.
The Best Man was Tezgm99. Tez had a bit of difficulty getting the wedding ring off his paw (that he was holding onto for the groom). Luckily Cuda forgave him, and only asked for a case of Tim Tam's to keep his bride happy.
The Maid of Honor was Hotfootlori. Hotfoot helped the bride get ready for the big day, but unfortunately when she gave the Naomi a ride to the church in her new GGW ride, her veil flew out of the window, and her hairdo was not quite so perfect.
The grooms other attendants were: Photogr, Forensic2, and Frevr3fan. Forensic2 toasted the happy couple at the reception with a banana/berry champagne and promised them a Frame by Frame wedding album when they returned from their honeymoon. Photogr helped create and bake the extraordinary 5 tiered banana wedding cake. Frevr3fan tried his best to sing the first song for the happy couple, but instead got pelted with banana peels, and had to call the Nascarazzi to rescue him from the other guests.
The bride's other attendants were: Klvalus, Iowagirl, and YeeMum. Klvalus read a list of special Hot or Not tips for the newlywed's first night together as G*rilla and wife. Iowagirl tapped into the GGW board conversations to ensure Miss Naomi that none of the other GGW woman were flirting with Cuda. YeeMum had her purple toolbox handy to make sure the couple would have a safe trip in their car on their way to the airport.
As ushers, both Volfan69 and 8jr8fan made sure all the guests got seated properly, received the wedding program, and had their banana bubbles ready to cheer for the new Mr. and Mrs. Texascudaguy.
With all the antics of the guests, the GGW medic and licensed EMT, Charrit had his hands full all evening. Especially when both Frank and Maude showed up a bit tipsy after imbibing some of the "Show us Your Moonshine". Frank said that Cuda never really broke off the engagement with her properly. And Maude said that Naomi just wasn't pretty enough for Cuda.
A big fiasco of the evening ensued when Gerrel caught the bouquet, but then calmly stated that that was allowable, as she was now single. As for the garter...it was caught by jon464, who was just doing some research to see which wedding guests should be thown underthe bus this week. WilliamWilman will be running a Trifecta this week to determine which couples at the wedding would still be together next month.
So where did Texascudaguy and Naomi go on their honeymoon?
In light of all the excitement this past week with the IRL/CCWS unification, I wanted to share some information with everyone. On Sunday, June 1st, the IRL will be racing at the Milwaukee Mile in Wisconsin. To celebrate the unification, they have an exciting offer for all fans who wish to purchase tickets to this race during the month of March 2008.
Basically the tickets are specially priced at 2 for 1. The tickets that are offered are priced $40 to $50 depending on which section you select.
I have attended this race almost every year since 1983. The racing is close and competitive, as the track is only 1/2 mile in length. The speeds are typically in the 170 mph range in recent years. You can see the entire track from your seat. And also see all the pitstops. They have done a lot of upgrades to the grandstands and track in the last 5 years. it is located in the Wisconsin State Fair Park grounds in the suburb of West Allis, WI.
If you have yet to see an IRL race, and live in the upper Midwest area...this would be a terrific opportunity. You will not be disappointed. The track is easy to get to and located directly off the interstate (route 94).
Here is the special link to the website for the discounted tickets:
Earlier today my husband politely forwarded me some links to the new Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2008 issue which is due out this week. Of interest to both NASCAR and IRL fans are two lovely women featured in this issue.
For NASCAR fans, the lovely Ingrid Vandebosch (Jeff Gordon's Wife) has some eye catching photos.
For IRL fans, the lovely Danica Patrick is also featured in some fun and sexy shots. Also there is an interview with Danica that shows a bit of her humorous side. She was even asked whom she would like to see in a speedo. I won't reveal the answer here...you'll just have to see the article yourself.
While both women are very attractive...I personally think Danica's personality is a bit more evident in these photos. I would reckon that this issue is sure to be flying off the shelves quickly.
THIS BLOG IS BEING SUBMITTED IN REFERENCE TO HOTFOOTLORI'S CONTEST TO SUBMIT A POST ABOUT A DRIVER ONE DOES NOT NORMALLY ROOT FOR, AND SHARE WITH THE READERS WHY YOU BELIEVE THIS DRIVER MAY WIN.
There are a myriad of reasons why any driver wants to win a race on Sunday (or Saturday night), besides the obvious of one of fame and glory. And of course when the event is the marquee event of NASCAR, as the Daytona 500 is, the rewards and fame are that much sweeter. This year is would be an exceptional year to claim the trophy, since 2008 marks the 50th running of the Great American Race.
Typically there are several reasons that motivate a driver to win the race to the checker's each week: Personal satisfaction, Team effort and of course the Sponsor's. Why the sponsor's you ask? Well keeping the sponsor's happy (by being in victory lane of course) pays dividend's to the team to help ensure they can continue racing the rest of the season and stay competitive.
Some personal reason's to motivate Kasey Kahne win the 500:
- WInning the Daytona 500 would be his 8th career victory. Also 2008 marks the start of his Fifth season in NASCAR.
- He would be the first winner since Derrick Cope in 1990 to hail from the state of Washington.
- Winning the first race of 2008 would end his winless streak extending back into the fall of 2006.
Thoughts on boosting the team morale with a victory in the Daytona 500:
-This would greatly override the haunting dismay of the 2007 Daytona 500, where the team was one of six teams found with illegal modifications during Speedweeks.
-This would be Dodge's first return trip to victory lane in the Daytona 500 since 2002, when Ward Burton won the race.
- Not just winning the Daytona 500...but winning the 50th Anniversary of the Great American Race. Perhaps even an opportunity to be interviewed by his teammate Elliott Sadler on Trackside Live the following week as a guest.
Some fun motivational reasons to keep the sponsor's happy might include:
- Knowing that your race car is faster than those Budweiser Clydesdale's, yet still enjoying the association of a premier sponsor.
- Staying in shape by avoiding those overly affectionate Allstate girls, trying to get your autograph and more.
- The opportunity to be the newest winner in the Gillette Young Guns, and be the bad guy in the commercials.
-The thrill of making Tony Stewart jealous because McDonald's is one of your sponsor's.
-There are of course many more sponsors for the team...but most importantly always thank them, and be sure not to Dodge any praise for your car manufacturer.
But finally dear reader's whomever does manage to win the race to the checkers and earn the Daytona 500 trophy, you now have a number of reasons to cheer for the #9 BudweiserAllstate Dodge Charger of Kasey Kahne on Sunday, February 17, 2008.
Longtime auto racing fan from the mid 1980's, I attend about 9 race weekends each year between Indy 500 qualification s, IRL and NASCAR races in the Midwest area.
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