Pilots, NASCAR, and Tailgating?
So, my hubby Mike did something pretty cool last weekend. I think I’ve mentioned before that he is an F-16 pilot in the Air Force. Right now he is stationed at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas as an Instructor Pilot for the T-38 jet. Anyway…last weekend he (and some other guys from the squadron) did the flyby for the Nationwide NASCAR Series Race up in Dallas. Thanks to the wonders of technology, I was able to pause live TV and snap this photo of his flyby as shown on ESPN. :)
After doing the flyby, Mike and the other pilots were escorted into pit row to watch the race. Mike said it was a pretty cool experience being right down by the action. They met Jack Roush, owner of several NASCAR teams and fellow aviation fan, and they stood within arms reach of Kyle Busch during his celebration in victory lane. However, what surprised Mike the most was how much the pilots were treated like the celebrities by the fans and even the racecar drivers. He was the one looking forward to meeting the race personalities, but it turns out they were just as excited to meet the fighter pilots. I guess we sometimes take for granted what he gets to do for a job since flying is what he does every day.
But, to most people, being a fighter pilot is still a pretty unusual and “cool” job that most people only get to dream about as a kid.
Mike was so amazed at how welcoming all of the NASCAR fans were to the pilots. When they walked through the rows and rows of tailgaters, they were bombarded with offers of food, photo requests, and sincere appreciation for what they do for our country. One thing Mike noticed while he was talking with fans was how many people had Lifetime tables set up for their tailgate parties. Unfortunately, he decided pictures of Kyle Busch and T-38s were more exciting than tables so he didn’t take any pictures to back up his story! But, I’m sure he’s telling the truth.
In fact, since Lifetime tables are such a staple tailgate item, in 2005 and 2006, Lifetime actually hosted a giant “Tailgate of a Lifetime” party with over 40,000 NASCAR fans attending at the Michigan International Speedway! Whether it’s a camp table with wire rack to set the grill on, a banquet table to set the food on, or chairs to put your rear on, Lifetime products are pretty much ideal for tailgates.
So, regardless if you’re a football fan or NASCAR fan, ‘tis the season to tailgate! And, if you’re tired of serving the traditional burgers and hotdogs, be sure to check out the yummy recipe for Grilled Flank Steak Sandwiches, as well as other tailgate tips and solutions at www.lifetime.com.
Oh…and hope you enjoy this “bird’s eye” view of NASCAR as seen from a T-38!
