WGI Infield: Where Fans and Drivers Come Together

Photo by Jennifer Thompson

I've been to my share of NASCAR races, but the one that the most fan friendly is the race at Watkins Glen. Unlike other tracks, everyone and everything are in the infield -- the garages, the drivers, the crews, the fans. So chances are pretty good that you're going to have a driver sighting during the race weekend. Matt and I have had the chance to meet several drivers during NASCAR weekend, and this year as no exception.

Our biggest sighting was Rusty Wallace. Rusty wasn't scheduled to appear at the Glen Club, our home for the weekend. Nope, apparently Rusty stopped by for the food and the view (the same reasons why we were there!). Rusty is Matt's all-time favorite NASCAR driver, so needless to say he was grinning ear to ear when he met him (see the photographic evidence above). Rusty liked the food so much, he had both breakfast and lunch!

Photo by Jennifer Thompson

Photo by Jennifer Thompson

One of the perks at the Glen Club is the driver appearances. We had visits from defending Watkins Glen winner Marcos Ambrose (left),  Marcos' teammate Aric Almirola (right), and Bobby Labonte.

For some reason, the Glen Club attracted NHL players this year. Dustin Brown of L.A. Kings, was the honorary starter, and rumor has it New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundquist was there. As Devils fan, I can't say was really excited to see either. (Oh yeah, and former heavyweight champion Michael Moorer was there too).

Photo by Jennifer Thompson

On Sunday morning, I attended my first Tweetup. Watkins Glen hosted the meeting of fans on Twitter in Gatorade Victory Lane. All you needed to get in was the password, which was "Follow Me to the Glen." Jeff Gluck, motorsports editor for SBNation.com, brought along Brian Vickers as his guest.

Brian answered the fans' questions, and he signed autographs and took pictures with everyone there.  I hope we see Brian back in a full-time ride next year.

Thanks to the Glen (@WGI) for hosting all of us fans who follow the track on Twitter.

Photo by Mike Meadows (ISC)

One of the things I absolutely about the Rolex Series is the access to its drivers. On Friday afternoon, we headed over to the team haulers for autographs. I had all the drivers sign a poster from the Sahlens Six Hours at the Glen -- a nice souvenir from our vow renewal.

On a side note, during the Rolex race on Saturday night, we spotted Jimmie Johnson, his wife, and daughter watching the race from their golf cart and talking to Jamie McMurray. Since it was family time, we stuck with a sighting from afar.