This past Saturday night I went out with some guys from work. Not necessarily an unusual event, save for the fact that I went with them to the local Stock Car Races, something I haven't done previously. Since I enjoy racing, bellowing V8 engines, and chili dogs, it seemed like a sound choice. No beer pong this weekend.
My baptisim into one of the purest forms of Southern culture (auto racing exhibiting only left turns) was pretty fun. First, let me state that I am accepting of most all human cultures, as long as blatantly moronic practices are kept to a minimum. Let me also state that I come from a middle-class neighborhood in Colorado (very much disconnected from the South), and went to a big liberal State-sponsored Yuppie College. Despite the departure from my regular weekend activities, I had a pretty good time. I will say that this was the first 'sporting' event I have attended where one was allowed to bring a given amount of beer in. I wore a decent size assault pack to the track, and didn't warrant a second look by the guy manning the gate and taking tickets. I doubt this trick can be pulled off many places in the country. It's a pity I didn't take more advantage of it, I only had one beer.
Saturday night racing accurately reflects the relative level of driver skill in North Carolina. It appeared (to me) that the local high school drivers' ed class was filling in behind the wheel tonight. For every lap actually raced, there were 4 or 5 laps under the yellow flag. Unorganized vehicular chaos beats one lap after another with no other action, however.
