At the Track: Behind the scenes before raceday


For a NASCAR fan, the only feeling that rivals that of 43 engines roaring to life is making that turn into the racetrack. Here at Texas Motor Speedway, where I'm fortunate enough to be able to park in the infield, driving through the tunnel sets my heart racing and gets my blood pumping.  Each step from the parking lot past the garage and into the media center ratchets up the excitement.

It's Thursday, and while the main event of the Wild Asphalt Circus that TMS president and promoter extraordinaire Eddie Gossage has planned won't be until Sunday, the track bustled with activity.

The Camping World Trucks practice today for the WinStar Casino 350 tomorrow. The Busch-Whacked Mud and Fun Run goes until 10 Central over at the dirt track.

Team Chevy provided ridealongs with Joey Coulter and Brendan Gaughan in Camaro pace cars.

But there's more than that happening even this long before the first race in this triple-header weekend begins. Let me show you a bit of what goes on before the show.

The Goodyear Eagle tire store was open for business. Crews lined up to get their allotment of tires and rims.


Even the rims are marked for each team. See the RCR and HMS stenciled on the side?


The Sunoco station began pumping can after can of fuel.


The gasman hauled the full cans back to the Nationwide garage.

 Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes action from The Great American Speedway. Follow me @ljc777 to catch real-time photos from the track.


Janine, aka Lisa or LJ, Cloud, a fifth-generation Texan, lives in Houston and considers Texas Motor Speedway her home track.

She's been a part of the Skirts and Scuffs team since May 2011, going from contributor to media rep, photographer, and associate editor covering both NASCAR and IZOD IndyCar. Janine considers it a privilege to represent the site at the track and to share with readers the excitement of the world of motorsports.

Follow her on Twitter @ljc777.
At the Track: Behind the scenes before raceday At the Track: Behind the scenes before raceday Reviewed by Janine Cloud on Thursday, November 01, 2012 Rating: 5