Closed-toed shoes or non closed-toed shoes? THAT is the question. I’m in Daytona this weekend for my first true NASCAR race experience. Over the next few days, I’ll be shooting a series of Chevrolet Cruze Sports Unexpected webisodes with exclusive access.
Whether you’re a NASCAR fan or not, I dare you to follow my rookie adventure as I tell it like I see it. Otherwise, get your earmuffs out because I’m about to blitz on all things racing over the next few days. Consider yourselves warned. (And, I’ll add in some exclusive content from NBA All-Star to balance it out of course. Kristin from Digital Royalty is in LA hanging out with Shaquille O’Neal courtside this weekend.)
As I was packing for my trip this morning, I received a warning text from the producer of the show. It said, “If I didn’t mention already . . . you need closed toed shoes for garage/pit area. See you later.” (Note, he had mentioned this via email the evening prior but must have felt compelled to remind me again. Smart guy.)
After receiving my wardrobe warning, I immediately tweeted this asking if heels were okay to wear in the pit area. I wasn’t sure. I just saw the ESPN Sport Science special about the fancy new track at Daytona International Speedway. Maybe heels would dent the surface and I would be one embarrassed rookie? About an hour later, a PR rep from NASCAR tweeted me back and provided clarity about the 2011 wardrobe rules. THAT is precisely why social media is fantastic. Today, it improved my wardrobe but I’m still not sure about the denting question.
Now, I clearly don’t know a great deal about racing but I’ve recently spent some time in the race environment and I’ve become buddies with a few drivers. (View the series of videos proving just that by clicking on this convenient line.) Also, I know that my dad loves racing, I love me dad and therefore I’ll love racing? Does that math work? Regardless, I know NASCAR fans have a full tank of passion and being around passionate people is one thing I love.
Most importantly, I can get my beauty sleep tonight because I know which shoes I’m going to wear when I interview Jamie McMurray tomorrow. And, based on my Racing 101 tutorial phone call from my dad earlier today, I also know that Jamie won the Great American Race last year. Evidentially, he’s kind of a big deal. (Thanks, Dad.)
