January 15, 2003

Finally in your seats at Daytona hearing the command to start engines, you wonder “how did I get to this point”

There is a cycle to this off season and, something is to be said for winter time and the day dreaming of race cars in Daytona. The preparation that goes with forming a new race season in your heart may start slowly with the viewing of some fine cars such as what Barrett-Jackson will have to offer this month from Scottsdale, Arizona.

You are certainly not robotic to the point at which you just show up to Daytona with a race program in your hand, standing on the back of your seat, shouting down a Gordon fan, talking about who’s your Dad now? There is a process that gets you to that point. Today’s fan is sophisticated in their approach and should be given credit being ready for 36 races.

Barrett-Jackson is a key point in the marking of the new race season. The trading of fine automobiles with the flavor of every fine wine you have ever tasted sets the tone for this mega event. Started in 1960 by Russ Jackson and Tom Barrett the show is an institute when you consider prestige and class among traders of fine cars.

The sale last year brought forward a Wrangler car raced by Dale Earnhardt. Jeff Gordon's history timeline of running a Ford was also auctioned off last season with the Baby Ruth Ford Thunderbird finding a new home. Barrett-Jackson suspected treasure this season from the racing world will be Darrell Gwynns Top Fuel show car with a signed Mike Dunn driver suit. This fire suit has been signed by the 2002 New York Yankees.

This year also marks the 80th Birthday of Caroll Shelby. Barrett-Jackson will place for auction the first off from “Eleanor” The 1967 Shelby G.T. 500E Fastback from the movie remake of Gone in 60 seconds. Its tough to gauge what a car like this will bring and, will depend on the mood of the crowd at that exact time. I look for big bucks being tossed at this Mustang.

Standing by some expensive cars is the way I tend to start the racing season. You don’t have to hear them run to have a feel for what they are. Matching numbers are the name of the game as the approved masses bid on history. Isn’t that the way racing always started? Standing before the sculpted marvel, sensing the grandeur before traversing the track in a common battle of speed among competitors with a similar need.

I urge everyone to smell the roses and, taste the wine before embarking upon another race season. The off season is as short as you make it. Gear up slowly and be standing there on the back of your seat in Daytona with confidence knowing that you are peaking as a race fan at just the right time. Barrett Jackson in Scottsdale this year can form a better race fan in you.

Have you ever taken a friend to the race in which the friend started drinking way too soon, like two days before you left? Your friend seems fine on day one with sentimental race talk filling the air and, then suddenly on day two your friend is standing on the back of your kitchen chair beating you with a race program talking about who’s your Dad now? Your friend has peaked as a fan too soon and, could have used the Barrett-Jackson auto auction to find a better sense of meaning and peace to the race season that really hasn’t started yet.

So, that’s it folks. My invitation to extend your off season and properly prepare for the upcoming Winston Cup series in a manner that considers more than just a 2003 racing schedule. Take some extra time this month and, I will see you in Daletona real soon.

You can contact Joe at: Insider Racing News