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CarlC
11-14-2010, 08:17 PM
The past two weeks have been a whirlwind of car activity around the Casanova home.

First was SEMA/OUSCI https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?74420-The-OUSCI-2010.-What-a-day!! T

Then this past Thursday my dad, two sons, wife, and I rode in my Might Mite for the San Fernando Veterans Day Parade https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?74477-My-my-how-times-change

Then late last week I get an offer from Optima to attend the NHRA finals in Pomona. Gee, drop everything to take my two sons to the races and get V.I.P. passes for the Kalitta Motorsports pit areas? What a choice!

For the three of us it was the first time to a big-time drag race event. It was very cool to be able to sit down and watch Jeff Arend's DHL/Optima Batteries pit crew work. Standing next to that car during warmup is killer. Optima also hosted a technical seminar where the attendees were able to better understand Optima Batteries and ask questions. Afterward Jeff Arend, Dave Grubnic, and Doug Kalitta came over and signed posters and hats. Doug was very gracious and stayed for a few extra minutes and talked to my boys. We were easily spoiled by the hospitality and access that we were fortunate to have.

As we walked to the stands the Funny Cars started running. The very first drag race pass my boys ever saw in person were two Funny Cars hauling the mail, and we were right at the finish line. They were stunned, and for a ten and seven year old to be stunned, it has to be something special.

Unfortunately, Doug and Dave had tough days, but Jeff Arend finished second to John Force who secured not only the win but his 15th world championship.

I can't thank Optima and Kalitta Motorsports enough for their hospitality and thoughtfulness. It's events like these that make for a lifetime of memories. My boys are still talking about the fun they had. Thank you Cam.

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MrQuick
11-14-2010, 08:23 PM
thats awesome, when I first read the header I thought you landed another movie deal. LOL

great kids, great weather, loud cars and the smell of nitro in the air...can a weekend get better than that?
Vince

67 ls1 vert
11-14-2010, 08:32 PM
I took my son the the winter nationals this year for the first time and he pretty amazed too.
Good times for sure. Congrats on the hook up.

mdprovee
11-14-2010, 09:15 PM
That is REALLY Cool!!

Rick Dorion
11-15-2010, 05:13 AM
What a life experience! There's nothing like the punch in the chest from the Top Fuel cars :)

406 Q-ship
11-15-2010, 08:39 AM
Nothing like the sensations of a Fuel car at full bore. I am a long time drag racer and have been doing the national events since the 1980's, fuel cars are something that does not translate to TV they need to be experienced in really time.

srh3trinity
11-15-2010, 08:44 AM
Very cool! I just went to Talladega and got the VIP treatment with catered meals, garage and pit passes, free scanner and all kinds of gear from Kellogg's. Got to meet Carl Edwards as part of the deal too. Events like this are always fun, but I must say, the VIP treatment adds a lot to the day.

66SuperSport
11-15-2010, 10:26 AM
Carl

We were at the Vegas race the weekend before SEMA opened. We try to get one NHRA national event in each year. They are awesome! You can not beat the NHRA for how close and personal you can get with the teams in the pit area.
Sounds like this wont be your last drag racing event with the family.

Rhino
11-15-2010, 10:36 AM
Nothing like the sensations of a Fuel car at full bore. I am a long time drag racer and have been doing the national events since the 1980's, fuel cars are something that does not translate to TV they need to be experienced in really time.

You're absolutely right that it doesn't translate well to TV. I love seeing the reaction on people's face the first time they feel that car fly by.

mc84_zz4
11-15-2010, 11:44 AM
Well done Dad!
You have to prep the next generation of gear-heads properly!