How many times have you wanted to disobey speeding laws and just mash that gas pedal and fly down the highway?
I got my chance the other night on the 3/8ths mile oval at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe. Travis Powell, who normally drives the number 87 in the late model stock car series, put me behind the wheel of his car for the 50 lap main event. And boy, can those guys drive fast!
There is nothing easy about driving a stock car hard down the straightaway and into those tight left-hand turns. And if anyone tells me that those big league stock car drivers of NASCAR have an easy job, if anyone says they can do what the Saturday night drivers at Monroe do every weekend, I'll tell them they're crazy.
I had some practice laps in the number 87 a few weeks before. But when I strapped into the low slung seat Saturday night, this was the first time I ran the car in an actual race. And there was no way I could keep up with the other 12 drivers. I held on tightly to the wheel and tried to keep up with the back of the line. Eventually they left me in the dust.
So I concentrated on taking the best "racing line" around the track, keeping up enough speed to look like I knew what I was doing. You're in these super powered chariots and you're always looking for an edge, just fast enough to where you're about to spin out on every turn. Eventually my spotter would warn me over the radio that the leaders were coming up on me. I'd glance in my rear view mirror occasionally, then move over just a bit to give the fast guys (which was everyone but me) a chance to pass me on the inside.
I never felt scared in the car because I was too busy driving the car. Though a few times a driver would blow right by me coming out of a turn and slide his car right in front of me, with only inches to spare. And toward the end of the race one driver knocked me in the rear bumper and glanced off the side of my car as he passed me. I later asked my spotter about that situation telling him I didn't know there was a car in back of me. He said I was doing such a good job, and that I was leaving him enough room to pass, he decided not to tell me I had a tailgater.
Anyway the race ended. I believe I finished 10th out of a field of 13. I finished 10th because I was so far behind that when a few crashes and spin outs occured I had more than enough time to avoid the mess.
Travis Powell, the car owner, told me a did a good job for a rookie. Another veteran stock car driver, Pete Harding (whose son won the race), shook my hand and told me I did well. I got out of the car drained. It was one of the most intense experiences of my life. But I have now driven in a real race. There will be stories to tell family and friends for years to come. And my appreciation is even greater for the talent, determination and courage stock car drivers must have to do well.
So, driving a stock car must be easy?! IT IS NOT!
It wasn't until the intermission when I heard your name announced, that you'd be running in the Main. Being in the grandstand for the first time in 10 yrs, after working track-side the previous 8 yrs, I thought you did a pretty good job staying out of trouble,and driving a good line to where the leaders could work around you. My wife and I got a little nervous watching the leaders coming up behind you in 3 and 4, and the last little "love tap" exiting 4 on the last couple laps.
Ahhh,...I miss working at the track sometimes.
Good job Dennis!
my son was asking for Dennis Bounds autograph and his picure was taken while asking. The picture was shown during the newscast of the event. I would like a copy of the picture if it is at all possible.
Dennis You did a great Job I as well as the Team look forward to having the experience again of working with you everyone enjoyed themsevles and I personally thought that you were very fast at picking up on what was going on there is alot behind the scenes that the person in the stands does not see.But racers are a big family and you are now part of the Alumni and the racing family. "Left Turns will never be the same" YOUR CREW CHIEF
DREW EVANS
Dennis You did a great Job I as well as the Team look forward to having the experience again of working with you everyone enjoyed themsevles and I personally thought that you were very fast at picking up on what was going on there is alot behind the scenes that the person in the stands does not see.But racers are a big family and you are now part of the Alumni and the racing family. "Left Turns will never be the same" YOUR CREW CHIEF
DREW EVANS
Dennis You did a great Job I as well as the Team look forward to having the experience again of working with you everyone enjoyed themsevles and I personally thought that you were very fast at picking up on what was going on there is alot behind the scenes that the person in the stands does not see.But racers are a big family and you are now part of the Alumni and the racing family. "Left Turns will never be the same" YOUR CREW CHIEF
DREW EVANS
Dennis You did a great Job I as well as the Team look forward to having the experience again of working with you everyone enjoyed themsevles and I personally thought that you were very fast at picking up on what was going on there is alot behind the scenes that the person in the stands does not see.But racers are a big family and you are now part of the Alumni and the racing family. "Left Turns will never be the same" YOUR CREW CHIEF
DREW EVANS
Hi Dennis
We spoke with you and Rich after the race in the grandstands, and again good job on your first outing. We look forward to seeing you out again this weekend.
We own the #22 driven by Lex Johnson. Lex finished the race in the second spot. We are very proud to have such an outstanding driver. We too have the highest regard for those that have the need for speed.
We took a couple of photos of you and Rich and will attempt to get them to you through the website.
Sincerely
Lena and Frank Coleman
P.S. Watch out for those tailgaters...lol
Hi Dennis,
Congratulations on your first racing success! We are so proud to have you as a part of our racing team. We look forward to watching you get faster and faster! ...and remember this: "there's nothing you can break that hasn't already been broken...everything can be fixed!" We anticipate next season with you! Travis & Lisa
Alright, I'm officially jealous!
Big Bro:
Congratulations on having such a great opportunity to actually 'race' a stock car with such a supportive owner and crew. As you know, I am jealous! Next time leave the driving to me and you can do the reporting. Remember, you drive a hybrid while I've been drifting in my audi. See you soon. Go Gordon!
Way to go Dad! Even though it was a HUGE nail biter for mom and I, every time someone got near you in the race, I'm glad you did it and I'm happy I got to be there to cheer you on!
Yeah . . . . I think I can drive a stock car! I just finished a session at Bristol . . . "World's Fastest Half-Mile", where I set fast time among 30 drivers from around the country. I am 65 years old and had not had my ass in a stock car for 25 years. I drove the #48 Lowe's car, and it fit me like a glove. Hendrick really builds a great racecar! I do however, have a racing past with 2 short track championships and 337 victories.
hey thats my dad lol that let you drive that car