SOUTH AFRICA -- Wow! What a week it has been so far. Filed all the paperwork and everyone had what they needed to make this exciting journey to South Africa.
My dad and I flew out (Monday) a day earlier than the guys. But we had a little unexpected stop in Phoenix, AZ. Dad (Rick) had to stay to take care of some personal business and I got on a flight Tuesday morning to Atlanta, where I was to meet all the crew. Needless to say, I didn’t have much sleep over the past few days. I guess I better suck it up, as my mom (Sandy) would say.
The guys arrived in Atlanta and of course we stopped at TGI Friday’s for a little dinner before our 15-hour flight to South Africa. Oh, and of course dessert, as we all know that’s my favorite part of a meal.
So we finally board the plane and we are on our way. These poor flight attendants have to deal with all these racers that are loud, wild and a little on the crazy side, but my uncle Larry (McCray) seemed to keep the whole plane entertained all flight long.
After arriving in South Africa and claiming our bags we headed for the bus for a 3-hour drive to the hotel. The natives hounded us for money to help with our bags. And just so you all know, they drive on the opposite side of the road, like maniacs. It was almost dark, but I did get a few pictures of the sun setting on Johannesburg. It was pretty astonishing. Our bus driver seemed to be a little lost, though, and had to stop three times for directions. Kind of scary, I tell you.
We arrived at the hotel and Dennis Huth and the entire ASA staff was there to greet us. We checked into our rooms and got our hard cards and food vouchers for lunch and dinner. Then it was up to the room to shower and go to bed as we had to get up fairly early to go to the track. I talked to my mom and dad and everything was good so I felt a lot better about everything. Plus, dad told me he told everyone he had to come up with some excuse to go home because he couldn’t handle being beat by his daughter. That made me feel so proud and I cannot wait to bring the trophy home to him.
We all met for breakfast in the lobby. Let me tell you the food is very interesting here. Then we headed for the buses to haul us to the race track. When we arrived at the track it was nothing more than a waiting game as Customs had not shown up. So Geoff Bodine took Tif Daniels, Mark Davis and myself for a ride around the track. Then my crew and I walked the track to check out everything. I looked at pickup points and references around the track.
I am ready to go. Once we unload the containers with the cars and pit equipment we’ll prepare the cars for practice tomorrow morning. Tonight we will be going to an Italian restaurant close to the hotel and I have my fingers crossed that I will like it.
Tomorrow (Friday) will be the first time I hit the track in the race car and I cannot wait.
