I had won a sweepstakes sponsored by Peak antifreeze and the grand prize was the chance to meet any professional racecar driver they sponsored at a local speedway, living in northern Illinois the closest track was in Chicago. I am a Nascar fan more then anything, but couldn't figure out which driver I wanted to meet. The prize featured a three days all access pass, visiting the garage area, being in the pits for qualifying, great tickets for the race and finally getting a 15 minute question session with the driver of my choice. The next race scheduled was an Indy car event in a couple weeks so I decided to choose that event. I read everything I could find out about Indy car and finally decided to meet Danica Patrick, the young and very beautiful new female driver. I had researched her career and found that she seemed like a very nice young lady with lots of good fortune ahead of her. I eagerly waited for the race weekend to arrive and my only hope was that she wouldn't be too put off by my being there, I know some drivers just hate when they have to 'baby sit' a fan, and do it only because their contract says they have to.
The race weekend arrived before I knew it and Thursday my all access pass began. The plan was to be at the raceway for three days, visiting the pits, attending qualifying and meeting Danica, then the race was Sunday and I had 4 tickets in the sponsors box. The first day went pretty uneventful and most of the race teams were just arriving as I was. I was able to watch them unload in the garage area and saw some famous driver, but Danica's team didn't arrive till later in the afternoon. I was told that my meeting with her would take place that day, but when the escort from Peak antifreeze approached her she waved them off, saying that she was too busy due to the team's late arrival. I didn't push it and hoped we would have time later for our question session. The rest of the day was pretty boring to tell the truth, I tried to stay occupied but found myself going by Danica's garage area often, she was a very pretty lady and I was very anxious to meet her. I finally left that evening after being told that Friday was qualifying and I would get to meet Danica then.
The next morning I arrived at the track early, hoping to get my meeting before qualifying began but was told that Danica didn't talk to anyone before qualifying. Disappointedly I took my place in the pits and watched the qualifying. Danica didn't make her qualifying run till about halfway though the afternoon, and for quite some time she was on the pole, but at the end she finished up qualified in 6th position. After qualifying was over it seemed all the race teams were more settled so once again my guide took me to Danica's garage area, this time she seemed more eager to talk and we moved off to the side and began talking. I explained that I was more of a Nascar fan but was really enjoying the weekend. She thanked me and surprised me by asking who my favorite driver was and our conversation continued very easily. I was really taken by her beauty; I was surprised to find out that she was only 5'2", her long dark hair made her appear taller. We continued to talk for almost a half hour, she was eager to answer all the questions I had and we talked more like friends then as a fan and racing star. The guide tried to pull me away after the half hour was up but Danica told them I was ok and could stay and talk a little longer, I thanked her and the guide walked off to talk to another driver. I told her that I thought she had the pole position wrapped up and was disappointed that she hadn't gotten it. She just smiled at me and winking replied that she loved being on the pole. I know I looked and sounded the fool as I blushed and stuttered trying to find a reply. Danica just looked at me and continued to smile and winked again.
I didn't know what to think but finally found my voice and asked her one final question. I made sure the guide was still talking away from me and asked her what she wore under her uniform. Danica smiled again and asked if I would like to see her trailer. Calming myself I responded that I would love to see what she calls home during to race season. She walked over to the guide and told him that he could leave, she would be happy to continue my tour herself. The guide looked over at me and smiled, saying he would see me again tomorrow and to enjoy myself. I thought to myself that I hoped so, but also knew not to expect anything, I was sure that Danica was just teasing me. Danica walked back over and asked if I was ready, I responded that I was and we began walking through the garage area toward where her bus was parked. We talked and continued to make eye contact as we walked toward the bus.
