Austin Dillon Visits Bristol, Gives Some Lucky Fans a Ride Around the Track

Credit: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

Richard Childress Racing driver Austin Dillon, who pilots the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet Silverado in the Camping World Truck Series, came to Bristol Motor Speedway to help promote special ticket package that is available at the track for the O'Reilly Auto Parts 200/UNOH Perfect Storm 150 double header to be held on August 24, 2011. The $33 package includes a ticket to the Wednesday races, a No. 3 Bass Pro Shops hat, and an exclusive Q & A session with Dillon in Bristol's Hospitality Village prior to the race.

Through the Eyes of a Ragan Fan: Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway

David Ragan celebrates with his crew after winning the
Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway
on July 2, 2011. (Geoff Burke/Getty Images)

Any David Ragan fan can tell you that Daytona International Speedway has always been one of his best tracks. Knowing how well he runs there, I was beyond excited for the 2011 season to begin. I knew that Ragan would get his first Cup Series win in 2011, and I had the feeling that it would come in the Daytona 500.

February 20, 2011 is a day that will forever be burned into my memory. With just two laps left, Ragan was penalized for changing lanes on the previous restart while leading the race. That penalty cost him the potential win and left me completely brokenhearted. To see him come that close to winning and have it all taken away in a matter of seconds was one of the worst feelings I have ever had as a NASCAR fan.

I had many sleepless nights after that, and I can only imagine how hard it was on Ragan. Somehow though, I knew deep down that when the Cup Series returned to Daytona in July, things would work out the way I felt they should have in February.