A couple of weeks ago I wrote about my very first experience at an NHRA race. It was truly an amazing weekend and I became a fan by the closing ceremony on Sunday afternoon. Just a few days after the inaugural Carolina Nationals at the new ZMax Dragway@Concord departed town I received a call from Doug Foley. Doug was initially introduced to me during race weekend as the owner/driver of Foley-Lewis Racing and the Doug Foley Drag Racing School. The blinking message light on my phone did not prepare me for the message that was waiting. It was Doug Foley calling to set up a time that we could discuss some test dates he would be running at ZMax Dragway @ Concord for his school. In the tourism world this is called “WOW!”
When I returned Mr. Foley’s telephone call I was prepared to speak first to a receptionist who I would need to convince I was returning a call, then an assistant who would grill me as to the nature of the call (the screening process) and then, leave a message in which he would call me back…in two or three days. Instead I dialed the phone number, kicking myself that I had missed the call to get yet another cup of coffee for the day and he answered. Within the first few minutes of speaking with him he transformed in my mind from Mr. Foley to Doug. Now that doesn’t mean that I have any less respect for him and he isn’t worthy of Mister. On the contrary, I have more respect for him now than ever before and he has caught me in the passion for the sport of drag racing that has me rolling up my sleeves and digging in.
The last few weeks have solidified my very first impression of the NHRA when the sound of the top fuel dragsters rang in my head (I think my ears are still ringing). The fans have an accessibility to the drivers and an opportunity to experience the sport close up like no other sport in the country. When talking to Doug he transitions from a solid business conversation to his family to a marketing decision without missing a beat. He understands the connection NHRA has with its fans and he knows the importance of delivering a top experience whether its his performance on the track, an event with a sponsor or a conversation with a fan. It’s that type of intertwining of all aspects that breeds passion among fans.
So the point of all of this is that the Doug Foley Drag Racing School has signed on for two dates at ZMax Dragway @ Concord. On Friday, November 7 and Saturday, November 8 the school will give fans the opportunity to take a few hours course and actually drive a dragster or climb into a specially designed ride-along dragster with a highly trained professional. I’m thinking I might go for the latter. The highly trained professional part sounds really good to me. The NHRA true fans and thrill seekers are laughing out loud and diving for the mouse right now to register for the opportunity to actually get behind the wheel. Did I mention you can reach speeds of over 100 mph in just a few seconds? The last time I tried that the highway patrol was waiting on the other end. Yes, highly trained professional sounds like my plan. I’ve signed up my husband to drive but don’t tell him…its an early Christmas present.
We are excited in Cabarrus County to have the drag racing school visit us and we hope it becomes a more permanent opportunity for all of those NHRA fans that caught the fever in September. This is just one more opportunity for the fans to get even closer – so close they can literally steer the car!
