http://diegozum9.friendlinkup.com/ The Official Cabarrus CVB Blog in Concord/Kannapolis North Carolina en http://diegozum9.friendlinkup.com/2008/10/13/doug-foleys-drag-racing-school-comes-to-concord.html A couple of weeks ago I wrote about my very first experience at an NHRA race.  It was truly an amazing weekend as well as I became a fan by the closing ceremony on Sunday afternoon.  Just a few days at the end of 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 as well as the Doug Foley Drag Racing School.  The blinking message light on my phone did not prepare me on behalf of 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 operational at ZMax Dragway @ Concord on behalf of his school.  In the tourism world this is referred to as “WOW!” When I returned Mr. Foley’s telephone call I was prepared to speak first to a receptionist who I would require to convince I was returning a call, then an assistant who would grill me as to the nature of the call (the screening process) as well as 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 on behalf of 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 on behalf of him as well as he isn’t worthy of Mister.  On the contrary, I have more respect on behalf of him now than ever before as well as he has caught me in the passion on behalf of the sport of drag racing that has me rolling up my sleeves as well as 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 as well as 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 as well as 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 on behalf of two dates at ZMax Dragway @ Concord.  On Friday, November 7 as well as Saturday, November 8 the school shall give fans the opportunity to take a few hours course as well as actually drive a dragster or climb into a specially designed ride-along dragster with a highly trained professional.  I’m thinking I might go on behalf of the latter. The highly trained professional part sounds really good to me.  The NHRA true fans as well as thrill seekers are laughing out loud as well as diving on behalf of the mouse right now to register on behalf of the opportunity to actually get behind the wheel. Did I draw attention to 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 as well as we hope it becomes a more permanent opportunity on behalf of all of those NHRA fans that caught the fever in September.  This is just one more opportunity on behalf of the fans to get even closer - so close they can literally steer the car!    Tagged: cabarrus county, Cabarrus County NC, Carolina Nationals, concord, concord nc, concord north carolina, Doug Foley, Doug Foley Drag Racing School, drag racing, Foley-Lewis Racing, Lowe's Motor Speedway, nhra, top fuel dragsters, zmax dragway, zMAX Dragway @ Concord    Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:08:56 -0400 diegozum9