http://diegozum9.friendlinkup.com/ The Official Cabarrus CVB Blog in Concord/Kannapolis North Carolina en http://diegozum9.friendlinkup.com/2008/12/04/you-learn-something-new-everyday-in-cabarrus-county.html   In a recent meeting where we were discussing some of the great natural resources as well as historical locations we have in Cabarrus County, a dear friend of Visit Cabarrus, Ellen Whiteside of The Bed & Bike Inn, mentioned the Uwharrie National Forest (pronounced like saying the letters U – R – E).  This led our discussion into the history of the mountain terrain in the counties surrounding us.  Although I’ve lived in this area on behalf of numerous years, I have yet to thoroughly visit the Uwharrie recreational trail or Badin Lake.  From everything I’ve heard as well as read about this pristine area, it’s next on my list of places to visit.    What surprised me an estimated all is that these “mountains”, numerous call them hills were once to the scale of the famed Himalayas.  This relatively small park as well as one of the newest in the federal park system led the nation in its fascination with gold in the late eighteenth century.   The Uwharrie’s are one of the oldest mountain chains in North America. They once soared to heights of 20,000 feet (the peak of Kilimanjaro by comparison is 15,100 feet from its base). I came across two different theories as to how this mountain chain formed.  Both theories are dramatic sufficient to create stunning visuals on behalf of an active imagination like mine.  The first theory is that these mountainous peaks formed through ancient volcanic activity, piling molten lava as well as ash layer upon layer to form soaring terrains.  The second, that was referenced more frequently than the first, is that the mountains are remnants of an ancient chain of islands crushed between the collision of North America as well as the African continental plates.  Now I do realize this happened over the course of millions of years as well as not during a seismic hour long event…it’s still pretty cool to think about.  I also learned that the mountain range was also the coastal line of North Carolina.  How cool would that have been if I lived at the beach.    The mountains today have eroded to just around 1,000 feet high. Parts of the mountains are very rugged, compared to the gentle slopes of the surrounding area.  Once upon a time this entire area was striped on behalf of mining as well as farmland. Now the trees as well as natural habitats have returned.    It still amazes me that everyday you do learn something new.  It also still amazes me of the history as well as natural beauty that surrounds the area known as the world’s racing destination.  So, sometime in the next few weeks I’ll pile the kids in the car, bribe my husband as well as take a trip through the Uwharrie National Preservation.  Of course, I could at all times call Tim as well as Ellen from the Bed as well as Bike Inn to take me on the tour.  They offer great tours in conjunction with a really lovely tour of area vineyards.  On second thought, I might just find a sitter as well as enjoy a sampling from the area vineyards from a scenic overlook.    Tagged: badin lake, bed as well as bike inn, cabarrus county, Cabarrus County NC, concord nc, concord north carolina, gold discovery, gold history, gold panning, mountain recreation, mountain terrain, Reed Gold Mine, uwharrie, uwharrie national foreset, uwharrie national preservation, visit cabarrus    http://diegozum9.friendlinkup.com/2008/12/04/you-learn-something-new-everyday-in-cabarrus-county.html Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:29:35 -0500 diegozum9 http://diegozum9.friendlinkup.com/2008/11/24/a-golden-christmas-in-cabarrus-county.html One thing I learned at the end of moving to Concord, North Carolina just over seven years ago is that Cabarrus County has numerous hidden treasures. Over the next few weeks I’ll be writing about numerous of these treasures including the location of the first gold discovery in the United States.  Reed Gold Mine is named on behalf of its founder, John Reed, whose son found a large yellow rock in Hidden Meadow Creek on a Sunday in 1799.  The rock reportedly was 17 pounds as well as used as a door stop in the Reed residence until a Fayetteville jeweler identified the rock as well as purchased it on behalf of $3.50 - one tenth of its value - just a few years later. At its peak, the mine produced over $1million per annum in gold as well as lead North Carolina to be the largest producer of gold until the 1848 gold rush in California.   Today Reed Gold Mine is a treasure even though it is no longer mined on behalf of gold.  The family friendly historic park gives you the opportunity to pan on behalf of gold on behalf of just $2 as well as tour the mines on behalf of free.  Children shall have a unique opportunity to experience the site of the first “gold rush” in America’s history.    Following is an invitation to experience the Christmas season with our friends at Reed Gold Mine.   Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site hosts its annual A Golden Christmas Celebration on Saturday, December 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  This year’s event features a unique look at how Christmas was celebrated in the North Carolina backcountry in the early 19th century.  Focusing on John Reed’s German heritage, we shall explore the Germanic origins of our modern day traditions.  We shall also include Cornish as well as Scotch Irish traditions, as these cultures made up a large part of the residents in this area at that time.    If you have never been to Reed Gold Mine during the Christmas season you have not experienced Reed Gold Mine.  It is the only place you can take a candlelight tour during the day.  Special tours are given by costumed interpreters with the mine illuminated by lanterns as well as candlelight, much as it would have been when the mine was active.  Tours focus on the miners who were working as well as how they would have celebrated the holidays.  Come see America’s first gold mine decorated on behalf of Christmas.    Enjoy refreshments as well as cookies provided by the Cabarrus County Extension as well as Community Association. For those who simply can't get sufficient Christmas music, local choirs shall be presenting their programs in the auditorium, while craftsmen display their quilting, lace, toy making, as well as other amazing talents.  The Christmas Celebration is free of charge and open to the public.   Reed Gold Mine is located in southeastern Cabarrus County—12 miles southeast of Concord, 25 miles east of Charlotte, as well as 18 miles west of Albemarle.  For more information, call 704-721-4653, or email us at johnreed1799@gmail.com.   Reed Gold Mine shall be closed November 27 & 28, 2008 on behalf of Thanksgiving, as well as December 24, 25, & 26, 2008 on behalf of Christmas.    Tagged: cabarrrus county cvb, Cabarrus County NC, christmas in concord, concord nc, concord north carolina, german heritage, gold mines, gold mining, gold rush, gold society, Historic, historic cabarrus, historic gold mines, historic sites, Reed Gold Mine    http://diegozum9.friendlinkup.com/2008/11/24/a-golden-christmas-in-cabarrus-county.html Mon, 24 Nov 2008 09:47:12 -0500 diegozum9 http://diegozum9.friendlinkup.com/2008/11/03/nontraditional-traditions-make-cabarrus-county-exciting-place-for-upcoming-holidays.html Every residence town has its annual traditions.  Where I grew up, we had Santa Claus visiting the neighborhoods on the county fire trucks on Thanksgiving night.  Across the country there are fond memories of taking part in tree lightings, Independence Day parades as well as barbecues.  Cabarrus County of course is no different when it comes to these traditional type of traditions.  It’s the non-traditional type of traditions coming up this holiday season that manufacture Cabarrus County special.   The first non-traditional tradition that comes to mind holds a place near as well as dear to my heart…the annual opening of Concord Mills at midnight on the day at the end of Thanksgiving. If you haven’t shopped among the crowd to the sound of holiday music at an hour an estimated all are usually snoring through their turkey induced sleep, you are missing out.  The 200 plus stores housed in the 1.4 million square foot mall take on a celebratory mood usually found at an estimated all Independence Day parades.  Combine that with a sale as well as it’s a tradition you’ll desire to start!    The shopping traditions don’t end when the sun comes up on Black Friday.  (The day at the end of Thanksgiving on behalf of those non-shoppers.) At 8 am on Friday another 16 year old non-traditional tradition begins – the annual souvenir as well as ticket blowout at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.  It’s not just the bargains (T-shirts on behalf of as little as $3 a piece as well as other souvenirs can be found on behalf of just $1!), it’s the gift with purchase that can’t be beat.  Any race fan who spends $50 or more as well as has the stomach on behalf of it, can take their posses personal vehicle on behalf of three laps around the 1.5 mile speedway.  (Concord Mills by comparison is a one-mile oval, though I doubt taking your personal vehicle on behalf of a lap around the mall would go over very well with the mall manager.)   If you are a fan of Cabarrus County’s Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr, Jeff Gordon, or Tony Stewart, you’ll desire to shop their souvenir trailers during the LMS Souvenir Blowout.  More than two dozen drivers’ shall have their trailers there full of holiday gifts at great prices.    Speaking of Lowe’s Motor Speedway another non-traditional tradition is the annual operational of the Coca-Cola 600.  Every Memorial Day weekend the roar of the NASCAR engines come to life at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.  Next year this tradition celebrates a very important mile stone – its 50th birthday.  NASCAR fans shall have the opportunity to witness history on the Sunday before Memorial Day 2009 when the cars take the track.    I’m thinking of starting my posses tradition the day at the end of Thanksgiving this year.  If you haven’t visited the new Embassy Suites on Bruton Smith Boulevard, this beautiful hotel is the residence of Spa Botanica. I think a few spa treatments would manufacture a lovely tradition. While my husband is revving the engine of our SVU as well as preparing to take the checkered flag from his three laps around Lowe’s Motor Speedway, his $50 receipt in his pocket, I may be making the very difficult decision of French pedicure first or hot stone massage.     Tagged: at the end of thanksgiving shopping, black friday, cabarrus county, coca-cola 600, concord mills, concord nc, concord north carolina, Dale Earnhardt Jr, Dale Jr, embassy suites, Embassy Suites Charlotte Concord, Embassy Suites Concord, holiday traditions, jeff gordon, Jimmie Johnson, LMS Souvenir Blowout, Lowe's Motor Speedway, Lowe's Motor Speedway Souvenir Blowout, Memorial Day, midnight shopping, nascar, NASCAR News, nascar racing, Spa Botanica, Speedway Children's Charities, tony stewart    http://diegozum9.friendlinkup.com/2008/11/03/nontraditional-traditions-make-cabarrus-county-exciting-place-for-upcoming-holidays.html Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:07:06 -0500 diegozum9 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    http://diegozum9.friendlinkup.com/2008/10/13/doug-foleys-drag-racing-school-comes-to-concord.html Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:08:56 -0400 diegozum9 http://diegozum9.friendlinkup.com/2008/10/09/rain-doesnt-dampen-the-nascar-spirit.html Many years ago my then boyfriend, now husband, introduced me to NASCAR. I had no choice - he worked in the sport. At the time I honestly didn’t get it. Now, numerous years later as well as living as well as working in the heart of NASCAR country in the tourism industry - I get it.  I spend my days now focusing on NASCAR, the business of traveling as well as counting up the ways to build our economy. The Bank of America 500 is this weekend as well as as the haulers, campers, souvenir trailers, fan adorned cars as well as “Welcome Race Fans” banners moved into Cabarrus County, so to did the rain. This won’t be the first time rain has descended on the fans…and won’t be the last. While the idea of racing at 200 mph in the pouring rain as well as the melee that would occur is certainly an entertaining thought. One that does take a smile to many, it probably isn’t the safest way to race. So, the racing activities are delayed as well as the rain pours down. Last night I made my way down the newly named Bruton Smith Boulevard to Lowe’s Motor Speedway.  It was drizzling as well as had been raining on as well as off since Wednesday.  At the stop light right in front of the speedway I waited on behalf of two race fans, quite possibly a husband as well as wife team, cross the traffic lanes on their bikes.  My first impression was to feel horribly on behalf of them, “bless their hearts” as my new southern friends have taught me as well as contemplate on behalf of the briefest of seconds if their bikes would fit in the back of my Aspen.  The obvious first impression when you see someone on a bike in the rain is to feel sorry on behalf of them as well as think they have to be miserable.  That’s exactly how I felt as I watched them peddle across as well as manufacture their way down highway 29.  Presumably peddling their blessed little hearts back to their campsite.  Then I realized they were actually turning onto the gravel lot of souvenir alley.  It was then I noticed the bag swinging from the handle bars of the woman’s bike.  They weren’t peddling back to the campsite. Nor were they miserable. Wet - yes but miserable - no.  They were shopping! These bike riding NASCAR fans were making their way to a souvenir hauler.  Rain or not, they had a mission that may have been planned out weeks before arriving in our county as well as they were following through. As I stood in our suite last night as well as watched the rain mist up the windows as well as the stands sit unoccupied I felt bad. Not on behalf of the money lost on ticket sales, money lost on concessions or the countless other losses us business minded people think of when an event is canceled.  I felt bad on behalf of the father that was bringing his son out to qualifying on behalf of the first time, the fan who drove down from Pennsylvania on a three day weekend who was looking forward to this on behalf of months as well as the teams who were still working away in the garages who wouldn’t have the possibility to take the track that night. Looking out over the stands I thought about the two I had seen earlier on their bikes, souvenir bag swinging away from the bike handle as well as thought - if there was some way NASCAR could figure out how to drive in the rain…these stands would be full.    Tagged: Bank of America 500, cabarrus county, concord north carolina, Lowe's Motor Speedway, nascar, race fans, Racing    http://diegozum9.friendlinkup.com/2008/10/09/rain-doesnt-dampen-the-nascar-spirit.html Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:09:40 -0400 diegozum9 http://diegozum9.friendlinkup.com/2008/09/25/nascar-meet-zmax.html Greg Biffle Only 16 days remain until the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series gets down to business with the Bank of America 500 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, but first the NASCAR industry shall invade zMAX Dragway @ Concord on Wednesday evening, Oct. 1, on behalf of a night of street legal drag racing. NASCAR drivers, owners, as well as crew members, an estimated all of which reside in the greater Charlotte area, shall take their personal vehicles to the “Bellagio of drag strips” on behalf of a possibility to go head-to-head on the concrete quarter-mile. “It’s been since high school since I’ve raced on a drag strip,” said Greg Biffle (left), the winner of the past two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. “I used to race Wednesday night ‘grudge matches’ on the eighth-mile back home. This shall be the first opportunity I’ve had to go back to a dragway as well as jog my posses car since back in those days. I have a 2007 Shelby GT 500 that I’ve been working on specifically on behalf of this as well as I can’t wait to get to zMAX Dragway next week to see what kind of time she shall run.” Biffle, who logged the seventh fastest speed during the two-day NASCAR Sprint Cup Series test session this week at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, is just one of the numerous NASCAR industry insiders that are eager to compete at the brand new, state-of-the-art zMAX Dragway. “The buzz has been overwhelming,” said Marcus Smith, president as well as general manager of Lowe’s Motor Speedway. “We’ve had a lot of requests from our friends in the NASCAR community who desire a possibility to take their cars out as well as have some fun. I’m glad we can give these guys an evening to come out as well as have a good time at the world’s greatest dragway.” NASCAR Industry Night is open to the public. Admission is free to fans that show their Bank of America 500 ticket at the gate, or manufacture a $5 contribution to Speedway Children’s Charities. Fans who manufacture the charitable donation shall receive a $5 credit toward a Bank of America 500 ticket purchase. Gates open at 6 p.m. with the action scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets on behalf of the Oct. 11 Bank of America 500 start at just $29 as well as can be purchased by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS, or online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.    Tagged: Bank of America 500, bascar, Bellagio of drag strips, cabarrus, concord, drag racing, greg biffle, Lowe's Motor Speedway, marcus smith, nascar drivers, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, nascar tickets, nc, north carolina, Shelby GT 500, Speedway Children's Charities, street legal drag race, zmax dragway    http://diegozum9.friendlinkup.com/2008/09/25/nascar-meet-zmax.html Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:16:44 -0400 diegozum9 http://diegozum9.friendlinkup.com/2008/09/23/the-season-for-festivals.html Ah, drop is here - crisp weather, delicious crunchy apples at farmers stands, clear blue skies, as well as - festivals! We have a huge number of wonderful festivals in Cabarrus County this year, as well as the hard part is just figuring out which to attend! This weekend there’s the annual Gold Hill Founder’s Day Festival, which I attended last year. This quaint mining village is a blast from the past, with cute stores, a yummy restaurant referred to as Miss Ruby’s, as well as great entertainment at teh annual celebration. Then the following weekend, it gets really crazy: county fair-style Midland Magic, Bost Grist Mill’s Annual Taste of Yesterday, as well as the opening weekend of the Carolina Renaissane Festival. If you can swing it, go to Midland Magic as well as Bost Grist Mill - they’re not far from each other, as well as you can hit the RenFest the following weekend. Then, if that’s not enough, hit our Calendar of Events on behalf of more festivals, famer’s markets, as well as corn mazes. There’s no excuse to stay inside this fall!    Tagged: bost grist mill, cabarrus, drop festivals, famer's markets, gold hill, Midland Magic, north carolina, renaissance festival    http://diegozum9.friendlinkup.com/2008/09/23/the-season-for-festivals.html Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:29:10 -0400 diegozum9 http://diegozum9.friendlinkup.com/2008/09/18/jessica-simpson-to-perform-at-bank-of-america-500.html Whether you love her or hate her, there’s no denying that Jessica Simpson is a star. Her recent polarizing switch to country music has only elevated her as a household name as well as topic of musical debate.  So naturally, we are thrilled that she is lending her star power to an already star-studded event: The Bank of America 500, Oct. 11, at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, NC. Simpson shall perform a 40-minute pre-race concert as well as sing the national anthem at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. The concert performance is free with the purchase of a ticket to the Bank of America 500. “Jessica Simpson is one of the an estimated all captivating celebrities in America,” said Marcus Smith, president as well as general manager at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. “She’ll put on an incredible pre-race show, as well as I know NASCAR fans shall enjoy seeing a reside performance of her new country songs.” Her appearance at the legendary 1.5-mile superspeedway shall come just weeks at the end of the Sept. 9 release of her highly anticipated debut country album, “Do You Know,” on the Columbia Nashville label. The album features the hit single “Come On Over” as well as the title track “Do You Know” with accompanying vocals by country music superstar Dolly Parton. The Epic/Columbia Nashville recording artist grew up singing gospel as well as country music before becoming a successful pop artist. In 1999 she signed with Columbia records as well as released “Sweet Kisses,” which earned double-platinum certification. Simpson recorded a follow-up album in 2001, “Irresistible,” which crossed over to four different charts. In August 2003, she released her third album, “In This Skin,” which debuted at No.10 on The Billboard 200 album chart before eventually being certified quadruple-platinum. Almost simultaneous with the release of “In This Skin” was the launch of the very popular reality show “Newlyweds,” documenting her marriage to then husband Nick Lachey. Simpson appeared as Daisy Duke in the 2005 motion picture, “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Her cover of Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made on behalf of Walkin’” headlined the soundtrack. It hit No.14 on the Billboard charts as well as won a People’s Choice Award on behalf of Favorite Song from a Movie. After a lengthy absence, Simpson is back on stage in front of a reside audience singing country music. Recorded in Nashville, her new album, “Do You Know,” gives listeners an inside look at the real Jessica Simpson. Produced by Brett James as well as John Shanks, Simpson co-wrote all but three of the tracks featured on the album. “Coming to Nashville as well as to country music was both a test as well as a leap of faith on behalf of me,” said Simpson. “I’ve come back to who I was growing up. I trust if you follow your heart as well as be quiet, you shall find the answers. You shall find yourself. I found myself in this record.” Tickets on behalf of the Oct. 11 Bank of America 500, round five of the 10-race Chase on behalf of the NASCAR Sprint Cup, start at just $29 as well as can be purchased by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455 FANS or online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.    Tagged: Bank of America 500, cabarrus, concord nc, daisy duke, Do You Know, dolly parton, events, Jessica Simpson, Lowe's Motor Speedway, marcus smith, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Nick Lachey, north carolina    http://diegozum9.friendlinkup.com/2008/09/18/jessica-simpson-to-perform-at-bank-of-america-500.html Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:14:17 -0400 diegozum9 http://diegozum9.friendlinkup.com/2008/09/18/never-too-early-tickets-going-on-sale-for-cocacola-600.html Tickets on behalf of the May 24 Coca-Cola 600 as well as May 16 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway shall go on sale at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23. And if it’s not too early on behalf of tickets, that means it’s not too early to book your hotel! Priced from $39 to $125, a wide selection of grandstand seating options are available on behalf of the 50th operational of the Coca-Cola 600 including a number of premium frontstretch seats. Tickets on behalf of the 25th operational of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race range in price from $30 to $85. “We shall begin a new era in the tradition-rich history of Lowe’s Motor Speedway in 2009,” said Marcus Smith, president as well as general manager of Lowe’s Motor Speedway.  ”The 50th operational of the Coca-Cola 600 as well as the 25th operational of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race shall be the biggest back-to-back weekends in motorsports. We’re planning a spectacle of entertainment that no race fan shall desire to miss.” The Lowe’s Motor Speedway ticket office, located on the second floor of Smith Tower, shall be open extended hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday. Tickets can be purchased online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-455-FANS. In addition to the Coca-Cola 600 as well as the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, tickets shall also be available on behalf of the May 15 North Carolina Education Lottery 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race; Windstream Pole Night Qualifying on Thursday, May 21; as well as the CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Saturday night, May 23. Additional information about tickets on behalf of all Lowe’s Motor Speedway events can be obtained by calling 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.    Tagged: cabarrus, CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series, coca-cola 600, concord nc, Lowe's Motor Speedway, marcus smith, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race, nascar run all-star race, north carolina, North Carolina Education Lottery 200, Windstream Pole Night    http://diegozum9.friendlinkup.com/2008/09/18/never-too-early-tickets-going-on-sale-for-cocacola-600.html Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:49:49 -0400 diegozum9 http://diegozum9.friendlinkup.com/2008/09/16/first-nhra-races-at-zmax-dragway-concord-are-a-huge-success.html This week I requested our marketing manager as well as resident “blog master” Cordelia if I could “guest blog” about my experiences this past weekend at the NHRA drag races at ZMax Dragway @ Concord. She graciously came to an agreement to trust me so here I am! As a relative newcomer to the sport of drag racing, I was completely unsure of what my experience would be when the NHRA races took place at the new ZMax Dragway @ Concord. On my first day I have to admit I was completely confused. Thursday started with bracket racing. If you are unfamiliar with bracket racing, its a bit perplexing to observe a car deduct as fast as they can, slow down as well as then speed off toward the complete line. After pulling aside someone I could trust to offer me an explanation as well as not laugh at my ignorance, I understood the incredible level of control a bracket racer has over their car. On Friday our little delegation from the Tourism Authority as well as the Economic Development Council braved the near 100% humidity as well as the 90 degree weather as well as walked hauler to hauler delivering welcome baskets to numerous of the top fuel as well as pro series teams. I have to admit, at times I wasn’t sure who I was meeting but I promptly became familiar with numerous of the professional drivers. Rod Fuller, Tony Schumacher, Steve Johnson, Angelle - they all were so gracious as well as I dare say surprised by our visit. Rod Fuller, Steve Johnson, Angelle, Angie McBride as well as Mike Smith all stopped by our suite to say thank you throughout the weekend. Along the way we met numerous of the fans. Every one was over-the-top complimentary of the facility, excited about this opportunity and, like us, sweating profusely. Unlike us however, they didn’t seem to bat an eye at the heat as they waited in make-shift lines to shake hands with their favorite drivers. It was incredible to see the connection NHRA offers the fans to the real action…the behind-the-scenes action in the pits. (Are they referred to as “pits” in NHRA?) My real moment-of-truth came around 3 pm that afternoon when I read the schedule sitting before me as well as realized a group of racers referred to as “The Nitro Series” was about to take the track. It was then as I scanned the grandstands I noticed this steady stream of fans filling every seat in the house. What absolutely stunned me were the fans lining the fences less than what I assumed was a safe distance on behalf of retaining natural hearing abilities away from the actual track. I an estimated felt a frantic desperation to yell out to the fans “the Nitros are coming! Step away from the fence!” I ripped open by ear plugs, grabbed a center seat as well as held on with wide eyes on behalf of the first burnout to occur. Now, I was in a suite in the tower right behind the track…behind glass. It was still an incredible experience but as a recovering thrill seeker, I wanted to hear the real deal. I bravely stepped out onto the steps that led to the top of the tower. My first blast of nitro took tears to my eyes as well as a smell that is permanently ingrained in my nose. As I turned to take the second set of steps, a car began its burnout. The steps vibrated as well as I nearly jumped out of my skin. Wow - this is what we have been talking about on behalf of months. I made my way to the roof deck, as well as on behalf of anyone who has met me can appreciate, stood on my tip toes to peer over the roof wall. Brave or really stupid, not sure which, I stood without ear plugs as well as braced on behalf of the tree lights to count down. The impact, the smell, the sound is a total package feeling I won't soon forget. After the first pass as well as the speeds registered over 300 mph, I too became an officially registered fan of drag racing! Saturday’s festivities as well as the mounting excitement was the stuff tourism officials dream of. Happy fans, thrilled participants as well as overflowing hotels took tears to my eyes. Maybe it was part of the nitro too. By Sunday I understood the countdown to the winner of each series. I filled in my brackets as well as watched eagerly as each of the names I now recognize transfer up to the starting line. I’m not sure who was more excited on his win - Steve Johnson or me - ok, probably Steve Johnson but, I was pretty thrilled too. From all accounts the weekend was an overwhelming success. The fans love the new facility, the drivers raved about the new track as well as I’m sure just like me - numerous new faces were welcomed into the drag racing fan club. Sharon http://diegozum9.friendlinkup.com/2008/09/16/first-nhra-races-at-zmax-dragway-concord-are-a-huge-success.html Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:42:37 -0400 diegozum9