DAYTONA BEACH, fla. — With rain forcing NASCAR officials to postpone the Daytona 500 for the first time in 54 years, it doesn’t take anything away from the historic race. It is still the Daytona 500 whether you run it on Sunday, Monday or whenever.
Yes, it’s a bummer anytime a race gets postponed, but we’ve been through it many times in the past, except in the Daytona 500. Let’s be realistic. When it comes to Mother Nature, there is no sense to complain or wallow in disappointment. I will just hit the reset button and mentally prepare in the same manner as I did the night before.
I will admit that I was pumped Sunday morning, feeling upbeat and ready to roll. I had a good feeling about our chances, and I am sure that feeling will also be the same when I wake up (this) morning.
Once we heard the race was postponed, my wife, Megan, and I did a quick check of the motor coach food supply, and we were happy to see that we would have enough food remaining for the extra day. However, we could be a little low on coffee. It’s going to be touch and go if I’m going to get my normal amount of caffeine. But in the big scheme of what’s going on, that’s a minor sacrifice.
Speaking of sacrifices, how about the fans? Those are the people I really feel sorry for. Many of the fans, who saved their money and traveled to Florida to see the Great American Race, will not be able to take an extra day off. They will be heading home without seeing what they came for.
When I was young, my parents and I would travel from upstate New York to see the Daytona 500. It was such a special trip, and I would have been absolutely heartbroken if I weren’t able to see the race. For those fans who aren’t able to return, I want them to know that I sincerely feel for them.
Since I didn’t have much to do Sunday while waiting to see if the rain would cease, I decided to give away one of my Furniture Row Racing fire suits on Twitter. The response was phenomenal. I was told the giveaway trended worldwide for 40 minutes.
No matter that we’re here for an extra day, I still feel that our No. 78 Furniture Row Chevrolet has a shot at winning the Daytona 500. It takes a talented team effort and a little luck to win this race. I know we have the former.
Editor’s note: NASCAR driver Regan Smith, who’s behind the wheel of Denver-based Furniture Row Racing team’s No. 78 car, is writing a daily diary for this week for The Denver Post about the Daytona 500.
