a weekend 12 years in the making

For those of you who have attended NASCAR races before, you know what a spectacle they are.  From the time the gates open on Friday morning till the sun sets on Sunday afternoon, there is a buzz that is almost unequaled anywhere in the world.  This weekend was no exception, but because of the excitement of Victory Lane Wealth Solutions NASCAR debut, the experience seemed to be enhanced  beyond explanation.

I grew up with my dad taking me to the race track.  When Roger Penske brought racing back to Southern California in the mid 90′s my cousin convinced me to buy season tickets and I haven’t missed a race since.  12 years ago, I was lucky enough to have a contact that set me up with garage passes to a race in Sonoma.  At the time there were 3 drivers I followed:  Bobby Labonte, Jeff Burton, and Ricky Rudd.  My contact was a mucky muck for Exide Batteries so I was able to spend time with Burton (he drove the 99 Exide Ford in those days).  Seeing the sport from the inside was amazing, and spending time with Jeff Burton seeing how professional the drivers were off the track made me comment to my business partner at the time that there had to be a way to be more involved.  I’m grateful that TRG has helped me make that dream a reality.   Yesterday I found Jeff Burton as he hopped out of the Corvette he took his parade lap in and also thanked him for the experience that pushed me to the point of an associate sponsor for Bobby Labonte and the 71 TRG Chevrolet.

When I left Sonoma, I had 3 autographs.  The opportunity for more was there, but I only wanted the three.  In hindsight, I wish I had Earnhardt Sr’s, but I was proud of those I collected.  When Bobby signed my program 12 years ago, I remember him being as gracious to me as a fan as he has been now as a supporter of his team.  He is a genuine man and the reputation he has earned as a “great guy” is well placed and much deserved.  Spending the last 12 years building a successful business has been rewarding, and the excitement for me has never faded.  Being in a place now to support a sport I enjoy is a thrill to me and I’m proud of the new brand we have created with Victory Lane. More than that however, I’m proud of affiliating with TRG Motorsports and Bobby Labonte.  Both the race team and the driver exhibit the same great qualities I have found in my organization and it’s supporters over the years I have been in business.  I hope that those of you following these posts look to see how we can help you so we can continue to justify our affiliation with the 71 now that we know Bobby is coming back next year!

After the press release Saturday, I was able to talk to Bobby and hear about how he felt this was a great move because the commitment TRG has made to be in this sport.  Watching the race until the point the 88 started what ended our day I can see why.  This race team has created good partners, and the assistance they receive in and out of the garage comes from those around them knowing they are working with good people. You know it takes a special group to come to Sprint Cup and before the end of their first full year have a champion driver locked up for the next year and sponsors beginning to clamor to be involved with them.

Hard work and perseverance is a phrase that comes to mind when I think about this team.  That’s why we chose to work with them.  That’s why they are going to do big things.  As they continue to find funding things can only get better.  On the track, as I watched the scoring monitor, they were consistently a top 10-12 car.  They still have some challenges in the pits but not surprising given how this is a new team.  When we dropped a few spots on stops, Bobby picked them back up on the track.  Had we lost only a few less, we would have been in front of that wreck and I bet had a top 15.  Bobby said so much after the race.  Slugger tuned the car and made it fast.  It’s just going to keep getting better.  These guys really are good.

Keep looking here for updates on the team as well as for ideas regarding your financial well being too…we are as passionate about what we do as those on the 71 team and together we know we’ll do good things!

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