Q: What is the best Valentine’s Day gift a father could give a newly married couple?

A: THE RICHARD PETTY RIDE ALONG EXPERIENCE!!!

My head popped off the pillow, I curled my hair, put on make up, and tapped my foot as Chad was putting his shoes on 5 minutes after we were going to be in the car. Why was I so excited? Um, I don’t know, maybe because 170 mph, the feeling of no-gravity, acceleration on 24 degree banks, acceleration, the smell of exhaust and rubber, and the phrase, “Gentlemen! Start your engines!” were all just a short 1.5 hour drive away! It was our last weekend in Winston Salem, and we were gonna go on a date. I’m not the biggest NASCAR fan in the world, but you don’t really have to be to enjoy this kind of thing. If you ever are near a track, check it out. It will get your heart racing a little…

Anyway, the date finished with a delicious lunch at the one and only Olive Garden, and a trip to the movies to see Fast Five [I mean, what else were you expecting?!?!]

I feel the need… the need. for speed.

Look at those cars! So fast…