It's Bristol, Baby!!!

One of the many cultural experiences that LCM offers as a ministry to students (due to the addictions of a certain pastor) is the opportunity to be part of a gathering of people who come together to watch loud machines go fast and turn left. Yes, I'm talking about NASCAR. A group from LCM went to see a race at what is known as "The world's fastest half-mile," Bristol Motor Speedway. Things were touch and go from the beginning, as the forecast called for rain all day. But they were determined to have the race, and so we arrived at 10 AM for a scheduled 1 PM start. To make a long story short, the race started just after 2:00, and 22 laps in, the heavens reopened and the race stopped until they were able to dry the track enough to restart around 6:40. Thankfully, it stayed dry the rest of the evening and they were able to fit the race in. Around 9:30, with a long drive ahead to get students back in time for class (and to get me back in time for work), we cut the race short and made the trek across a muddy field back to the van. We were able to listen to the exciting finish on the way back. All in all, it was a long, wet day, full of fellowship and watching jet dryers blow the race track dry. But for part of it, we were able to see what we set out to see: loud machines going fast and turning left.

Kevin Lybrand, class of 2013