Whoo hoo! Atlanta bound!

As Earnhardt said in victory lane in the 1998 Daytona 500 "Its ours. We won it, we won it, we won it."

Today may have been my version of that scenario. I picked up the grand prize package from one of our local sports talk radio stations. 2 tickets each to the truck, Nationwide, and Cup races at Atlanta. NW and Cup tix are in a suite. Pit passes. 3 hotel nights at the Omni Hotel CNN.

Whoo hoo! The Schaefer Hall of Fame prepares for another adventure! Can't wait - I've always wanted to see a race at Lakewood.

Way to go, Chase!!!

Have ya got time to scratch a lottery ticket for me??!!

You'll have a ball for sure. We'll be watching for you.

Hey, web site says they got a translator on staff to translate Cracker to Volunteer, if needed! Have to see if they allow Shaefer in that "Natural Body Spa!"

100 CNN Center
Atlanta, Georgia 30303

Southern Hospitality Meets Cosmopolitan Elegance at this Luxury Atlanta Hotel

Luxurious comfort embraces pure style at the elegant, four-diamond Omni Hotel at CNN Center. Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta within the bustling Luckie Marietta District , this luxury hotel treats you to views of the spectacular downtown skyline or picturesque Centennial Olympic Park.

The Omni Hotel at CNN Center is connected to Philips Arena and the Georgia World Congress Center, and it is the nearest hotel to the Georgia Dome. For convenient arrivals or departures, Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport is a mere 15-minute commute (12 miles).

Planning a meeting or wedding in Atlanta? Our prime location and luxurious facilities will create a memorable event. Learn more about our meeting facilities or how to plan your Atlanta wedding reception at the Omni Hotel at CNN Center.

Hotel Highlights

100% non-smoking luxury hotel
Located within the CNN Center Complex
1,070 luxury non-smoking guest rooms and suites
Natural Body Spa
High-speed wireless Internet access
Check-in: 3:00 p.m. Check-out: Noon

Awards and Accolades

"Highest in Hotel Guest Satisfaction Among Upper-Upscale Hotel Chains" by J.D. Power and Associates 2012
The Omni Hotel at CNN Center was selected as an Editors Pick by Professional Travel Guide.
The Omni Hotel at CNN Center received national recognition for Best Event Production of the Year by the National Association of Catering Executives in 2009.
The Omni Hotel at CNN Center was named "Best Place to Work" by Georgia Trend Magazine in 2009.
Elite Meetings officially named the Omni Hotel at CNN Center an "Elite Certified" hotel in 2009, an independent endorsement by the Elite Meetings Advisory Board.
The Omni Hotel at CNN Center is an award-winning four-diamond hotel.
The Omni Hotel at CNN Center was selected as an Editors Pick by Professional Travel Guide.

When your there, look for the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame display near the Coca-Cola stage. I'll be around too!

Cody are they gonna let you up in the tower and do your Jimmy race call routine yet??? just wondering...

I called the ticket office today to make sure I understood expectations for the suite - dress code, cooler policy, etc.

Her: Wear a nice shirt - ya know, if its a screen printed one, we'd like for it to be covered with a jacket, another shirt, or something. And jeans or shorts are OK - but they can't be ragged or torn.

Me: Oh OK, maybe just wear a collared shirt.

Her: Right, we just want folks in the suites to look ... um, uh... respectable.

Me: Sure I get it. Don't dress like I normally do when I sit in the stands.

Her: *laughs* Yes, I'd say you're right.

As for fine living at the Omni Hotel, I figure this movie scene is a pretty good analogy of how we might behave.

Hey Cody - I'll have to keep that in mind! Will make a note to myself to do so.

Ya know, its amazing the number of friends I've discovered the last few hours. People who have derided racing for years have now said "Ooh, that's cool! Got anyone going with you?" Of course, I'm thinking - but fortunately not saying - "Sure, you hate racing. So you'd definitely be the first person I'd ask to go."

I know that snide observation doesn't apply to you. But yes, the 2nd ticket has already been claimed. Long-time friend from nearby is riding down with me.

But when I win that next Major Award (nod to A Christmas Story), I'll be sure to give you a shout.

I'll be floating around the garage area, pit road, as well as the infield.

I'm supposed to be on the Coca-Cola stage sometime during the day, I'm not sure about the announcer's booth, but I know I'm going to meet the announcer. I'm sure if I find Ed Clark....maybe. Ed is a great guy!

Ed, a good ole boy from Farmville, Virginia whose mom taught school there, is one of the finest folks in racing, bar none. It was Charlotte Motor Speedway's loss when Ed was assigned to Atlanta after its purchase by Speedway Motorsports.