All Star Race - TMC Hypocrisy?

I'm going to miss attending the World 600 and Schaefer Schelebration this year for the first time in about 8 years. My son graduates high school that weekend. So I'll have to be a start-and-park with any hopes of getting out of town to watch the race.

But the All Star race is the week BEFORE - when my son is NOT graduating. I've long been critical of the AS race. Its too gimmicky - too contrived - and genuinely no longer necessary for NASCAR. The argument I generally get is no points are on the line, big money is at stake, and let 'em crash for the win. And those arguments are often made by long time fans!

The Winston had its place and did some good things to help grow Cup in the 80s and 90s. But now its just plain silly.

But - I have an opportunity to go. Free ticket, free place to stay, a schcaled down version of the Schaefer Schelebration will take place, etc. So I think I'm going - despite my stance on the event.

Besides, I may try to go to NC on Thursday so I can visit Memory Lane Museum in Mooresville on Friday morning. Now if only I could get that free... hmm...

Fire away if you think I'm smothered in hypocrisy.

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Schaefer: It's not just for racing anymore.
updated by @tmc-chase: 12/05/16 04:04:08PM

Number 1 - As the father of two grown daughters and a doting grandfather of two grandsons, do not under any circumstance miss your son's high school graduation. I cannot begin to tell of the recitals, school plays, etc. I missed while on the racing circuit. If I could doi it over again, I would have put the children first.

As for the ASR, I see nothing hypocritical in enjoying freee stuff.

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"Any Day is Good for Stock Car Racing"

Haha. Thanks Dave. My long time racing bud in Charlotte and I coined a phrase years ago that often frames what we choose to do for entertainment:

"Free is good ... always" (accompanied by the correlating axiom of "Beer is good ... all the time")

And believe me, the graduation date - while it conflicted with 600 weekend - was written in ink. Never wavered on that one. However, I am getting called out somewhat. Commencement is Saturday morning, May 25. The green flag for the 600 should drop around 4:00 PM ET Sunday May 26. Some of my 'friends' are goading me to saddle up and make a mad dash for Charlotte after the daddy obligations are complete. I think my attendance at the All Star race will be a satisfactory compromise.

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Schaefer: It's not just for racing anymore.