13 May 2006: I took my second 1976 Trans Am, basically an exact match to my first Trans Am to the
Texas Motor Speedway today and paid $50 to drive six laps around the 1.5 mile track to raise money for
The Speedway Children's Charities with two of my five children, Andrew and Aaron. My mom, uncle Harold
and aunt Sherry also joined us at TMS. Harold took these pictures of us speeding around the track in this bird,
which I had purchased in December 2005 from Steve Petro in Michigan and had received in January 2006.
I obtained the WARP 76 license plate in February
Interior is nearly perfect - just like my 1st Trans Am (except for the radio)
We live only about 12 miles from TMS. I can hear the NASCARs from my backyard on race day.
We have arrived (at the back of the line), along with hundreds of other cars in front of us.
Paying for two sets of three laps at $25 per set. All of the money goes to the Speedway Children's Charities.
We dismount, and while waiting, are glad to see the arrival of another 1976 Trans Am...
Beautiful white 76 Trans Am owned and driven by Larry McDonough; Larry's brother Royal will ride shotgun.
Around the track we go.
Max speed is 80 mph.
Minimum age to ride is six years old.
Minimum age to drive is 21. Lots of liability forms to sign.
12-16 cars on the track at once.
Pace trucks keep us apart for safety reasons. These guys really know what they are doing.
The event was perfectly administered and orchestrated.
Can Harold take great pictures with his high speed camera or what?!
Recording this event from the cockpit is challenging - it is difficult to hold the camera still!
It is a rush to drive up on the incline part of the track.
Rounding a curve...
...I was surprised to come upon a Ferrari.
Probably the only time I will every need to brake for a Ferrari!
Maybe I will see this car next time at TMS (September 9, 2006)
After completing the laps, we posed for a pic in Victory Lane. In September, we hope to do a dual photo with Larry's Trans Am.
Next stop on the '76 TA tour is the Richardson High School Reunion.
