Oktob-r-r-r-fest

We knew going into today that it was expected to be quite chilly. So we dressed in multiple layers and stuffed ourselves into the car like Mr. & Mrs. Pillsbury Doughboy.

It helped. It was mostly cloudy, windy and cool in La Crosse so instead of the normal ice-cold sodas or ice cream treats at the races, we had piping hot coffees and cappuccinos to keep the blood circulating. You know what else helps? Getting really, really excited about what's happening on the track.

As usual, we had occasion to do that.

Qualifying started at 2 p.m. We got down there by 3 and Colin's super-stock division was the last to qualify anyway so we didn't miss a thing. While our 15-year-old nephew is used to getting fast time during qualifying, today he did one better. He set a track record, too. Or "crushed it," as the announcer said. Waaaay coool.

I hope he remembers that great feeling when they were bragging about this 3rd-generation racer because the rest of the evening didn't go as well.

In the feature race he started 14th and worked up to 2nd. For the last 10 laps he was battling for the lead but just couldn't get by the guy. In the very last lap, the very last turn before the finish line, he tried to pass and somehow the two cars made contact and the leader spun out. No, they didn't give the win to Colin even though he crossed the finish line. Instead, they sent Colin and the other guy to the back of the pack and restarted for one more lap. Obviously, there was no way for Colin to win then.

What a bummer! It was so exciting watching him work his way to the front. I'm sure he's extremely disappointed in the finish but how many kids can say they skipped school today to go racing, set a new track record and get mentioned by name by the legendary race car driver from Wisconsin Rapids -- Dick Trickle -- who was a "guest star" at the races?

So even though we were chilled to the bone, it was still worth it to play hooky as well so we could be a witness to all this. And, no one can accuse us of being fair-weather fans -- though I can totally see how that phrase came about!