Any race fan will readily admit that a fantasy day at the track would certainly include a pit pass and unlimited access to the garage and drivers. But, toss in an honorary pit crew experience and the excitement level goes off the chart, which is precisely what happened to three lucky fans recently at the Nashville Superspeedway.

When friends Rick Brewington, a Tennessee developer, Eric Stiles, a Nashville-based pediatrician and Ryan Seiberling, a Nashville community center leader attended the NASCAR Busch Series Federated Auto Parts 300, they were thrilled to be guests of the Fitz Motorsports team.

Brewington, a long-time NASCAR fan knew what to expect at the track, but Stiles and Seiberling had never stepped foot on a NASCAR track nor experienced the flurry of activity behind the scenes. Both men were in for a very memorable day. And Brewington was in for an unexpected surprise himself!

The Fitz Motorsports crew welcomed the trio with open arms by introducing the entire team, a transporter tour, hospitality and a spot on pit road to maximize their experience. But, what the friends did not expect was what transpired once they made their way to pit road to watch the racing action up close and personal.

Jason Miller, front tire carrier for Fitz Motorsports, approached the men offering an opportunity of lending the crew a helping hand during the race. Needless to say, they quickly accepted the once-in-a-lifetime offer.

After Miller’s thorough explanation of their race day duties, it was determined Brewington would catch tires, Stiles would hold tires and Sieberling would be their personal photography at the pit wall.

Each man did an excellent job throughout the event. The Fitz Motorsports crew would later thank them for their assistance as the men reciprocated the gratitude for such a rare, fun opportunity to be as close to the race action as one could only imagine.

Brewington said, “I’m fortunate in the sense that my wife works in NASCAR racing, so I’ve had the opportunity to be in the pits on many occasions here at Nashville and elsewhere since she worked at the superspeedway for a lot of years, but I still had no clue I’d actually ever have the opportunity to assist the crew on race day. One time at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway I met some of the crew when Rusty Wallace was driving and they let me help push the car to tech and out on the grid, but never have I been a real part of a team the way it was in Nashville recently. Standing in the pit area is always exciting and chaotic, but actually pulling tires across the wall during a live pit stop was like a dream come true for me and would be for any race fan. Jason (Miller) gave us great instructions, watched over us, reminded us of our positions and what to do, so we at least felt somewhat prepared. But, nothing totally prepares you as you watch all those guys go over the wall with a race car barreling down on them as they jump out in front of it. It takes a lot of courage in my opinion, so I have a newfound respect for all of them. They’re flying around their car, but people might fail to remember there are many others cars darting in and out only inches away from guys changing tires or putting in fuel, so it’s a sense of excitement, a real adrenaline rush that could definitely become addictive. I really appreciate Armando Fitz and the whole organization, my wife included, for making a lot of memories that my buddies and I can talk about and relive for years to come.

Stiles added, “This was my first time to any race track and I was so surprised how the cars actually rattle your bones when you’re near them and the engine is fired up. I can see the true appeal of the sport now that I’ve had this great experience and the Nashville Superspeedway is such a cool racetrack to visit. I felt lucky just to get to walk around the garage, much less work with the tires during live pit stops. I admit I was a little nervous because pit road is such a wild place, a controlled fury. I’ve seen some races on television, but that does nothing to prepare for what it’s like in person. I really liked seeing the behind-the-scenes activities like the inspection process and pit strategies being played out. As I was watching the pit crew in action I was thinking how cool the fire suits are, how they have to have such an eye for the most minute detail and how I’d love to carry a crew around with me on the road in case of an emergency. The driver/crew chief meeting was very interesting as well since it felt really cool to be standing back there and all the famous drivers are just sitting there chatting and would turn around and chat with us as well, very relaxed and away from the constant glare of mass attention. All my family and friends are extremely jealous, in a good way of course, so I’ve had a lot of fun before, during and after the experience. I’d go back in a heartbeat with ten friends and family members if they’d allow me. I’m very grateful to the Fitz Motorsports crew, all of them, for a day I’ll never forget and one I’ll brag about incessantly as long as anyone will listen.”

Sieberling concurred, “I had a blast at the track and it was also my first time. I didn’t know what to expect, but I never thought it would have been as much excitement surrounding it. I didn’t realize it was an all day event. When they say “Race Day”, they mean all day. Being fortunate enough to having such open access was a real eye opener. The most interesting part was watching the NASCAR officials inspecting the cars before the race. They were making sure everyone conforms to the rules and that has to be a tough job. And I’m sure no one was trying to cut corners, there is always room for interpretation. But, the crews and officials handled it with ease. The main thing was I wanted to make sure of was that I didn’t get in anyone’s way or get in the way of flying equipment. I noticed in the pit that everyone’s natural personality shows through. Some are anxious and energetic, others are focused and calm. Each crew member had their own pre-race method of stretching, setting out tools, or getting dressed. It all seemed like a well-oiled machine. You have to give those full-time pit guys credit; they work hard to make sure everything runs smoothly. Just before the race they were stretching and warming up, practicing their positions and rechecking their equipment. They are a bunch of real dedicated guys and it was an honor to help them out and be associated with them. They have to spend a lot of time waiting around for about 12 seconds of pure chaos. The photographs I took are priceless to me. One thing I really enjoyed was the driver/crew chief meeting. I thought it was be like walking into the ‘belly of the beast’, but it wasn’t. It’s nice to know the drivers seem friendly with each other off the track. It was easy to tell each of the drivers had their own pre-race routine as well. Being a speed junkie surrounded by some of the best talent in NASCAR was pretty daunting, but they were all friendly and accommodating to us and the fans outside. They seem like real down-to-earth guys who love their jobs. I have three brothers who are all cursing my name right now since they’re huge NASCAR fans. Each of them would have loved to be in my place. Every time I tell one of them the story, it sounds more like a ‘fish story’; it keeps getting bigger and bigger. If I ever had the opportunity to go again, just try and keep me away! I want to express my thanks to the whole Fitz Motorsports crew for making us feel so welcome and allowing us to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience we can brag about for years to come. And thank the Nashville Superspeedway for offering the fans such a great time as well.

Little boys dream of meeting their racing idols, being at the track and experiencing NASCAR in all its glory, but big boys sometimes get to live it!