As a reward to wholesalers and contractors, State invited 25 guests to the Las Vegas Speedway for a once in a lifetime opportunity. Each person was able to drive an actual NASCAR vehicle, along with a Ride with Daytona 500 Champion Ward Burton in the State car. Most were intimidated the first 8 laps, but after their ride with Ward, they were ready to take another 8 laps on their own to improve their time.
The experience began with a welcome reception and a chance to talk one on one with Ward. “He’s a real down to earth kind of guy. Real personable and a great host,” commented Rusty Holloway from Texas General Mechanical.
After a quick breakfast with Ward the next morning, the bus headed to the track. Everyone was given instructions on how to drive with videos accompanying it. After instructions were complete, the guys walked to pit row with sounds of the cars flying by.
The highlight of the experience was riding with Ward going 180 mph. After his ride, Billy Azevedo from Azevedo Plumbing remarked, “Words can’t express how I feel right now. It was just incredible and I can’t imagine how these guys do it for 4 hours at a time every week. What an awesome opportunity. Thanks State Water Heaters.”
When it was all said and done, Don Hobscheidt, from Ferguson was the fastest driver at 141 mph with Jeff Morley from M&M Plumbing deemed the slowest at 133 mph. Don was awarded with a State NASCAR helmet signed by Ward and Jeff received a pink hat and T-Shirt during lunch. It truly was an opportunity of a lifetime.
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