NASCAR: Kyle Busch burns out Rochester ahead of Cheez-It 355 at The Glen

[NASCAR's Kyle Busch "burning out" on the streets of Rochester, NY on July 11, 2013.  Photo credit:  Connie Ann Kirk.].

If you like the smell and smoke of burning rubber (and what true NASCAR fan doesn't, if s/he is being honest), then Thursday in downtown Rochester, NY was the place to be.  Ha!

Anytime race car drivers in their race cars have access to a closed city street for their own amusement, it's likely to be a fun time for them and for their fans. 

I covered this event for Watkins Glen International and my Rochester Motor Sports page on Examiner.com.  I was leery about driving into downtown Rochester (I don't drive in cities -- too directionally challenged and get too hyper!); however, when the day dawned bright, sunny, and full of promise on Thursday, I decided to trust the preparations I had provisionally made for the trip and actually go ahead and follow through with it.  Even though NASCAR is not my own first personal racing passion, it's a favorite of a few family members, and is also the largest racing event at my home track (WGI) each season.  I did enjoy the day.

I had never been so close to a race car "burn-out," and didn't expect it to smell as strongly as it did!  There were little bits of tire shreddings (ha) on the road afterwards, and kids ran out immediately after the street went quiet to pick up the debris.  They were followed quickly by adults, and hey; I figured, when would I ever get a chance again to pick up NASCAR tire debris for some NASCAR fans I know, so I scooted out to pick up a little bit, too, feeling a bit silly.  All part of the adventure of the day.  Sort it out later!  Ha.

Anyway, here's the article about the demonstration and here's the article about the lunch and Q&A at the Radisson Riverside Hotel where Mr. Busch signed autographs and answered questions from fans. 

I will say that the "happy" little M&Ms car has to be my favorite of the NASCAR field -- so cheerful with that bright yellow background and all those primary colors of smiling M&M faces all around -- ha!  The kids there loved it, and it was fun to watch *them*. 

Article about the "burn-out."

Article about the lunch and Q&A.

[Muse:  The car did not go fast at all, with everyone lining both sides of the street as they were.  I wonder about insurance for such an event?  There was a lot of responsibility there -- do something exciting, but don't hurt anyone!  I suppose other drivers would say it's pretty easy to "burn rubber" without endangering anyone.  Apparently, the mayor of the city loved it and wants to do something "bigger" next year.  Will look forward to seeing what that may turn out to be!].