Being transported from the paddock area to the track during a practice session.

Did you know they change the tires to a used set when they move the car on and off the track? The reason is they don't want the actual racing tires to pick up any debris to and from the paddock area.

In the pits during a practice session.

During the practice rounds, they either hold an umbrella over the cock pit while the driver is in the car or place it inside the cock pit when the driver is not inside the car to keep the sun off that area. Notice you can see Justin Wilson is in the car. The pit crew are wearing red and white shirts.

Passing the 300 foot mark on the track.

Did you know these cars can decelerate from 175 to 50 mph in 300 feet? I watched it during the practice sessions all day long. It's absolutely awesome listening to the scream of the engine at 12,000 rpm as it passes you. Then it suddenly decelerates (to silence) to 50 mph so they can make the turn at Cleveland's Burke Lakefront airport course. That turn is also the exit for pit road.

Notice the cones to the right of the number 4 sign located on the fence? That is the 300 foot mark. It took 5 different shots before I could catch the car in the picture.

On pit road.

Notice the blue headset the man on the left is wearing? That allows him to hear the conversations between the driver and crew.

On pit road, second picture.

If you noticed, the pit crew does not wear any of the fire protection clothing during the practice and qualifying runs that you see them wear during the actual race.

Drivers seat area.

It looks cramped doesn't it? Justin Wilson is around 6' 1". The seat is custom fitted to his body. The steering wheel does come off very easily in case of an emergency.

Steering wheel.

The steering wheel is custom fitted to his gloved hands. This is one from the backup car. I actually held it in my hands. Cost for this custom steering wheel, a cool $45,000. Strange enough, it doesn't include an air bag... I wonder how much that option is???

Cosworth Engine

Believe it or not folks, this engine is small enough to fit in the front seat of your car when you remove the exhaust system. The engines are rebuilt up to 26 times and given back to the different teams. The teams do not know or can control which engine they get or know how many times it has been rebuilt. The cost per season is a cool $100,000 PER engine. I didn't ask if that included an oil change and lube.

Crew in Paddock Area

Ever wonder how a team picks the crew that builds and fine tunes the car? I'm told racing is just like any other business. They go through an interview process just like anyone applying for a regular job like you and me. Are you wondering if they have any job openings?

Electronic Communications

Ever wonder how they get the telemetry from the car to the crew stand and the VIP booth? Wireless technology! CDW and HP designed a system so any telemetry they receive from the car is encrypted. That way the other teams can not gather information about how the car is performing.

Moving the car off the track to the paddock area.

Notice the long rope like strap that is pulling the King Taco sponsored car off the track? Their driver is getting a ride back to the paddock area on a moped like bike. I wonder if they'll give me a lift?

Sorry CDW. Didn't get a pic of your car leaving the track.

VIP Stand

This is the VIP stand. Notice the headsets below the two HP flat panel displays? That's where they are stored. The monitors above them give the position of the car in the practice/qualifying rounds and during the race itself. Inside the booth, where the two ladies are standing, there are 2 more flat panel displays that show the telemetry from the car so guests can view the information. I sat there for some 45 minutes taking it all in. It was very overwhelming. A true racing fans dream that came true!

Hospitality Area

This is their hospitality tent. The food was great along with the service. This is where the team owners, crew, and the driver eat. The door on the right takes you to where they relax, plan strategy, etc.

Sitting inside the car

This lucky soul probably had a dream come true too! I believe this is one of the actual retired cars from the 2004 or 2005 season. I wonder if someone will start it for him?

"Can someone tell me how to start this thing???" Sorry, but this car is not street legal...

Part of a damaged wing

After a dream come true weekend, I received a piece of history. About 10 days after the race, I received a package. It was from RuSPORTS. I had NO idea what was in it. After opening the package, the item on the left was inside. Words could not describe how great I felt that it was sent to me. You ROCK Jeremy!!!!!!!!!!!!

Unfortunately, the CDW car sustained damage during the race to one of the front wings. This was a piece of it. Awesome isn't it?

RuSPORTS Team

A picture of the RuSPORTS team.

CDW Racing Info

Not only does CDW provide stellar products and services to the computer industry, they have a part of their web site dedicated to their sponsorship of Champ racing.