Sherry Pollex – Wandering Dawgs

Whew! Just reading the title of this post makes me tired again. It was four days of non stop action in Daytona. We arrived in the campground on Thursday before the Daytona 500 and hit the ground running. After we set up the fifth wheel we hopped on a shuttle for our first trip to the Daytona International Speedway.

Number one on my bucket list was to attend an appearance by Sherry Polex, an ovarian cancer survivor who works tirelessly to promote ovarian cancer awareness and works with the Martin Truex, Jr Foundation to raise money for childhood and ovarian cancer. After wandering around the midway and buying some souvenirs we headed to the Toyota Racing Experience for her appearance. After the interview was over, she took a lot of time to sign autographs, pose for pictures and talk to the fans. You can learn more about Sherry at SherryStrong.org

The Duel at Daytona that night was the first of the four races we attended.

Beth with Sherry Pollex, advocate for ovarian cancer awareness and girlfriend of Martin Truex, Jr

Henry with the Tototas

Beautiful night for a race

Friday we enjoyed lunch with a water front view at Caribbean Jack’s Restaurant before heading to the race track for the Gander Outdoors Truck Series race.

Getting ready for the Friday night truck race

Sunset before the Friday night truck race

One of the trucks foming out of his pit stop

Panoramic view of the Daytona International Speedway

Saturday morning the United States Air Force Thunderbirds flew right over our campground during their practice. When we made a run to Publix Saturday morning for a few groceries what did we find but Kyle Busch’s #18 M&M truck and car in the parking lot! Oh, the M&M’s were buy one get one free in the store so of course we came out with two bags!

Saturday afternoon we were once again in the stands for the Xfinity Series race.

Pit Stop for #1 Michael Annett Saturday Xfinity Race

Pit Stop for #0 Garrett Smithley Saturday Xfinity Race

XFinity Series Race Winner #1 Michael Annett

The Daytona 500, also called the Great American Race, kicks off the NASCAR season in February every year. Pre-race activities began early in the morning before the race. Fans who purchased a Fan Zone pass were down on the field for a close up view. This year country singer Jake Owen performed for the crowd before the driver introductions. The crowd loved the flyover by the United States Thunderbirds.

Pre race festivities at 2019 Daytona 500

Crowd gathered to watch the driver introductions before the 2019 Daytona 500

Lineup for the 2019 Daytona 500 with infield in the background

Crowd waiting for pre race concert by country singer Jake Owen

Flyover by the United States Air Force Thunderbirds

One of the Thunderbirds landing at the airport behind the Speedway

Drivers, start your engines!

2019 Daytona 500

Racing past the infield on the backstretch

Nearing the start/finish line

Turn 1 of Daytona 500

Pit stop for #19 Martin Truex, Jr, 2019 Daytona 500

Race off Pit Road, 2019 Daytona 500

The race was exciting and it was close at the finish line. The winner was #11 Denny Hamlin.

By Monday morning we were exhausted. What better way to relax than to take a leisurely drive down highway A1A. Lunch at Racing’s North Turn Restaurant in Ponce Inlet was followed by a walk on the beach and a drive to see the Ponce Inlet lighthouse.