When I arrived at Indy and picked up my media pass I was slightly bummed that I don’t have a “hot” pit pass—allowing me to be on pit road and in the garage area when the cars are running, but I did have access to the media center (where I now write from) and the press meetings with the drivers. My “cold” pass offered me a shot to walk around the garage area before the first of two practice sessions here at Indy.
Mark Martin talked to the media this afternoon. I'll have more on that this evening
So I, “lived it up,” as I would say.
The #5 car was 17th quick in the first practice session
I walked around and shot video footage and got some great photos of the cars, as well as some of the drivers. But the most exciting thing I’ve done to this point today—and possibly ever—was to shake Mark Martin’s hand, introduce myself, and chat for about a minute. (Check that off the bucket list at age 20!)
He’s humble, he’s entertaining, he’s welcoming, and he’s very approachable. I set my cameras down and walked over to him, taking a deep breath as to not make a fool of myself.
“Hi, I’m Adam Niemeyer with WCPO in Cincinnati,” I said, trying to hide the nervousness of meeting my childhood hero for the first time in my life. “But, I’m also a huge fan of yours.” He smiled and nodded. I could tell he wasn’t trying to blow me off or shoo me away. He seemed interested to talk to me and make my day.
Mark Martin hangs out with a crew member before the first practice session
I asked him the question that every Markaholic wanted to know the answer to. “They (The Markaholics) want to know if you ever wear your ‘Markaholics’ t-shirt,” I asked him. I continued to tell him that they sell them at his shop and museum in Batesville. He looked at me and said, “Well, no, I don’t like to wear racing t-shirts.”
“But, I was down at the shop last Friday and they have some really neat stuff down there. They have all four win t-shirts and a lot more.”
I let him continue talking, admiring the ease with which he spoke, and the friendly tone of his voice.
“I’m so blessed to have a lot of great fans,” he said.
I didn’t feel like getting in his way before practice so I told him good luck this weekend and walked away.
Carrie Underwood would be proud because, “Sometimes even crazy dreams come true.”
I’ll check back in a little later. For now it’s time to observe the second practice session of the day from here at Indianapolis.
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