The State Officer Team left early on the morning of August 13, 2005 for the drive up to Watkins Glen, New York for FFA day at the races.  Most of the team was going to experience their first NASCAR race.  A few on the team were already avid NASCAR fans with dedicated support to a particular driver.  During the morning, we relaxed in the hospitality tent courtesy of the Pennsylvania FFA Foundation. Weather was cloudy with a light drizzle.  As a result, qualifying runs were postponed. We learned that if the track is wet, jet engines are used to dry the track before use.  We had the time and luxury to walk around the grounds and visit the many stands and displays that were set up by sponsors.  Before the start of the Busch race, we were honored to have a small speech followed by a question and answer session from Larry McReynolds, a former crew chief and official commentator for FOX Sports.  Finally the track was dry and the race began.   The course was two and a half miles long and our seats were on the last turn before the finish line.  After the race, we drove through some of New York's farmland to our hotel.  We didn't know how beautiful it was until the next morning on our return trip!  We found our seats and relaxed before the race while a few of the more ambitious members present walked around visiting more sponsors.  The Nextel race was different because each driver was introduced with the number of the car they would be driving before the race.  During the Busch race we were told to pick a "pretty car" and cheer for the driver.  During the Nextel race we knew who was in each car.  Our cheering was a significantly more competitive.  Tony Stewart led the majority of the race and had a superior day.  A few of us had earphones and we could follow the action when the cars were on the backstretch.  All in all, the experience was unique and enjoyable.  The event was a fundraiser that reimbursed $10.00 from every ticket bought through the FFA group.  Hopefully, next year we will have a bigger crowd of members and supporters along to enjoy the race with us! 

Posing with a winner	New Holland at the Races!!	The check presentation
Victory Lane	Waiting out the rain!	Mr Heyler - Lets go racing!
Larry "Mac"- our special guest!	With the gang!	Men and Women "In Blue"