PERFECT DAY

Unbelievable.

A perfect race day: temperatures in the mid-70s, a sky overcast just enough to dim the sunlight a bit. And no rain.

Two weeks ago, I’d have given the speedway as much of a chance to sell out as I would have for snow falling in the South.

Oh, it is snowing in those parts.

And today there will be a full house at the speedway -- all 142,000 seats.

Walking up to the press box I noticed a woman sunning in the grandstands. Only in Vegas ... on March 1.

Pity was felt for the RaceBlanket.com vendor on the LVMS midway while the sunglasses guy next door was doing much better.

Considering the dire straights so many of us are in economically, for so many folks to venture to Las Vegas is a testament to the attraction of Las Vegas, the phenomenal amenities at the speedway and the fan-friendly atmosphere at the track created by the speedway staff.

A new crop of airmen were inducted into service, Gordy Brown entertained and Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman stumped for a second annual Las Vegas Cup race.

Smith and LVMS president Chris Powell needs only to present to NASCAR a highlight video from the past four hours to convince the stock-car powers that if only one city should have two Cup races it should be Vegas.

In one week, the Sprint Cup series has gone from the laughingstock track in Fontana, Calif., to one that should convince sponsors that Las Vegas is the best venue to court clients and new business.

It’s a great day for racing fans and Las Vegas.

Now let’s have a safe race.

COULD HAVE GIVEN BEST PICK

Bruton Smith, founder and president of Speedway Motorsports, welcomed the crowd. He’s the man most responsible for the millions of dollars invested into the speedway since he bought it in late 1998.

Smith had a special guest with him. It was baseball great Pete Rose.

Now that’s the man I should have asked to give odds on who will win today.