Here's What's Hot On CBS11TV.COM:
Apr 3, 2008 5:52 pm US/Central
Texas Motor Speedway Fans Brace For Weather
FORT WORTH (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
What is it with race weekend in North Texas and severe weather? Fans at the Texas Motor Speedway were running for cover as storms and tornadoes rumbled across the area during last year's races.
Once again, speedway officials have a detailed plan on keeping diehard race fans safe.
Chopper 11 video showed thousands of people already camped out at the speedway Thursday afternoon.
Storm warning safety tips are given to every car that drives through the gates at the speedway. Every year fans camp out at the speedway. While fans in RV's have the luxury of 'walls', many people simply pitch a tent and they were the ones being most affected by high winds Thursday afternoon.
Campers brought out extra rope and heavy duty stakes to try and keep things from blowing away. "It's part of racing," said race fan Theresa Clark. "Texas weather and part of racing, we enjoy it, we love it." Despite their best efforts some tents were blown down and mangled by the afternoon.
Despite the windy weather some self-proclaimed 'true race fans' said they wouldn't have it any other way. "You come out and you expect the best and be optimistic," said fan Adam Mundahl. "If it goes south, then you just fair the weather and you're with a bunch of other people."
Steve Craig and his crew from Oklahoma have been through adverse weather conditions at the track before and didn't seem to mind. "We're just gonna try to ride it out, 'til the sirens go off," he said.
People in the 'tent area' may be some of the safest if n fact there is a tornado. The tent area is near a very large latrine building that some campers say is one of the safest places to be during severe weather.
Officials with the Texas Motor Speedway told CBS 11 News that they work with NASCAR and the National Weather Service to monitor weather across the area and are prepared to alert fans should conditions become hazardous.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Shocking Celebrity Suicides
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Comments