So I've been mulling over what my first post in this blog should be about for well over a month now and in the midst of a seeming endless deluge of work, it finally struck me! Why not write about one of the amazing experiences I've had in that time?!

So before I get to the purpose of my post, here is a bit about me... I LOVE CARS... everything about them, from the power the engine makes or the smell of spent rubber and brake pads after a motivated drive, to the solace they provide you when you need time to collect yourself. I've been an enthusiast since my first week of high school and the moment i first sat in my friend's father's 944 and it won't change until my lead foot falls off. I suppose that is why I am a member of our automotive team. (Which actually makes coming to work fun!)

With that said, the month of April was simply a fantastic month. To put it in perspective I was able to take a member of the media on a private tour of both the Hendrick Motorsports and Richard Childress Racing shops, and that was only my third favorite day of the 30 in April! My favorite two days actually stemmed from a late Christmas present I gave to my brother.

What does that amount to? Two days of racing with the client, and the media at two of the nation's premiere indoor kart tracks. Now as you could tell from the video, they weren't your average run of the mill go-kart tracks; the karts reach speeds upwards of 45mph on the tight, technical quarter-mile courses.

Sparing you all of the gory details, the two Race Days were fantastic. They have produced more than a few "thank you" emails and calls from the attendees, lots of scheduled client coverage and have even helped us receive some public praise from our media friends on the day as well.

So you ask, what's the lesson? (Cause the one thing I've learned in my short time in this business is that there IS ALWAYS a lesson to be taken from each experience.) Simple... think as your audience would. Each day on the automotive team, we try to speak with automotive media, so why wouldn't we think like the enthusiasts we are?! Taking these guys to dinner and chewing their ear off about how great the new product is would never produce these results. But put them in a room with an enthusiastic client rep who knows his stuff, then put them on a race track with the opportunity to put you in the wall and they will never forget it. I'd also be willing to bet each time they see an email from me that they will at least crack a smile and remember me racing right along side them as an enthusiast and friend, and not a PR guy.

To all the media attendees waiting for this post... yes, I would have kept beating you all if I didn't stop to take some pictures! But none-the-less, thanks for helping make it a great day!