ON DECK: Major event ready at Cocopah Speedway

One of the biggest events ever is about to descend upon us, and we have no businesses putting messages on their marquees or banners or anything welcoming the participants to our cozy corner of the country.

In fact, on the eve of the Lucas Oil American Sprint Cup Series presented by MAVTV Cocopah Cup Challenge at Cocopah Speedway, I saw one marquee at an eatery that read, “NASCAR Sunday at PIR.” I'm assuming the message was to come and watch it on TV, but management could have just as easily put up a message that read, “Welcome Racers - Come Eat With Us.”

Because after all, we've got race cars and teams and fans coming in from across the country, and they all need to eat and sleep and it wouldn't hurt to put out the welcome mat.

One racer said he was excited to be here, away from the cold and snow in Tucson where the ASCS National Tour opened the season last weekend.

He is happy to be here, folks. Let's make 'em not want to leave.