Living the NASCAR VIP Experience with Ford Social #FordChampWknd #NASCAR #FordEco400

Disclosure: We were invited by Ford Social to attend this event. All expenses were paid. No compensation was received for participating.

Hi Rebel Chick fans! My name is Stefany and my internet home is at ToBeThode. Last weekend my husband and I left the chilly St Louis area for the warm and sunny Miami, Florida to see the final Nascar races of the season at Miami Homestead Speedway. Ford Social invites some of their loyal fans to this event every year. We were lucky enough to go thanks to Jenn who was already scheduled to be somewhere else. Being huge Nascar fans, we were ecstatic for this opportunity.

We hopped on the plane, leaving our kids for the first time ever in our married life, at 6am. This is actually the first time my husband and I have ever left anywhere together. We didn't even go on a honeymoon! When we landed, we had a car waiting for us and we were immediately taken to Miami Homestead Speedway for the 2013 Ford EcoBoost 400 Nascar Race. Mike and I changed into our blue Ford shirts and then met up with others that were already present.

We walked around and saw some of the booths and fun events Ford had going on, getting a few souvenirs for the kids along the way. It was time to head up to the Skybox where we would see the race from. This is the first time my husband and I have been to a Nascar race and we were eager to see the Nationwide race that evening. The view for our first-ever race was truly amazing. Wow, what a treat!

Shortly after we ate, we were escorted to the infield and ended up where a number of trucks were sitting. We were able to do something so incredibly exciting that I can still remember my feelings about it! We hopped in the trucks (after some very specific instructions) and drove down the track. From there we picked up two Nationwide drivers who hopped in the back of the truck while we drove them around. As they were waving to the fans, I was knuckle-clutching the steering wheel. Talk about nervous! It was so neat though. I drove on the race track!!! Granted, I only hit a max of 35 or so on the backstretch after dropping off the drivers (only 25mph with them in the back), but it was still so exciting to be driving on the track and seeing the incline and turns.

We then stopped at the Ford Social area and had some buttons made and looked at the collection of 2014 cars and trucks on display.

After that we were taken back to the Skybox where we were once again treated to some food and drinks and settled in for the Nationwide race. I knew that the cars were loud but I had no idea truly how loud they were. WOW! Earplugs were necessary for sure!

After the race, we loaded into a van and headed back to the hotel with the assistance of a police escort. My husband and I went outside the hotel and were so excited to walk in the sand and let the waves hit our legs. I can't tell you how much I loved that. I haven't seen an ocean in 23 years! We headed up to bed and woke the next morning to see the sun rise over the water and collect a few shells for the kids.

It was then time to pack up and head back to the races! The trip was easy and smooth thanks to the police escort.

Once at the track, were settled into the Skybox once again and ate some breakfast. After some delicious food, we headed back through the tunnel for a truly educational pit stop tour with Steve Post, from MRN (Motor Racing Network).

We knew that there was a lot of rules and regulations that governed the Nascar cars and races but we truly had no idea just what was involved. Steve walked us through the pits explaining things that I would never have known about. Did you know that the pit crew are athletes, recruited from universities? There are specific jobs for the pit crew members and coaches that watch what they do and train them.

We walked around and Steve told us about the rigorous inspection process of the cars. We witnessed several cars go through different check-points and saw just how strict guidelines are for the cars and drivers. It was very neat to be so close to the pre-race working and so interesting to see everyone at work.

It was time to sit back and relax after the pit tour. Of course, more food and drinks were provided and we watched the pre-race show by Dierks Bentley. Once race time was upon us, we sat down for a quick interview that you can see HERE. You can hear the race announcements in the background. Shortly after that, we stood for the National Anthem and saw an incredible site. There was  a Ford truck pulling a massive flag with two Ford Mustangs underneath the flag. The mustangs took off down the straightaway and the truck was left pulling the flag. It was beautiful.

It was finally race time! The cars were lined up and racers announced. You could feel the excitement in the air.

Sadly, my husband and I had to leave before the race was over in order to catch our flight back home. What greeted us as we walked out of the Skybox building was breathtaking though.

Despite leaving before the race was over, this was without a doubt the most exciting thing we have done in quite some time. This is an experience that we will never forget and I am so thankful to Jenn for allowing me to go in her place. Ford Social really did give us a VIP Experience and we will be talking about our time in Miami for years to come!