Hey, Chicken in a Biskit is just a chicken-flavored cracker. I would never serve 'em to a dog, though.
Here's the article on nascar.com about today's amazing event in NYC. I'll provide more personal details and some bad photos if anyone is interested (even if you're not, actually!).
BTW, I didn't get his autograph at all.
http://www.nascar.com/2002/news/headlines/...noir/index.html
Drakkar Noir challenge a day of fun, remembrance
By Marty Smith, Turner Sports Interactive August 8, 2002
6:36 PM EDT (2236 GMT)
CONCORD, N.C. -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. has one of the quickest and most established pit crews in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. But Thursday, they met their match -- in the form of the New York City Police Department.
After drowning the Fire Department of New York two pit stops to none to win the inaugural Drakkar Noir Pit Crew Challenge, the boys from the NYPD challenged the Budweiser Chevrolet crew to a duel.
They won, too, albeit after receiving a 10-second head start.
"The No. 8 pit crew gave us a 10-second advantage and we beat them," said Eddie Gardner, a detective with the NYPD technical assistance response unit. "We took it to them just like we took it to the firemen."
The Drakkar Noir Pit Crew Challenge -- an event developed and sponsored by well-known men's fragrance Drakkar Noir in conjunction with Dale Earnhardt Inc. -- pitted the heroes of the NYPD and FDNY against one another in a timed pit stop challenge.
After months of working together in the cleanup effort following the Sept. 11th attacks on America, it was a welcome contest.
The policemen won going away, continuing their current athletic reign over their fire-fighting counterparts. The two units play an annual football game, of which the policemen have won the past nine. Now, they added the pit crew title as well.
Aside from the NYPD, Thursday's big winner is The Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund. L'Oreal USA, the parent company for Drakkar Noir, donated $25,000 to aid the families who lost loved ones during the terrorist attacks.
"Today's event just means so much to us," said Drakkar Noir president Jack Wiswall. "This is exactly what our city needs. It's a great tribute to these guys, and the best part about it is that we're able to give $25,000 to the police and fire widow and children's fund.
"This just great and we're so happy to be a part of it. The firemen and police have trained hard and well. It's a meaningful event for us all."
The event included a star-studded lineup. Among those in attendance were Earnhardt Jr. and the entire No. 8 Budweiser crew, other DEI executives, several police and firemen, executives from L'Oreal USA and Olympic skiing gold medallist Picabo Street.
"This was just the coolest event," said Street, a close friend of Earnhardt, Jr's, and the chosen individual to interview him in front of Thursday's crowd. "It was really great for the big, supportive, family-type atmosphere that NASCAR embodies to come to New York City where the same kind of camaraderie is.
"Everyone has come together to lend support for people that are less fortunate. For Junior to come out here and give time was really special. For me, it was great, a huge turnout and a great group of fans."
Hundreds of fans turned out for the event, where Junior signed autographs at Macy's Herald Square. During the festivities, relationships were forged between NASCAR's heroes and America's greatest heroes.
"It was just one of those really special events," said DEI executive vice president Ty Norris. "After everything that happened in 2001, it was really pretty amazing to have something like this with the heroes of the police and fire departments.
"Those guys had a great time and we made a lot of new friendships. I've been a part of a lot of special things during my career, and this ranks right up there near the top. Those guys are the true American heroes."
One such hero, Mike Of, a candid fireman from Engine 319 in Queens, NY, said he and his mates were elated to be a part of the landmark event. Many of the participants had never so much as seen a Winston Cup machine, so it was quite an educational experience for all.
"Man, this is just so amazing, hanging out with these guys," Of said. "They're so famous, but they're normal and down to Earth. Having this even here, in the middle of Manhattan, the greatest city in the world is so great.
"The training for today's event was so fun, so great. Meeting Dale Jr. was awesome, and meeting the crew was really cool, too. They're the heart behind the team. NASCAR is so big in the South, and the Southern community was so good to us during the tragedy, lending a helping hand.
"They sent fire engines and help. I read a letter from a girl down there, shared it with all my friends. It means so much to me, being able to do this today."
Of was there on Sept. 11th at the World Trade Center. He lost friends. The memories still haunt him. His hope is that Americans never stop feeling the tremors left from that tragic day.
"In one month we'll have the anniversary," he said. "I hope the country never forgets that the biggest tragedy in the world happened right here. September 11th is going to be so sad and somber.
"A lot of memories. A lot of tears. I'll never forget the taste, the smell or my friends that are gone. It'll be a day of reflection. Today was so great. The support show by Drakkar Noir and NASCAR is awesome."
