[Michael Beard]

As I left the house at 3am this morning, the temp reading in the truck was 76 degrees, an obvious hint of what's in store for us during the 2-day event. Forecasted highs are 92-93, so I've even packed the fan along with plenty of water, G2, and canned fruit. Made good time, not really hitting any traffic to speak of, as I meandered through a sleepy Charlotte. There was a bit of a smoke show from some building north of Greenville, SC. Not sure what the story was, but a news chopper hovered nearby to get the scoop. Actually got to Commerce ahead of the 8am scheduled gate opening, so I swung through the local bird bath to wash away the sheen of pollen/sap from the many trees at home. Even the driveway had the appearance that it had rained... pollen. Thankfully it came off easily. Pretty good line at the gate, and of course many rigs inside already. They're movin' 'em in. Tech opens at 9am, Qualifying at 10.