Re: NASCAR train
Author: Joe Hickey
Date: 06-25-2014 - 09:50
The NASCAR Express is becoming my favorite train. It doesn't look special-just two Capitol Corridor trains coupled back to back-but it's where it goes and what it does that makes it significant.
I was on the maiden voyage last year. The sold-out train had just a handful of hardcore railfans on board. It was packed with NASCAR fans-the ultimate car people-who one might think would be hard to sell a train ticket to. The two cafe cars were doing a booming business with an extra drink bar set up in one of the booth seats.
This year I chased it to the Brazos bridge over the Napa River. The last 3/4 mile of Green Island Road on the east bank is gated by Fish and Game, so I had to park and hike in. It is thrilling that this train is carrying hundreds of people through such lovely country over track that hasn't seen a passenger train in decades. I hope that this is the beginning of more special trains over rare mileage to come.
Tickets go on sale in May. Alas, you cannot buy a ride without the included grandstand admission to the Toyota 350. But if you haven't been to a stock car race lately or ever, take the opportunity to experience a crazy part of American culture. Just bring earplugs. If trains were as loud as those cars they would never be allowed in your town.