By Will Martin
Less than 48 hours removed from a historical run at the Indianapolis 500, successfully getting a win on his 12th try, Tony and Lauren Kanaan made a stop off in Ft. Worth to discuss the win. The appearance was also to promote what will undoubtedly be another fun and rocking good time in Ft. Worth at Texas Motor Speedway on June 8th for the Firestone 550. It shall feature most if not all of the IRL racers who had just raced in the INDY500 this past Sunday.
While the Colonial wound down and fans got acquainted with a good ole boy named Boo Weekley fans of racing can now aim to cheer daily (get it?) in the countdown to the IRL fun at Texas Motor Speedway in less than two weeks.
Randy Hill was most gracious in providing the mentorship one year ago at the 2012 event. This year yours truly shall fly solo in covering the festivities. Along the way a new discovery was made about a national institution.
It was about 1935 when a restaurant was born in Ft. Worth and now that national institution. Joe T Garcia’s on Commerce St. in Ft. Worth was the home place for our “Meet and Greet” with Tony Kanaan and the many fans, sponsors, season ticket holders, and media.
Add to that some great food, mariachi music, ideal weather and a patio with a backdrop that felt like a distant tropical getaway the size of a city block well, that’s heaven!
Carrying the Borg Warner wreath as both Kanaan’s were serenaded to Mariachi music the entire crowd-which included Ft. Worth Mayor Singleton-were fed and treated to a Question and Answer session with Tony K about the win, the upcoming race and one question about a certain necklace.
I asked Tony if he had the necklace with him and he smiled and said, ‘Yes’. That was good enough for me. Any thoughts about retiring from racing to come home for good are premature at best . Tony and Lauren Kanaan looked to be grateful, still a bit in shock, yet content for all the accolades that are en route and then some.
After the Q and A ,Tony took the time to address his sponsors and season ticket holders before addressing the television and media demands. He appeared more than at ease before the microphones.
Great job of performing by Joe T Garcia’s Mariachi singers, and my thanks to the staff for the wonderful amenities. What a wonderful place to go enjoy Mexican food. Cash only, no credit cards. That’s brilliance! Much like the performance of one likeable Brazilian in Indianapolis 48 hours prior.
