Growing up a huge sports fan in New Jersey, I was lucky enough to attend a few World Series and NBA Finals games but never a Stanley Cup contest or Super Bowl. And, I most definitely never went to the Daytona 500. Well, I can’t say that anymore after this past weekend.

I was given the opportunity to see David Ragan in live NASCAR action at “The Great American Race,” as well as a chance to meet the Daytona 50 – winners of the UPS NASCAR Employee Program that recognizes UPSers who excel in the areas of safety, service and growing the business, such as Tennessee District Package Car Driver Ronnie Bruce, who submitted an incredible 169 new business leads last year.

There was a whole lot and a hole lot going on race day. Despite enduring temps better suited for Vancouver than Florida and 2½-hours worth of delays to repair a pesky pothole, the Daytona 50 and their guests were treated to an exciting and strong 16th-place finish by David Ragan to start the season.

Central Florida District Circle of Honor Driver Ginny Odom was thrilled about delivering the green flag for the event, but found it a little funny that she did so in our flame package car, considering that she’s been driving feeders since 1983.

“I wanted to deliver the flag with my tractor and a trailer,” joked the 35-year safe driver credited with amassing more than three million miles without an accident.

At a dinner reception Saturday night, I must confess to feeling a little awestruck when I saw Ginny talking shop with Whites Creek (Tenn.) Feeder Driver Mike Jenks, who has driven more than five million accident-free miles and is one of only 14 active drivers at UPS with 40 years of safe driving. That’s a combined 75 years of safe driving between those two remarkable individuals. As a communications professional, I realize I shouldn’t have been nervous when I asked Mike and Ginny if I could take their picture. Oh, well.

On Saturday I got to visit the new UPS Trackside Services trailer. Over the course of a typical 36-week season, UPS handles all of the packages that come in and out of the track. The new trailer provides a much better environment for our customers and employees and is much nicer than the simple canopy erected between two car haulers in the garage area.

Obviously every business decision is magnified in a difficult economy, but I believe the NASCAR sponsorship continues to be a smart investment. There are a significant number of people watching these races who make shipping decisions. In addition, we have access to all of the different sponsors in the sport, allowing us the chance to showcase our technology and service for these businesses. By the way, keep an eye out for the new NASCAR commercials, especially “Delivery People,” which is as brilliant as it is hilarious.

I realize I was extremely fortunate to have had the Daytona 500 for my first NASCAR event. It was a ton of fun. And I enjoyed every second. Witnessing live action has given me even more of an appreciation for these drivers who skillfully maneuver those cars at such a blinding pace. But even more importantly, the weekend reminded me again of all the extraordinary UPSers who maneuver their own difficult tasks, day in and day out, and make it look just as easy.

And although we know David would have liked to place higher than 16th, he did keep one of his promises: The FedEx car only finished 17th.

Nice job getting our backs, David!