I've been a racing fan for a long time, but most of my previous attendance has decidedly been at track events. On paved surfaces that were sometimes rainy and muddy, sure, but usually not in the middle of the desert. Some time ago, though, I attended a WRC Rally México round. It was dusty, dirty, and quite literally breathtaking (when you're not used to elevation, it can definitely hit you).
It was its own kind of amazing.
But although it had significant sand and dust and grit, it still wasn't the desert. And it also didn't involve a myriad of racers on all manner of vehicles literally parading down the Las Vegas Strip to kick off the festivities, which I got to ride in, and it was truly one of the more surreal experiences of my life.
