COLUMN: One of those rare days when there's nothing to do

            RICHMOND, Va. - There wasn't much to do on Saturday except watch the rain fall and the wind blow.

            Everyone was "holed up." The chief worry, for a day, wasn't "who makes the Chase?" It was "wonder if the electricity will go out?" Or "is the Internet still working?"

            Race drivers don't have many hobbies. Their jobs, their lives and their leisure time are all wrapped up in racing. Besides, this was the last day that a quick in-and-out to the Bahamas seemed promising.

            Hey, we got Hanna outside. Why don't we go see what Ike's up to?

            So it's doubtful anyone was playing Trivial Pursuit. Maybe a few wives, but that would've involved dashing out the door and a slippery dash to another motor coach.

            Undoubtedly, there were DVDs of old races. Some drivers probably autographed caps or cards or die-cast models. Apparently there's money in that.

            Kyle Petty pulled out his guitar and plucked on it. Maybe Jeff Gordon played with little Ella, or then again, maybe Ella was in a safer place, gurgling while her father listened on a cell phone. Tony Stewart probably played some poker. Several drivers probably got together to race each other on video-simulation games.

            Apparently it's the next best thing to being there.

            Racers have varied interests. It's just they hire people to take care of them. They own stock. They mingle with the high and mighty of other disciplines. It's not very often they have time on their hands.

            Sometimes, though, random events can wind up being meaningful. A driver and owner might be trapped under an awning, waiting for the blowing rain to let up. They mind up putting two and together and finding common ground somewhere around four.

            Mother Nature demands inattention, though.

            You can reach Monte Dutton at mdutton@gastongazette.com.