It’s 6:45 a.m., and I have already been at Cessna Stadium for 43 minutes. 

I left the Wichita Marriott at 5:35 a.m. and made a pit stop at QuikTrip on K-96 and Oliver to get ice for my cooler and a cold Gatorade. Discovered I locked my hotel room key in the room. Not a big deal; I have to pass by the front desk anyway when I get back to the hotel. At least I know well in advance. 

Pulled into the stadium parking lot near Koch Arena at 6:02. I want to make sure I do not have relatively far to walk to the stadium, because I am carrying things up to the press box, plus my camera and the gear I will need to be on the field. 

I am wearing about the most garish outfit I have ever donned–at least when covering an event. Lord, I don’t want to describe it, because people might go blind if I do. However, if you are at Cessna Stadium and can’t spot me, well, get your eyes checked. Just kidding. But I will be easy to spot. 

The first race is in one hour. Then the fun really starts. Hopefully the rain holds off. 

The good news: not too hot. I’ll sweat a little, but I don’t think it will be too much of a problem. Tomorrow looks gorgeous.