After making our way back across the country from Idaho we got to pull into Zach and Lou’s BBQ. What a fun and tasty experience that was! We were greeted by Zack and Lou and his whole crew who operate the restaurant. They were some of the most kind and generous people who truly loved what they were doing. There was lingering smoke smell hovering across the parking lot that later greeted us with some of the best brisket I’ve ever had. Their homemade sides went perfectly with the genuine Idaho potatoes they were serving that day. The Tater Team was interviewed by Dale FROM 97.3! He made us feel right at home on live radio sharing the potato joy that we had brought to Torrington. The city came out to welcome us with open arms and sign our Big Helping signature board which was full in no time and went to benefit Main Street Torrington Inc. Lou said they had one of the best days ever in the restaurants history. It was so fun to be a part of that and see it benefit awesome people!
After Zack and Lou’s BBQ the Tater Team headed to Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. Before setting up for our event we took the truck around the Tricky Triangle earning a top speed of 19 mph. We didn’t want to rock the tater too much especially since there was no turn four! We had our very own “mama bear” / tour director Laura, fly in to help us at this big event and be a part of decorating Spuddy Buddies with the kids at the Chalet Village. Sarah from Idahoan brand joined us in handing out samples of Idahoan mashed potatoes. The crowd loved them, both the potatoes and the girls. We brought out our signature board for A Big Helping that went to benefit the Shriners Children’s Hospital. My mom has directly benefited from the Shriners Children’s Hospital. She had her first surgery at age 8 and has many more since. Without them, her life, as well as mine, would’ve been very different.
After getting permission to donate additional funds to the hospital I was on a mission for the day! For every driver signature, The Idaho Potato Commission would donate $50 up to $500 to the Shriners Children’s Hospital. I made my way to the pit and ultimately the winner circle and I walked away with 27 signatures and selfies with most of the NASCAR drivers! It was a success. Meanwhile, Tater Twin Jessica got a picture with Richard Petty the king of NASCAR! This was a pretty incredible weekend experience to cross off my bucket list!
Thanks so much for reading and following our spudtacular adventure!
Spud Racer- Melissa
