Dear 99 and fans,
On Monday November 13, Mark
Welch and his girlfriend Elisha Williams and Ken and Karie Wendt departed Sacramento
International Airport for Orlando, Florida. On Tuesday, we visited Daytona beach and the
Daytona Speedway and Museum. Wednesday, Mark attended a golf tournament and later that
evening we all attended a mixer of all the champions at Walt Disney World's Epcot Center.
On Thursday, Mark had a photo session and tuxedo fitting. That day our crew arrived in
Orlando. That evening we all attended a Dinner at the Nascar Cafe in Universal Studio's.
The Cafe was closed to the public that evening and it was fun getting to know all of the
other drivers and crews. On Friday, Mark had a rehersal in the banquet room while the rest
of us recuperated from the week's activities. There was a cocktail party and photo
opportunities prior to the banquet where the drivers, crews and families were able to take
pictures with a backdrop and lighting provided by Nascar. Tha banquet was in the Peabody
Hotel, Orlando. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Alan Beswick, and Tom Deery
presided over the evenings events. The drivers were called up from tenth place to first
place, a history was given of the driver and a video was shown that was taped at each
drivers track during the year. 
Mark gave a speech ,which true to form, had
everybody in the place laughing. He then presented the track's trophy to Ken Clapp and
then, to the shock of all of us, asked Elisha Williams up on stage where he proceeded to
get down on one knee and asked her to marry him! Elisha walked back to her seat in tears
while the whole crowd of some 1000 people clapped and cheered. 
After the banquet and photo's we partied
with the Nascar officials and sponsors until 3:00 or 4:00 A.M. It was a once in a lifetime
experience for me and I am indeed greatful to Mark Welch and Crew for making it Happen!
Ken Wendt
