“While we are certain that all those race wives out there would much prefer to be at the track with their families all day than anything else, we thought we'd offer an option,” said Laura Wright, Director of Marketing.

Rockin' Ride, Austin's totally groovy party bus, has offered to shuttle your loved ones in style to San Marcos, Texas to enjoy shopping at the outlet mall, lunch, more shopping and back again. A four-hour adventure for as little as $25 each. (Does not include the cost of lunch.) Now, if you're not familiar with Rockin' Ride, you need to visit their website to get the full effect, cause these ain't no Greyhounds. In their own words:

"The Rockin' Ride takes your group back in time to the 1970's - an era of fun, funk and rock and roll. Guests of the Rockin' Ride are treated to the ultimate party bus, complete with neon crushed velvet and shag interior, a premium entertainment system including televisions, DVD player, sound system and even karaoke . The Rockin' Ride driver transports passengers to wherever they wish to go, but beware ­ guests will have so much fun they might not want to leave the bus!"

For photos (you really must see the photos), visit www.rockinride.com.

Rockin Ride will leave Iron Rock at 1 pm and return at 5 pm, just in time to take photos of you with your first-place trophy.

Now, here's the hitch: the cost of Rockin Ride is $440 for the four-hour trip and it seats up to 18. So the more people who reserve space, the lower the cost. 10 people: $44 each, 14: $31.50, 18: $24.50.  We'd like to have at least 10 people reserve by 5 pm on Monday, May 2.

But we think you'll want to treat your wife, mother, grandmother, sister or daughter to this fun Mother's Day afternoon.

Other ideas:

Surprise her before the race with breakfast on the lake at the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel:
(7 am to 9 am)
98 San Jacinto Blvd
Austin, TX 78701-4085  
(512) 478-4500
Cross Street: Cesar Chavez Street

Or right next door at T.G.I. Friday's in the Radisson Hotelalso overlooking the lake:
(7 am - anytime)
111 E Cesar Chavez Street
Austin, TX 78701  
(512) 478-2991

Send along on the bus one chilled bottle of champagne, orange juice and glasses, so she can enjoy mimosas along the way. (The bus includes an ice well for beverages.)

Tell her how racing karts makes you feel almost as manly as she does (but not quite). Or that coming off the track after a long race day makes you feel oddly like doing yard work.

Remind her that racing is something that you're really doing to instill values of responsibility and confidence in your children, and how it helps you "bond." (If you say this, you may not want to send all the kids off with her for the day.) And don't forget, even ladies who aren't mothers love to be pampered

For more info see www.ironrockraceway.com or call 512/530-7224 .


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