ONMC couple becomes one at TMS

FORT WORTH, Texas -- "Boogity, boogity, boogity -- we got married."

That's what newlyweds Nikki and Jeff McGroarty of Grand Prairie, Texas, shouted from Texas Motor Speedway on Friday after the two exchanged wedding vows in Victory Lane.

"I'm continuing my passion -- NASCAR," said Nikki McGroarty, 37, of her decision to get hitched amidst rumbling stock-car engines, exhaust fumes and a flock of reporters.

It was an ideal scene complimented by an ordained minister named "Crash" and a black and white checkered flag garder belt snug around McGroarty's leg.

A constituent of the NASCAR Official Members Club, McGroarty used her connections to make the ceremony happen and partnered with a local radio station, KSCS 96.7 FM, The Texas Twister. The station's DJ, Crash, officiated at the ceremony.

The happy couple is carted away after the ceremony.

A track-side ceremony gives a whole new meaning to NASCAR fan avidity. If there was an award for fan loyalty, the McGroarty couple wins. Their first date was over pizza and a NASCAR race.

"We tape the races that we watch during the season so we will have something to watch in the offseason," McGroarty said after the ceremony on the way to her reception in a nearby Cup garage.

The couple waited nearly three years to end their race to the altar, and at 11:30 a.m. took the checkered flag on their race through life as man and wife.

The newlyweds are Members of the Official NASCAR Members Club and are part of the vibrant Texas contingent that is spearheaded by National Advisor Libby Templeton, her husband, Dale, and local chapter presidents such as Victoria Levy.

The ONMC, a membership organization created early last year by the sport to recognize its most loyal fans, includes as charter members 15 legendary NASCAR champions including Bobby Allison, Bill Elliott, Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon and ONMC National Membership Chairman Richard Petty.

The club currently has more than 1,100 local chapters across all 50 states.

Ron Lemasters Jr. contributed to this story.