In the Field: Elliott Sadler

Everybody has a different view of birthdays but for me, they're the perfect excuse to get together with family and friends -- and even in the hectic world of Nextel Cup racing, to get away for a little bit.

This week, I got to do a little bit of both.

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I'm no different than anyone else, I like doing different things and when I can, doing something special.

My 32nd birthday, which I celebrated Monday of this week, was a day for relaxing, for me.

The family had a big time back home in Emporia [Va.] for my birthday. My niece had a ball game with a big family cheering section.

After that, it was out for one of our favorite family gatherings -- pizza. And never mind Brooklyn Style vs. Philly Cheese Steak -- we hit Moody's, which has the best pies I've found across most of the country.

But Monday was big for another reason. I think everyone knows by now that I've been previewing a special event for the last three Nextel Cup races in my Evernham Motorsports Dodge Dealers/UAW Charger.

I've been wearing a specially designed helmet with an autism-oriented paint scheme during our racing events all during this month [April] -- which not coincidentally is autism awareness month.

The plan was to put that bad boy up for bid on our Web site, sadlerfoundation.org, to benefit the Autism Society of America.

We launched that effort first thing Monday morning, and by the time I was done with the big pizza party Monday evening, the bidding was up to $3,499. By Tuesday evening it was up to $5,400.

We actually held part of the birthday celebration over until Tuesday.

As you know, family and friends rate the highest with me, so it was cool that I got to cap the deal off on Tuesday by flying over to Bristol, Va., for a little golf outing at The Olde Farm Golf Club.

Me and my older brother, Hermie, who like me is a pretty avid golfer, took advantage of the chance to play that beautiful course. (Continued)