The RaceTrac Freefill Cup is easily one of the best things that has happened to me this summer.

This little plastic vessel has been a minister of love and harmony during the long, hot days of June and July in Texas. For only $6.99, I have scored the ability to help myself to unlimited refills of soda and frozen drinks through Labor Day weekend. In return, RaceTrac has secured every tank of gas I have purchased in that same time (and that’s a lot of gas, since I’m teaching summer classes 30 miles from my house!). Additionally, the big RT has benefited from my recent addiction to Reese’s Pieces and ReeseSticks, which I purchase exclusively in conjunction with Freefill stops. I suspect I have eaten my weight in those things this past month.

Moments after we recorded Episode 12, Diane was also initiated to the sacred fellowship of Freefills. We enjoyed 22 oz. each of (Diet) Dr Pepper in the RaceTrac parking lot, and marveled at our ability to “go out for drinks” in such a fun and thrifty manner. At last check, D had already gotten double her money’s worth out of the deal, and RaceTrac nabbed at least one fill-up of her trusty Buick.

Thus, I salute you, RaceTrac, for your brilliant marketing ploy. While in previous summers I distributed my love of carbonated beverages amongst your competitors (64¢ 32oz. drinks from QuickTrip, $1 drinks at McDonald’s, and Sonic’s half-price Happy Hour), my patronage has now focused exclusively on your fine establishment. I am fully aware of the consumer-corporate exchange at work here, and perfectly at peace with it. I would buy gasoline anyway; I would consume dentally-nightmarish quantities of Dr Pepper anyway. You have claimed my business and my heart. At least until September 6.