Talladega 500

We received tickets to the big race at Talladega Superspeedway. It was a great day. Everything worked out perfectly, the weather was grand. We were on time. We did not get sunburns and were entertained by a little bit of everything.

We drove up, fighting no traffic, walked a far shorter distance than we’d anticipated, waited in the shade for a few moments at the Will Call window and then walked a few hundred yards to the gate and to the proper section. We were sitting about 100 feet off the finish line. It was a perfect afternoon to be outside and we had a grand view of everything.

There were pre-race interviews, a parade of antique military vehicles, driver introductions and there was something called sky-typing:

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Then eight retired military service members jumped out of a plane with flags attached to their rigs:

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We saw a flyover synched with the military band playing the national anthem:

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And, of course, the race fans:

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Here’s the pace car for the day’s race:

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Brian Vickers had the pole, he would finish 20th:

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Dale Earnhardt Jr lead the most laps throughout the race, but his day ended with a disappointing 31st, which eliminates him from the championship race.

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For a time it seemed that we would see a little history. Danica Patrick had a strong run toward the end of the race, but caution flags and the last pit stop worked against her:

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Brad Keselowski won the Geico 500, advancing in his championship chase:

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But, really, you’re hear for the fans. Here are a lot more of them:

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