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:
Then eight retired military service members jumped out of a plane with flags attached to their rigs:
We saw a flyover synched with the military band playing the national anthem:
And, of course, the race fans:
Here’s the pace car for the day’s race:
Brian Vickers had the pole, he would finish 20th:
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.
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:
Brad Keselowski won the Geico 500, advancing in his championship chase:
But, really, you’re hear for the fans. Here are a lot more of them: