Today's photographs were taken last Friday night at Bristol Motor Speedway I almost referred to this as the Busch Grand National Series but then I thought (yes I do think, sometimes) no lets get it right and call it by it's new name, the NASCAR Nationwide Series Food City 250.
Before I say anything about the photos or the race I wanted to talk a little about the people. This event was attended by 110,000 people and Saturday's race by almost 170,000 so you get to see all types. I will be the first to admit that allot of these people are rednecks (heck I used to be one), some are that drunk I don't know how they walk or talk. But like firefighters, bikers and other groups you meet most of these people are just really nice. We went on a bus trip since tickets are so hard to get and it just makes life so much easier. On the bus there was allot of nice people, some season ticket holders for the Hershey Bears, just like us. But a few that stood out were a couple (maybe a little older than us) and the woman's father. Linda, her father Tom and her husband, I am sorry but I don't remember his name (old timers decease setting in) traveled from Miami, Florida and met us at a hotel. Like us they are Dolphins fans and like us Tom is a Earnhardt fan. We sat next to them at both races and on the bus, allowing us the chance to talk and get to know them a little better. It was nice getting to meet them and I know Shane really enjoyed their company.
On Saturday the announcer had all the Veterans stand to honor them, Tom stood at the urging of his daughter. It was very evident that he was touched by this and still very proud to have served his country. Linda and I were also very touched by his reaction to the whole thing. For some reason I failed to thank him for his service to the country then so I am doing so now. I can only hope that this thank you reaches him. While I am at it I would like to thank all our vets for keeping this great country safe.
Now back to the race, the top photo is the green flag to start the event. Picture two is the number 6 car of David Ragan spinning on the front stretch to bring out the yellow flag, followed by action on pit road. And finally the last photograph is of Brad Keselowski after doing a few donuts at the start finish line moments after winning the race. Brad drives for Dale Earnhardt Jr. so a few of us were happy with the win.
More from the cup series and some random shots will follow sometime in the future.