TALLADEGA 2010

So, this past weekend was a huge event, not only at the Hyland house, but for NASCAR as well.  It was Talladega time!  For those of you not in the "know" the race held at the Talladega SuperSpeedway in Alabama is the equilvalent of a Redneck pilgrimage to Mecca (see Islam for reference).  It is the longest, biggest, and fastest NASCAR track and is the home of the "The Big One," usually the largest and craziest crash of the season.  Can you imagine a more wonderful place for a race car crazy 6 year old boy?

So, Justin and Josh flew out Friday morning to Atlanta.  This despite Josh waking up that morning with croup.  Right, I know.  They stayed in Atlanta and bussed to Talladega, AL the next morning for the race.  Unfortunately, with all the bad weather in the state, the race was called off for Saturday so the bus turned around and headed back to Atlanta.  [On a side note, a tornado hit the town where we spent Thanksgiving (see Nov 09 post) and wrecked the park where we played.  Thankfully, my family (and their homes) was unhurt.]  So, they ended up spending the day at a super cool aquarium in the ATL.

Finally, the weather cleared and they ran both races on Sunday.  So, Justin and Josh boarded the bus at 6 am central time and headed back to the track.  They spent the first part of the day down on pit road, since Justin got pit passes for the two of them.  That was cool to see the cars and crews up close.  Then they hit the hospitality tent and ate hot dogs and Golden Flake potato chips (don't ask, Justin just wanted to give them a shout out).  Finally the race started and a good time was had by all.  According to the TV announcers it was one of the most exciting races ever at Talladega and set a record for lead changes.

After the Sprint Cup race, the had the Nationwide Race that had been cancelled from Saturday.  After another exciting round of racing it was time to head back to the hotel.  After the bus ride, the boys got back to the hotel at 10 pm central time.  A VERY long day for a 6 year old boy.  But a wonderful one.  He is already asking when they can go back!

Arriving at the track.

Arriving at the track. The stands.

Josh got to go down on the track!

Next to Denny Hamlin's car.

At Kyle Busch's pit.  He is Josh's favorite driver.

Cool tires waiting for Kyle Busch's car.

Getting up close with the pit crew.

Kyle Busch's car.  Ready to race.

Josh signs his name on Pit Road.

Justin and Josh's names.  I guess Josh didn't like his first attempt.

Justin and Josh on the track.

Josh plays Pop-A-Shot with a new friend while waiting for the race to start.

Jeff Burton's Caterpillar car.

Kyle Busch comes out to the track.

And they are racing.  Nice view.

Coming into the front stretch tri-oval.

Josh shows off his binocs.

Kyle Busch's pit stop in the 2nd race, the Nationwide Race.

Justin didn't take this picture (we grabbed it off ESPN) but this was the highlight of the 2nd race (and the whole day for Josh for crashes).  This happened on the last lap at the final turn of the race! 

Josh on his way out of Talladega.  He asked his dad if they could come again next year.  We'll see....