Last weekend I got to see my first NASCAR race in person, and it was amazing!
With my wife and friends, we travelled down to the Baltimore area for the weekend, heading over to the Monster Mile in Dover Delaware for the 2nd race of the Chase for the Sprint Cup.
We had an absolute blast, from beginning to end. We got there early to tour through the souvenir trailers and happened to be at the right place at the right time to see Denny Hamlin giving an interview in the Toyota promotional area.
I later picked up a signed Denny Hamlin diecast from his trailer.
The race was great, with a few hard-fought battles for the lead involving my wife's favourite driver (Kyle Busch) and the driver I had picked for my fantasy game (Jimmie Johnson). In the end, Jimmie won out after Kyle faded when the sun went away.
My favourite driver, Tony Stewart, had an altogether terrible day, but it was interesting watching him try to make the best of it.
I think the biggest surprise for all of us was just how LOUD it was! I'd been warned and it had been described to me, but I don't think you can really comprehend just how loud 43 V8 engines with no mufflers at full throttle really is until you hear it in person. Then you put your headset back on because it's painful.
I can honestly say it was the loudest place I've been in my entire life. Louder even than standing on an indoor platform as a pair of trains go by you.
So that was that… I can't wait until I get to go to another one!!