Saturday 23rd May
This is what we came here for!
The first of two days of NASCAR racing were upon us. Today was the Xfinity series race and at 9:15 we all boarded the coach to make the short 30 minute ride up to Charlotte Motor Speedway. The huge 1.5 mile race track revealed itself just as it did when we drove long this road exactly 10 years ago.
The bus parked up and it was a very short walk to the track from there. Already the car parks were beginning to fill up, the BBQs had been fired up and there certainly was a carnival atmosphere.
We had a few hours to kill before the race actually started so I took the time to walk the merchandise trailers and look at all the other various displays that were there just outside the main gates. Stocked up on too much Jeff Gordon merchandise, well this will probably be my last chance before he retires at the end of the year.
I also got to meet Regan Smith, Driver of the #7 Xfinity series car, and get an autograph to.
Behind the track there were lots and lots of stalls selling all kinds of merchandise, you name it, they sell it.
The race was scheduled to start at 3pm, the weather was perfect, not cloud in the sky. A stark contrast to my last NASCAR weekend at Daytona in which it rained for most of the time.
Before taking my seat in the stands I decided to get something to eat. All the food is vastly overpriced at these places, $5 for a a bottle of water!
There were a while load of choices, very inventive ones as well... BBQ Sundaes (pulled pork, baked beans and coleslaw in a plastic cup)! I think I'll pass on that thanks!! Giant Turkey legs... Nope, tried that before! How about a deep fried oreo?
Chicken tenders and fries were the safest option.
Got sat in my seat at 1:30 just in time to see the final practice for the sprint cup series cars as they prepare for their 600 miler tomorrow. Had great seats, right opposite the start finish line. Kurt Busch was fastest.
Now onto the race itself. A 200 lap race (300 miles), the atmosphere was awesome, and what a sight! 40 engines fired up simultaneously at the command, there is no sound like it! Had a scanner so that I could listen to drivers talking on their pit to car radio, and so I could also hear the race commentary.
What a sound these cars make, as they roar down the back straight at 190mph,just breathtaking.
The race itself was dominated by #33 Austin Dillon who had the measure of the field all day. He had to fight his way back to the lead in the late going but he came out the deserved winner.
Got some great pictures of him doing his victory burnout.
Then came the mad rush to get out of the stands, it wasn't as bad as I initially expected and the traffic getting out was pretty good, it will be busier tomorrow for the big race however.
The rest of the party seemed to enjoy their day as well and were in good spirits on the bus, had a nice chat with a few of them back at the hotel.
After chilling out for a while I then headed down to speed Street again to see what was going on... Apart from a band playing music (if you could call it that) and lots of people hanging around drinking bud light... Not very much.
Headed back to the hotel late at night and got some rest ahead of another day of racing tomorrow.... And it's the big one... The coca cola 600!
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