Atlanta (Talladega)

VERY long day today. Up at 5.30 to be on the bus early which was a little rough considering it was after 10 when we got the boys to bed the night before.
Today was very long and very hot at the track. In the morning there were a small group of us that were let off the bus early and we went across to check out the 'Dega NASCAR Hall of Fame. Kind of a cool place, lots of old cars from racing and information about some of the initial racers and some of the most famous. Personally I enjoyed the info about Louise Smith - one of the first female racers who was renowned for having outrun all of the lawmen in her county. She was asked to join the race circuits, realistically as an interest piece for being a female driver but she quickly showed she had the skills, courage and ability not only to compete with, but beat many of the top male drivers at the time. Her popularity with fans was actually because of her no fear racing style. Funniest info about her was mentioning that she borrowed her hubby's brand new wagon to go and check out the Daytona beach races - got the better of her and she entered. Massive crash, destroyed the new family car, hurt herself pretty badly and everyone back home knew before she got home thanks to the papers.
Today's race was the final of the big NASCARs and was 188 laps long. Yep, 188 laps of cars going around in a big circle. May have been more exciting if there were more crashes. By lap 4 I was trying to contain my laughter from watching the crowd and by lap 80 I was pretty much over it. I usually enjoy car-racing, but this was monotonous. What I couldn't believe was the crowd's reactions. At lap 4 there were people up on their feet when the cars came past, screaming for their favourite driver and pointing desperately at the finish line. (Think about it - this is lap 4 of 188...and they drive in a circle...there's not too many other places for them to go but over the start/finish line). Anyway, after something like 27 leader changes (every...single...one of which was cheered loudly) Blake's favourite driver won the race and we were out of there.
We've decided that the American's deal with crowds really well. The process of getting out of such a crowded p[lace was relatively smooth and quick and even the crowds within the stadium were quick to disperse.
Interesting factors:
- At Talladega the patriotism shown during the National

Anthem...every SINGLE time.
- EVERYONE on their feet, all hats off, flags unfurled on the track, large truck racing past with flag flying and parachuters bringing in flags too.
- the jet engines (yes seriously) that they use to blow debris off the track. No overalled men with brooms here folks.