One of the people I have met over the years on the forums is British and is also a Nascar fan. His name is Simon Topham and he is known around the motorsports forums as Speedworx. I haven't been to a Nascar race in many years, but he expressed a desire to attend an event in America, and I offered to facilitate his wishes and we made plans to visit Talladega.
We saw those plans through this past weekend and I have a number of pics from the event to share. I last visited Talladega in 1991, and many things have changed in Nascar since then, but many things have stayed the same.
I have attended F1 races in 6 countries over the past decade and I have attended IRL and ALMS events in a dozen American states. I only say this to explain that I have a broad range of experience as a race fan. My views are based on those experiences.
I prefer road racing to closed circuits, but after spending the weekend at Talladega, my old oval racing sensibilities were awakened. We had a great time, were never bored, and the rulesmakers and track Stewards played no part in the results.
Here are some pics, click on them to enlarge.
Note: All Pics are by Flood1, but all can be copied and distributed by everyone without permission.
Flood1, Dorri and Simon on Pitlane before the race
Simon on pitlane as the cars (Tony Stewart) are placed for the start
Pre-race preparations
Here is the starting lineup from ontrack before the race
Here is the same lineup as seen from our grandstand seats
Here is the start. You can see the green flag at the front of the field.
Work on a pitstop
A view of pitlane during Saturday's truck race
Another view of the circuit during the Saturday race
The one thing I would like to point out is that access to Nascar races is very open. They encourage fans to get close to the action and allow access that far exceeds that of F1 and most other series. I think that F1 should consider ways to allow fans closer access. While some may argue that is is impossible to do, F1 finds ways to let the rich and famous have access to the events, and I think they should find a way to include the fans in a much broader experience than is now possible.
I challenge Tavo Hellmund and the staff at the USGP in Austin to plot the course and follow the pattern set out by American racing series like Nascar.
I want to thank you and Dorri for providing me with an opportunity to attend a race in America. The whole weekend provided a good comparison to the different events I have attended in Europe. We were indeed never bored over the weekend, with a great mix of ontrack and offtrack entertainment.
Posted by: Speedworx | November 03, 2010 at 05:18 PM
Speedworx, Dorri and I both enjoyed your company and we were very happy to host your visit. I had a very good time. I was impressed with how everyone went out of their way to help us, beginning with the guys who helped guide our motorhome into it's berth. The other race fans that we met were very friendly and helpful. The staff at the circuit and the law enforcement officers that were present all had great attitudes and contributed to our experience. I say bravo to each and everyone of them.
Posted by: flood1 | November 03, 2010 at 10:31 PM
Tavo mentioned the fan experience is very important and a new architect is coming on board soon. Maybe he's already on the same page.
Posted by: vfacundo | November 04, 2010 at 12:55 AM
I hope that is true vf, as I think it is important to US fans to have a "place at the table." Certainly his recognition of the "Friends of Austin" tells us a bit about his own interest in the fans.
Posted by: flood1 | November 04, 2010 at 11:17 PM