TALLADEGA

TALLADEGA

That is right: all caps because this day deserves it. Bucket list check mark acquired!

Today has me feeling all the feelings and I don't know where to begin. This road trip came up just a few weeks ago with Kevin (Ryan's brother) in town. I am always ready for a trip to National Parks or to see some of the interesting parts of our country but it took on a whole new meaning when Talladega and the GEICO 500 came up. As most of you know I kinda sorta think Dale Earnhardt Jr is cool (honestly, I am totally fascinated by him and he is the only reason I have watched or paid attention to NASCAR as long as I have).We started to plan the trip and then it happened: Dale Jr announced his retirement. I actually get a little choked up typing that. That made this a must-do and must-do-it-right kinda situation. We got tickets and pit passes not knowing what to expect.

Today began at 6:30 AM, in the car by 8:30 AM and at the track at 10:00 AM. It was a fairly easy ride and organized parking situation. The atmosphere was even more than expected. There were people everywhere but it wasn't crowded. We walked to the outside of the Super Speedway and got our tickets and pit passes without even a wait and did some shopping. After dropping off our new purchases, we put on some sunscreen and headed to pit road.

 The distance around this monster of a track is 2.66 miles so it took us some time to get around but we were taking it all in. Walking across the track and onto pit road is awesome. I have been to 3 other races but never gone down to pit road or had decent seats and it was a game changer. You really feel a part of the event and you can get up close to everything. I saw Dale Jr's pit stall and car but unfortunately not Dale. We got to stay on the track for driver introductions and watching him walk out to thundering applause made me a little teary thinking this will be his last season and how much people really love him.

We had nice seats and after a few laps we finally had a chance to grab some nachos and much needed water. The race didn't go as expected and even though Dale Jr was 3rd with about 15 laps to go he finished 22nd. A little heartbroken, we watched Ricky Stenhouse Jr, celebrate and headed back to the car.

I must have reminded myself 10 times today to soak it all in because it was one of my favorite days ever. The pre-race fly over and truck driving around with a huge American flag were touching and gave a real sense of the part of country we were in. When the green flag waved and the cars took off it was electric and you could actually feel it every lap. It was great watching Dale Jr. move up through the field and seeing everyone's passion for their favorite driver. I will carry the memories I made today forever as a member of Jr Nation.

I am exhausted, a little sunburned and sad Dale Jr. didn't win but if you asked me to do it all over again tomorrow I wouldn't hesitate.