The parachute jumps have become almost as popular as the flyovers, and it's amazing how they always hit their marks! If I was younger and in better shape I would love to do this! Sounds good, huh - since I'm neither...
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
This jumper carries the Richmond International Raceway flag. Since the first race in Richmond in 1953 the track has undergone 3 name changes, 4 configuration changes and one surface change - frim dirt to asphalt.
The Navy's Blue Angels fly over the pits at the Richmond International Raceway prior to the start of the Crown Royal 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup race on Saturday, May 3rd, 2008 (AP photo). I had to "borrow" this picture to show the awesome flyover - none of our pictures did it justice. We were actually sitting directly under it, they flew right over our heads! I can still feel the chills! And remember on the previous page where I showed you the "nosebleed seats"? I'll bet those fans could almost touch the Blue Angels!
We shared the spectacular sunrise at the ocean, here the Virginia sun sets during the race at Richmond!
A wrecked and dejected Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits on pit road after being wrecked by Kyle Busch in the closing laps of the race. Kyle hung on to finish second, Jr. a disappointing fifteenth. RIR officials ordered extra security for Busch leaving the track after the fans voiced their displeasure at the incidence by throwing debris on the track and giving Kyle the "one-finger salute".
And just how did our Favorite Drivers fare? #24 Jeff Gordon went a lap down, but eventually got the Lucky Dog Free Pass and worked his way up to a ninth place finish. Here he races down pit road to catch up to rejoin the lead lap cars.
#48
Jimmie Johnson didn't have the same kind of luck - battling with handling
and tire issues all night. The Lowe's Chevy was involved in a 14 car melee
on lap 230, which resulted in a 22 minute red flag for "cleanup in turn
3" after Carl Edwards and JJ Yeley wrecked.
Jimmie came back to win the Chevy Rock & Roll race in the fall of 2008,
the race that determines the Chase contenders - and went on to win the 2008
Cup Championship, his 3rd in a row!
After winning the Nationwide series Friday night race, starting on the pole for the Cup race, and leading 381 of the 400+ race, Chesterfield, VA native Denny Hamlin saw a flat tire ruin his night. He stopped on the track, drawing a caution, and was penalized two laps when NASCAR officials determined that he could have continued. (NASCAR.com photo)
Kansas natives Kathy Beth, Judy Kay and Laura (Reynolds) enjoyed watching another Kansas native, Clint Bowyer, win the race! Clint set a new track record: the biggest improvement in starting position by starting 31st and finishing 1st. True Grit - it's how and why they drive like they do! Thanks for a great show boys - it was a thrilling weekend - the close of a perfect vacation! We'll do it again soon!
Emporia Gazette photo