Night at the Races

Thanks to a well-placed friend in the Henrico Police Department, my friend Pete and I got to go to last weekend's NASCAR race at Richmond International Raceway (for the low, low price of ... nothing).  It was the final "regular season" race before the Chase for the Cup begins and my first time going to a NASCAR race of any kind. 

 We also got complimentary pit passes so we were able to walk along pit row.  

 

Victory lane.  Approximately 7 hours after this shot was taken Clint Bowyer was giving his post-victory interviews (but not with his car, which ran out of gas right after he sealed the victory).  

 About to start.  The pace car is just about to pull off the track.  Dale Jr. was on the pole, with Jeff Gordon next to him (he came back from a lap down to take 2nd place and secure a spot in the Chase).  Denny Hamlin (fourth car back on the left) led most of the race but a late tactical error late cost him a chance to win for the third straight time.

Just above the black and white checkered thing is the back of Mitt Romney.