Event 9 – Why Watching 2,000 Left Turns Was Rather Enjoyable

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It's hard to see, but on the stage are three generations of Pettys. King Richard is sporting the big hat third from the right.

^{Entering the NASCAR Fan Experience.}

^{The Pre-Race On Track Experience at Martinvsille.}

^{Driver Denny Hamlin speaks pre-race.}

^{Driver Ryan Blaney speaks pre-race.}

^{A walk under the Bill France Tower.}

^{The pre-race flyover.}

^{A parade lap at Martinsville.}

^{The first green laps of the Xfinity 500.}

^{Pit stops by Joey Logano and Carson Hocevar.}

^{Martinsville-Henry County, Virginia, Tourism Department members Sarah Hodges and Kelly Rowland join us to discuss the region.}

^{I reflect, briefly, on my day attending the NASCAR Cup Xfinity 500 race at Martinsville Speedway.}

Traveling Party – Doug, Front Seat Kevin, and Back Seat Kevin
Last Time Visited – It was my first trip to Martinsville Speedway and a NASCAR Race; Front Seat Kevin had never been to Martinsville but had attended races in Bristol, Charlotte, Daytona, and Michigan; Back Seat Kevin had been to Martinsville twice before as well as Bristol
Drive By Sighting – En route to our hotel in Roanoke the Saturday before the race, Front Seat Kevin and I caught a glimpse of Virginia Tech’s vacant Lane Stadium in Blacksburg (the Hokies were playing at Syracuse). Though not on the list of 80, the hometown Hokies pre-game entrance to Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” appears to be one of the coolest traditions in the sport. Get a feel for it here
Running List of States Traveled To/Through – Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, & West Virginia
Running List of Countries Traveled To/Through – Canada (Ontario & Quebec), England, Scotland, United States, & Wales
Distance Traveled – 1,244 miles round trip
Cumulative Distance Traveled After Nine Events – 16,139 miles
Up Next: Southeastern Conference Rivalry Weekend featuring the Egg Bowl and the Iron Bowl in Oxford, MS, and Tuscaloosa, AL, respectively

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