CountryMusicIsLove Does Talladega!
Photo By: Getty Images
What a weekend! I recently returned from a whirlwind trip to Alabama where I attended the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Good Sam Roadside Assistance 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Thanks to my friends at NASCAR, I had an unforgettable experience at the race!
First off, I have to admit, I wasn’t a NASCAR fan prior to this weekend. I knew nothing about the sport and I never watched it voluntarily, but I now have a new appreciation for it. In fact, I actually like it!
My fun-filled day kicked off with a pace car ride around Talladega Superspeedway. Going 135 mph around the track was absolutely exhilarating (and a wee-bit scary!).
Check out the view from the pace car, driven by former NASCAR driver Brett Bodine.
I wore my Miranda Lambert “Fastest Girl In Town” tee-shirt in honor of the occasion
After the pace car ride, I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Nicole Biffle, wife of NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. It was a great chat- we spoke about the life of a NASCAR wife, the Greg Biffle Foundation, and of course, Country Music. If you’re interested in helping out our four-legged friends, check out their foundation. It has awarded grants to over 400 humane societies and animal shelters from coast to coast since its inception in 2005. To learn more, click HERE.
After chatting with Nicole, I have the chance to spend some time in the media center where I met some pretty incredible people.
I had the chance to chat with “Duck Dynasty’s” Willie Robertson about Country Music and hunting with superstars Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean.
One of my favorite moments of the day was meeting ESPN’s Marty Smith. He’s best friends with the “Chief,” Eric Church. I could have talked to him about Country Music for hours and hours! Follow him on Twitter HERE.
Actor Kevin James, comedian Larry The Cable Guy, and Country Music newcomer RaeLynn were also at the race. NASCAR attracts all kinds of celebrities!
Later that day, I also had the opportunity to meet NASCAR driver Ryan Newman’s wife, Krissie Newman. She was kind enough to invite us on her bus where she was spending time with her husband and two daughters. The Newmans are BIG country music fans. She told me they enjoy listening a variety of artists including Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, and Lee Brice. The couple’s soon-to-be two year old daughter Brooklyn is especially fond of Little Big Town’s smash hit “Pontoon.” Ryan and Krissie even took time to show me an adorable video of Brooklyn dancing and singing along to the hit song. The Newmans are also animal advocates. Learn more about the Ryan Newman Foundation HERE.
Once the race started, we headed down to Pit Row where I got an up-close-and-personal look at the pits. I cannot believe how quickly the pit crews have to work during the race. It truly is a team effort!
As expected, the Talladega race was an exciting one. It ended with a 24-car incident on the very last lap! Matt Kenseth ended up finishing first, so we then headed to Victory Lane to watch the celebration.
Photo By: Getty Images
I’ve always thought that NASCAR and Country Music shared similarities, and I was right. Country Music artists and NASCAR drivers take the time to support who really matters, the fans. I never once saw a driver turn down a photo or an autograph while at the race. It’s nice to know that they value fans too.
This experience is one I will never forget! If you haven’t had a chance to check out a NASCAR race, I encourage you to do so. I never thought I’d consider myself a fan, but now, I’m hooked. Visit NASCAR.com to learn more and to see if there’s an upcoming race in your neck of the woods.
Remember – We’ll be covering the Chase for the Sprint Cup now through November 20, stay tuned for updates and for your chance to win some great NASCAR prizes and merchandise!
