The NASCAR Ford 400 in Miami, FL
November 2006
Many thanks to TISSOT for the invitation to the final NEXTEL Cup race of the NASCAR season, the Ford 400 at the Miami Speedway. TISSOT is not only a major sponsor of NASCAR, they are the official timekeeper for the sport as well. We got into Miami International on Friday night and picked up our rental car - looooove the Hertz "Neverlost" navigation system (not quite as nice as the onboard system on my BMW, but worked well) - I can't imagine navigating Miami without it. We stayed downtown at the Conrad - pretty swanky digs:
My son found the accomodations to his liking, and particularly liked the view:
On Saturday morning, we had a nice breakfast and then walked around the area near the hotel and took a few photos:
Miami Speedway is in Homestead, FL which is about 40 minutes from downtown Miami:
Here's a shot of me on the track:
And another of me in front of the podium area where the winner is crowned:
Here's a shot of the coveted NEXTEL Cup Trophy - won by Jimmie Johnson as his 9th place finish at the race on Sunday cinched his season win.
I got to take my son and wife into the garage area on Sunday (race day) and into the pits area as well - a thrilling treat for a 10 year old. The #8 car is driven by Dale Ernhardt, Jr.
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I had the opportunity to meet a few celebs at the race - here's a shot of Tayler Hicks (American Idol winner) who sang the National Anthem. He's posing with the Florida Marlins cheerleaders, who also performed at the event:
Here's a shot of Patrick Dempsey, of the hit TV show GREY'S ANATOMY:
The patriarch of NASCAR - Richard Petty:
Soon it was time to send my family to their seats in the stands, and get busy with taking photos from the race. Here's the view from pit row:
Some action shots from the race - photographing these cars in motion was EXTREMELY difficult. This was easily my most challenging action photo shoot to date:
Here's a pit stop in action - blink and you'll miss it:
Here's Jimmie Johnson leaving the pits after a stop:
The following day after the race, I decided to take my family to the Miami Sea Aquarium - it was great to take my son there, as my family took me there when I was young.
My son and my wife having fun with the beautiful birds:
We went to several of the animal shows that day and watched some great performances:
I hope you enjoyed the photos - thanks for looking!
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