Budweiser Shootout

Saturday afternoon we decided to go to the Daytona International Speedway for the Budweiser Shootout (we didn't have tickets but we didn't let that stop us).  Although it was a sunny day, we knew it was supposed to be chilly that night so we layered up with what few warm clothes we have here. 

We had seen earlier in the day that many places close to the track were charging $40 and $50 to park.  But we had been told there was a park-and-ride bus service to the track -- and it turned out to be a super-slick operation and free!  Walked over the big Daytona Beach bridge, bought tickets and we were in!

There were great pre-race events, concerts and pyrotechnics.

I had to steal this picture from the internet
but it really was cool

Budweiser Clydesdales (of course)

The partying had been going on all afternoon with a huge Budweiser Pre-Race party, in addition to many individual side parties that many of the fans had obviously attended :) About mid-race, two totally wasted guys sitting by us got "escorted out". Someone in the crowd asked "What did they do?" One cop turned & said "They're Kyle Busch fans."  So hilarious!