Sunday, May 4, 2014

Aaron's 499 at Talladega

Oh man! Denny Hamlin won his first points race of the season!

My family and I were at our usual weekend spot, Red Robin. We were waiting to be seated, all of our stomachs growling at the smell of such deliciousness everywhere, when I noticed the race was on on one of the TVs in the bar.

Much to my surprise, Hamlin was leading with ten laps to go. My eyes probably widen even more when I realized the race was at Talladega! Denny's never been good here. Something bad always happens to him. I was completely shocked to see him not only still in the race but leading it!

It was difficult to try to contain myself as the laps continued to wind down without incident. There was a couple eating at the booth behind us and I must have seriously been pissing off the woman by my little spasms of excitement because she kept giving me dirty looks the whole time. Sorry lady, it's not every weekend my favorite driver is about to win one of the most grueling races of the entire race season.

I threw my hands up in the air when he crossed the start/finish line to take the win and then I quickly dropped them so I wouldn't draw too much attention to myself. We were seated shortly after he won, but I lingered in the bar for just a few minutes until he climbed out of his car. There was no sound on the TV but just from Denny's face, I could tell that he was beyond stoked to finally get a win here.

I went to go sit down after they were done interviewing him, instantly regretting not wearing my Hamlin shirt like I was going to. Still, I was excited nonetheless.

Thanks for the early birthday present, Denny!

- Jay