One of the Jeff Gordon fans at Michigan International Speed. My friend John was afraid to wear his Jeff Gordon shirt to the race this year. In the past, drunk fans would taunt him by screaming, “Gordon sucks!”

Jeff Gordon burns out of the pit after getting some fresh tires and a splash of fuel. This is taken through a chain link fence, 5 rows up from the track with a 300mm lens.

The grandstand at turn one at Michigan International Speedway.

Nascar fans love their flags. At least the US flag is still on top. I’m sure this changes the further south you go.

Most of the fans in Michigan don’t have a lot of love for Jeff Gordon (who drives the number 24 car). Why? He’s won four championships, he’s a great driver, he’s from California and he’s stinkin’ rich.

Dave Blaney’s number 07 car. I thought his crew had a little too much Jack Daniel’s and put an upside down number 20 on the car.

Three F-16 jets did a flyover. Twice. The second time they went into a vertical climb directly over the track. Before you could blink they were gone. I thought this photo looked interesting but the truth is that these planes are difficult to shoot when they zip by. I’ll get another chance at the CNE air show next week.

A view from our seats in turn one. We’re seated five rows up from the track, facing the start/finish line. Michigan International Speedway is huge. 140,000 fans surround this 2 mile track.

Jeremy Mayfield in the number 19 Dodge lights up the tires after a quick pit stop. He went on to win the race.

The best way to arrive and leave the race is by helicopter. Of course, the only people doing this were the team owners and the odd celebrity.

After the race in a sea of cars. We decided to fire up the BBQ and cook some steaks. When you have 160,000 people trying to leave a parking lot the best thing to do is stay put.