Dear ‘Dega,
It was really strange on the last weekend of April, your normal timeslot on the NASCAR schedule, to be sitting at home and not embarking on your grounds. The strange went to another level when I drove by you and there was absolute silence: no campers, no campfires, no music, no parties, and no engines screaming. I, like millions of other fans and series employees have wondered ever since the shutdown came about and your April date was postponed, when you would come to life in 2020.
Well on today, May 14th, NASCAR gave notice to your legion of fans and loyal patrons that you would come to life on June 20 and 21st, but with a caviat. Many, including myself, prayed that you would be in the group of tracks that would be a part of bring “normal” back by hosting fans for your first date of 2020, because the atmosphere and nightlife you bring to our beloved area, and to the sport is second to none. Many relish and crave the chance to experience what you bring to the table for racing and comradery. We know that won’t be the case this time, because you will put on your show on the track without your legion of 100,000 fans in attendance. Many are frustrated. Many are sad. But yet, many know that this “un-normal” we are facing will not last for long. For the ones of us that long and have a yearning to be on your grounds to be a part of what we love, we know October awaits. Lets be thankful and thank the good Lord above that you didn’t lose one of your cherished dates with the schedule reshuffle. We know that you will still give us what we love: action packed, intense 3 and 4 wide racing, although we will have to relish it from afar.
Keep the high banks rolling, keep the infield primed, and keep those campgrounds quiet, because in October…we are all coming to see our fellow comrades, light a campfire, give you a big hug and tell you how much we missed ya, Because “YOU ARE TALLADEGA”.
Sincerely,
A loyal patron of 31 years.