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PHOTO ESSAY: NASCAR haulers round Capitol on way to Race Sonoma

by Mark Needham, published on June 22, 2012 at 3:03 PM

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They were loud. They were big. There were many.

Over 40 of the massive beasts in all.

Rumbling through the blocked off streets around the Capitol on Thursday afternoon were the haulers that carry the cars and supplies of the men of NASCAR’s top division, the Sprint Cup drivers.

The Save Mart 350 is on Sunday at Race Sonoma (formerly Infineon Raceway) located between Sonoma and Vallejo off of Highway 37 and the big wigs at the racetrack were happy to let the drivers of those big rigs take a short detour before heading to the racetrack.

The haulers drove down Capitol Mall, turned right on 9th Street, left on N Street, left on 16th Street and then left on L Street - all with police escort - before heading back onto Interstate 80 and finishing their trip to the track.

Most of these haulers are located in North Carolina and the tandem driving teams that move these rigs across the country each week put a lot of miles on their trucks each week. Sonoma is the longest trip of the year for them so it was cool of them to make a run through town before finishing up their long road trip.

The race starts at noon on Sunday and tickets are still available for the race.

For more information on the race or the track, check out Race Sonoma's website.
 

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P W
Author thumbnail
June 22, 2012 | 3:33 PM
YAWWWWWWWN (Made you yawn, didn't I?) ;-)
Not a slam on the article or photos - just the subject matter. Watching a bunch of cars making left turns for a few hours is not my idea of entertainment. Just don't get it. Sorry.
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REPLY
edited on  June 22, 2012 | 4:26 PM
No problem, as it's obvious you're not a fan. But I hate to tell you that you might be in the minority. Did you see how many people wrapped around the block just to get a glimpse?

A lot of folks can't afford to go to the races, so for some, this is as close as they may ever get to witnessing something from their favorite sport.

Like I said, when the Jeff Gordon, like him or not, hauler pulled in front of the Capitol, a huge roar came from the crowd as if the five-time champ was there in person.

For fans, just being that close gives them a visceral reaction that they probably couldn't even explain.

You don't this find this kind of support for any other sport in the US.

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TJN
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June 23, 2012 | 8:10 AM
Living in Las Vegas, it is a big deal when the haulers parade up Las Vegas Blvd. as Metro closes off the streets and the fans are lined up 10-20 deep! Good to see Sacto. get a chance to see!
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