The dangers and fears seem distant as the sun appears over the grandstands. Some of the competitors walk away to find solitude in a motorcoach for a couple of hours. Others hang around while chairs are arranged. Jeff Gordon takes a seat on the front row, and his wife, Brooke, joins him several minutes later. Fans can be heard entering the track.
Country music blares over the facility's sound system.
Suddenly, the competitors and their family members bow heads. The weekly church service, held several hours before every Winston Cup race, has begun. Dale Beaver, a representative of Motor Racing Outreach, speaks to the congregation. Members of the racing community worship together for the next 30 minutes. Some drivers cherish the moment for family time.