Staff Report

Thirty-five years ago, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver and owner Bobby Hamilton watched the first race at Talladega Superspeedway. The 12-year-old Hamilton made the trek from Nashville, Tenn. to witness his first NASCAR NEXTEL Cup event, and it left an indelible impression in his mind. The Hamiltons watched as Richard Brickhouse emerged as the winner of the inaugural Talladega 500 Sept. 14, 1969.