The pre-race festivities on the front straight are always an exciting place to be with the teams getting the cars onto the grid, the crowd of excited fans, and everything else that goes on before the race start. Hope you like the photos.

Walking to the front straight with Juan Pablo Montoya, driver of the #2 Team Penske Chevrolet.

Really like this shot of Simona de Silvestro (driver of the #25 Andretti Autosport Honda) on her way from the paddock to the pits on a scooter.

On my way to the front straight was greeted by some lovely Tampa Bay Buccaneer cheerleaders.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneer cheerleaders lined the entrance to the front straight.

A “sea of race fans” on the front straight for the pre-race.

Pole-sitter Will Power’s #1 Team Penske Chevrolet.

The #3 Team Penske Chevrolet ready for action.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers mascot.

The #11 KVSH Racing Chevrolet.

The #9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet.

The #41 A.J. Foyt Enterprises Honda.