In front stood the son of a legend, the face of their sport's future.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. was 25, a champion in the lower levels of NASCAR and beloved beyond his comfort level, at least, if not his comprehension.
Behind Earnhardt and a half step to his left stood a man who could challenge him on the racetrack but never in a popularity contest. Matt Kenseth, a year and a half older, grew up around racing, too, but in Wisconsin, far from the NASCAR epicenter.
Facing them was a photographer, giving direction between clicks for an image of two rookies who would grace ESPN The Magazine's 2000 season preview cover.
"The image was to express that there is all this hoopla about me coming in and there is all this attention on me, but you better watch this guy Matt," Earnhardt recalled. "... This guy is one you need to keep your eye on and he is lurking over my shoulder.
"But Matt was really frustrated because the photographer kept sliding Matt a little further and a little further behind me. He kept getting more and more angry and he is whispering in my ear how pissed off he was at this photographer because he was like, 'They can't even freaking see me.' "
Keep an eye on him, indeed.
Eighteen seasons later, they went out this weekend the way they came in _ together.
Even if Earnhardt couldn't live up to the hoopla, he enjoyed a solid career and will become NASCAR's most popular retiree.
Kenseth _ ready or not _ will leave NASCAR as the most successful driver to come out of a state with a rich racing history. He'll take with him a championship and at least 39 victories, a legacy of admiration, and a lifetime of memories and friends.
"I've respected Matt a lot, always thought a lot of him, always considered him to be a friend and a good competitor," said NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, the 1988 champion, who raced against Kenseth during 13 seasons. "It's sad to see these guys come and go.
"It's just odd; it seems like just yesterday you were starting out in this mess and now you're at the other end."
