PHOTOS: McCarron drives pace car, Waltrip honors Tide

The Aaron's 499 at Talladega took on an Alabama flavor this past weekend as AJ McCarron drove the pace car and Michael Waltrip drove a car painted to honor the Tide's latest national title.

As the greatest day for NASCAR in a fervently pro-NASCAR state like Alabama, it's no surprise Saturday's Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway took on a decided Crimson Tide flavor. 

AJ McCarron drove the pace car as part of what should prove to be a highly interesting month of May, and Michael Waltrip continued a tradition of recent years in driving a car painted to honor the Tide's national championship this past season. 

Here are the photos:

AJ McCarron and Michael Waltrip get ready for the Aaron's 499. (Getty Images)

McCarron takes the wheel of the pace car. (Getty Images)

Michael Waltrip in action at Talladega. (Getty Images)

Waltrip's helmet was inspired by Alabama's. (Getty Images)

Alabama's titles get prominent attention. (Getty Images)