Of the 130-plus cars, trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles on display Sunday at the seventh-annual Redskins Rides Presented by Easterns Automotive Group, one automobile had much more sentimental value to Redskins fans than the others.
It was a 2005 Bentley Continental GT. It's original owner? Legendary safety Sean Taylor.
The Washington Redskins and Easterns Automotive Group joined forces for the seventh-annual Redskins Rides event Aug. 24, 2014, at Redskins Park in Loudoun County, Va.
The vehicle's current owner, Anthony Hardnett, said he just had to make the purchase after learning its previous two owners didn't really realize the vehicle's extra value.
"Neither one [of the previous owners] were really 'Skins fans," said Hardnett. "I demanded the car. I wanted the car."
Hardnett was one of several Redskins fans who either displayed their vehicles or simply came out to enjoy a beautiful afternoon Sunday at Redskins Park in Loudoun County, Va., where they were treated to appearances by Redskins players and cheerleaders, who came out to say hello and sign autographs.
"I always look forward to coming out here," veteran receiver Santana Moss said. "I missed a couple of years, so I'm making up for it."
The Washington Redskins and Easterns Automotive Group joined forces for the seventh-annual Redskins Rides event Aug. 24, 2014, at Redskins Park in Loudoun County, Va. Check out the rides on display!
Also chatting it up with the fans and checking out the rides was one of the team's newest receivers, DeSean Jackson.
"This is my first year here," the three-time Pro Bowler said. "I love cars, so I had to come out here and check it out."
Robert Bassam, President of Easterns, said he was pleased to have yet another successful Redskins Rides event on Sunday.
"We are Redskins fans, this event is for Redskins fans," Bassam said. "Hail to the Redskins."
Of all the vehicles on display Sunday, there were two in particular that were especially eye-catching beyond Taylor's Bentley.
Jim Mills, a Redskins season ticket holder since 1966, brought his 1956 Bel Air out to Sunday's event, which featured a beautiful burgundy-colored base paint.
Hanging off the hood of his car was a strip of cloth with each style helmet and paint scheme the Redskins have worn over the years.
A fan since 1962, Mills said he fondly remembers the days at RFK Stadium watching John Riggins and the infamous Hogs run wild on game days.
"It's just a lot of good memories and a homey atmosphere at RFK Stadium," Mills said. "They'll always be my team, no matter what."
It wasn't just four-wheeled machines that garnered attention during the show, however.
Derek Henderson's 2008 GSXR 1000 motorcycle is built specifically for racing, and can reach 180 mph on the quarter-mile.
Henderson claims his bike is well known up and down the east coast – and it's easy to see why, with its burgundy and gold paint scheme and overall Redskins theme.
"The bike's name, out on the race track, if you go on the internet and any drag racing forums, people know this bike as 'RG3,'" said Henderson, who also has two number 10's painted on either side of the back.
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