“Who’s YOUR favorite NASCAR driver and
why?” came the challenge. I didn't hesitate
as I blurted out my reasons for liking the TWO drivers that I watch compete
each NASCAR race weekend.
TWO DRIVERS? Yes, TWO! I have even been told that I “am only allowed to have ONE favorite driver.” Huh? That
would be like trying to tell you which of my grand children I love more!
Honestly, I just don’t care what “some people” think and more of your might even say that I speak of an unthinkable
blasphemy, when I tell you that they drive for different teams AND different
car manufacturers.
So, here is why I like them, and who
they are;
1. People tend to follow and believe in
WINNERS. When I went to my first NASCAR races in the infield, there was ONE driver that
seemed to consistently win.
He seemed to have the fastest car, usually led laps and won races - a lot. So when I was TOLD
that I "had to pick a driver", my first choice to follow was the Hendrick Motorsports, #48 Lowe's Chevrolet driven by Jimmie Johnson.
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| Jimmie Johnson signing autographs at Michigan International Speedway
© Photo by Melanie Milne
|
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| #48 Sprint Cup Practice, MIS
© Photo by Patti Buchanan
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Jimmie is the man! He wins races and has won championships! A good friend of mine talked about Jimmie so
much you would have thought they were best friends growing up. When I went to races, I was always asked
to bring back a Jimmie Johnson hat or souvenir, and so I did.
2. During my “Rookie” race at Michigan International Speedway, a golf cart came rolling through the infield, Saturday night at around
11 pm, with this young kid sitting on the back.
I had no idea who he was, but he sure drew a crowd. I figured he
must be someone important, so I went over, said hello and shook his hand. This “Kid” shook hands, signed autographs,
and took the time to talk to people as he was slowly carted around late into the
night before racing the next day, finishing 2nd. I decided then and there that I was going to
keep an eye on this guy. He happened to
be driving for Roush Fenway Racing, in the #99 Ford AFLAC , his name…. Carl Edwards.
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| Carl Edwards racing at the Monster Mile
© Photo by Melanie Milne
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Carl just has a friendly smile, races
hard and along with his trademarked back-flip after winning, well, that’s just
kind of cool. Even though he’s going to Joe Gibbs Racing next year to drive the #19 Arris Toyota, that’s OK with me, because
he took the time to - Stop, Say “Hello” and Shake my hand. That's how you make fans!
So, please excuse me, if I laugh a
little when I see how insulted you get because I didn’t pick YOUR driver. When I chuckle even harder when I see your eyes
roll into the back of your head while you try to remember "Why" you like the
driver(s) you like for a reason other than …. “Just because…!”
I know that when Jimmie or Carl grow too old to race and decide to retire, I’ll have my reasons to
follow my next driver(s).
So you can “hate”, provide your “witty
sarcasm” or "Share" your reasons in the comments below, but my question to you is – "Who's YOUR Favorite NASCAR Driver & Why? ... or is it “Just because…?”
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