Who’s YOUR Favorite NASCAR Driver & Why?

“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.

Jimmie Johnson signing autographs
at Michigan International Speedway

© Photo by Melanie Milne

#48 Sprint Cup Practice, MIS

© Photo by Patti Buchanan

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. 

Carl Edwards racing at the Monster Mile

© Photo by Melanie Milne

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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