Name: Aric Austin Sooter

 

From: Amarillo, Texas

 

Age: 12

 

Occupation: School. I love going to school!

 

How long have you been following racing? 11 + years

 

How did you get started? My mom and dads favorite driver was always Dale Earnhardt Sr. and that is what I grew up with. As a kid growing up my room was decorated with #3, but now have added Dale Jr. and the # 8. I have been around racing since I was born. Even as a baby, we went to see the #3 car at several car dealerships around the area, and had my picture with the car. Ever since then, my choice of vacations is to attend a NASCAR race, even over Disney World, or anything like that. I just enjoy going to the race track. We just returned from the Coca-Cola 600 in Concord, NC and went to see DEI (twice) and the race shops around the area. I had a great time. We also went on "The Dale Trail" and I like that too.  It was all cool.

 

Who was your first favorite driver and why? My first favorite driver was Dale Sr.—mainly because of my mom and dad—but I like Jr the most now. My moms license plate is personalized as: "DEI 3N8".

 

What is your favorite driver’s best racing moment? Either Dale Sr. winning the Daytona 500 and the come from behind at Talladega to win the race. With Jr. it would probably be winning the Daytona 500.

 

How many races do you attend a year? Usually from where I live, attend about one per year.

 

Best race you ever saw on TV or in person? October 2000 race at Talladega, we saw on TV.

 

What is your favorite track for racing? When I race motocross, my favorite tracks are Jake’s 211 in Lubbock, Texas or TNT Raceway at Plainview, Texas. My favorite NASCAR track is probably Daytona.

 

If your favorite driver came to your town, where would you take him and what would you do? I would take Jr. with me to one of my motocross races, since I race motorcycles. It would be cool for Jr. to hang out with my family and friends. After the race I would like to play NASCAR 2006 PS2 with Jr. I have a gameroom in my house set up with a 51" big screen TV that I play NASCAR games all of the time. Jr. the challenge is ON!

 

If you worked at DEI, what would you like to do? When I grow up I want to be a mechanical engineer OR a NASCAR driver. Of course, I will help out anywhere DEI would need me.

 

My dad use to race Sprint cars, so he always raced back to the flag. I would probably get rid of the lucky dog. You should earn the spot and not be given back to you.  When a yellow comes out, just freeze the field.