This week’s fan comes to us from California. But, she’s made her way to North Carolina for a good education, and possible career move. You never know where someone will end up in the sport, so remember the name and that you read it here first.

The picture is of Nicole, her son, Austin, and our own Steve Hmiel taken at Infineon Raceway earlier this year.

Name: Nicole Rickards

From: Sierra Village, California

Age: 30 years old

Occupation: I am a student attending the NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, NC.

How long have you been following racing: I have been following it for 14 years now.

How did you get started: By attending my first race at Sears Point, in Sonoma, Calif.

Who was your first favorite driver, and why: Mark Martin, he was the one to watch then.

Who is your favorite now, and why: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. He's competitive and willing to keep working hard. He has a lot of racing ahead of him, and I ‘m happy to be able to watch such determination and drive...in one man.

What is your favorite driver's most memorable racing moment: Dale Jr. winning the Daytona 500.

How many races do you attend a year: I get to two each year.

Best race you ever saw on TV or in person: Dale Jr. winning the Daytona 500.

What is your favorite track for racing: Daytona.

If your favorite driver came to your town, where would take him and what would you do: Show him the town and talk racing all day. Make him a nice meal, and show him how life is as a NASCAR fan because we are our own breed.

If you worked at DEI, what would you like to do: I would like to be on the pit crew or a crew chief.

If you ran NASCAR for a day, what rule would you change, add or delete: I’m happy with the rules and regulations that NASCAR has already. I wouldn't change anything. I’m just happy to be part of such a wonderful sport.