For this week’s fan, we went way north to the State of Wisconsin. This fan has been following our sport since she was seven. Always good to see children starting out good, by following something great like racing.

Here she is standing next to our pit box in the garage area at Daytona in 2005.

Name: Laurie Woodward

From: Kenosha, WI

Age: 45

Occupation: DaimlerChrysler

How long have you been following racing: 38 years

How did you get started: I used to go with my dad, who was a truck driver, to North Carolina on trips and watch Dale Earnhardt, Sr. race on the local tracks in the early days.  It was fun to meet him then and watch him race.  I met him again in 1995 at MIS.  

Who was your first favorite driver, and why: Dale Earnhardt, he was always accessible and very generous with his time.  I was a fan before he went Cup racing and will always be a fan.

Who is your favorite now, and why: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. because he shows that he has the same determination and fortitude that his father had. Even through the lean times, I will support my driver.  Even my granddaughter is a Dale, Jr. fan at four-years old

What is your favorite driver’s racing moment: Dale, Jr. winning the Daytona 500 six years to the day after his father did the same thing.

How many races do you attend a year: I try to attend at least four races per year.

Best race you ever saw on TV or in person: The 2004 Daytona 500

What is your favorite track for racing: It is a toss up between Daytona, Talladega and Bristol.

If your favorite driver came to your town, where would take him and what would you do: First, I would take him to our local dirt track, Wilmot, then we would go to Rufollos for great pizza and then on to Fec’s Place.  Everyone who comes to Kenosha has got to experience Fec’s with it’s upside down Christmas tree hanging from the ceiling and great service to get a cold Budweiser.

If you worked at DEI, what would you like to do:  Public Relations -  I have excellent customer relations skills and I love to promote someone or something that I believe in

If you ran NASCAR for a day, what rule would you change, add or delete: Restrictor Plates would have to go, same with the impound rule