This week’s fan comes to us from the Midwest who started out in racing like a lot of us have – we didn’t have much of a chance as children. Seems his father was the one who guided him toward the sport of racing, and it all worked out just fine.

Name:   Tony Vandersee

From: Cedar Rapids, IA

Age:  26

Occupation: Mortgage Loan Officer

How long have you been following racing: Since I was a little boy.  My dad worked on a late model at my hometown dirt track and I was always around. 

How did you get started: My dad never missed a televised race and always made me sit there and watch it with him; I used to hate it, but now I can’t get enough! 

Who was your first favorite driver, and why: I really didn’t have a favorite driver until 1998 when Jr broke on to the scene.  He isn’t that much older than me and I felt like I was able to relate to him. 

Who is your favorite now, and why: I’m still a diehard Dale Jr. fan.  Everyone has an off year, I’m just glad he is getting it out of the way now.

What is your favorite driver’s racing moment: When he won the July ’01 Pepsi

400.

How many races do you attend a year: The only race I get to each year is the Brickyard

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

What is your favorite track for racing: Bristol, everyone loves Thunder Valley

If your favorite driver came to your town, where would take him and what would you do:  We’d just hang out; hopefully it would be during deer season.  I think he would have a great time with the group I hunt with.

If you worked at DEI, what would you like to do:   I would like to be a jack man on the Bud team.

If you ran NASCAR for a day, what rule would you change, add or delete:   I would quit worrying about offending people and let the drivers show their emotions without penalizing them.  It is a very emotional sport; I have seen many tussles and confrontations on Saturday nights.