This week, we head to the great state of Michigan where Spartans and Wolverine fans can agree on one thing – racing. There are a lot of short tracks located throughout the state from Motor City of Detroit all the way up to the UP (Upper Peninsula).

Seems this week’s fan got into racing based on his passion for cars and speed – and cable TV. If nothing else, he sure has a big enough truck to show everyone he’s an Earnhardt fan.

Name:   Brian Measel

From:   Brighton, MI

Age:  32

 Occupation:   Automotive Refinish Sales Representative for BASF Corporation

How long have you been following racing:  Originally when I was a little boy, but became an avid watcher and attendee since 1993 when I was at college and had the luxury of cable access there.

How did you get started: There is no one particular thing that got me started.

Just my passion for automobiles and speed caused me to turn a race on and I started watching.

Who was your first favorite driver, and why:  I was drawn to Dale Earnhardt not just because of his driving style, but after reading articles about him and how he approached business, managed his businesses and his employees.  He is the type of person I would liked to have worked for.

Who is your favorite now, and why:  Dale Jr.  He has done very well to develop his own style of driving and personality behind the wheel that separates him from his dad.  But we can all still see some of his “daddy’s” traits during those interviews.

What is your favorite driver’s racing moment: No doubt, he’s had a couple of great ones. But one that does stand out is the win after Sept. 11, 2001 when he asked the crew for that big American Flag.  One of the broadcasters said “there is nothing more American than having an Earnhardt in victory lane today.”

How many races do you attend a year: Two – both Michigan races.

Best race you ever saw on TV or in person: Tough choice, but the 2001 Pepsi 400 was probably the best one. I watched every second of that race.  It was awesome to see Chocolate Myers out sprint everyone through the grass to get to hug Junior first.  I had a feeling something special would happen that night.

What is your favorite track for racing: Daytona because it’s where it all started; it’s the granddaddy of them all.

If your favorite driver came to your town, where would take him and what would you do:  I would have Junior and the Brew Crew over to see our Arabian Show horses and farm. Then we’d go over to my cousin’s house (her husband is a chef) for a bar-b-que and trail riding on the four wheelers and golf cart.

If you worked at DEI, what would you like to do:  I would like to head up an operations management position.  I thrive on the challenge of getting people to work together and getting the most out of them.  But, I would say just to wear that DEI wreath and crest and drive through those gates every morning would be an awesome reality.

If you ran NASCAR for a day, what rule would you change, add or delete:  I like to add a rule - give five bonus points at the end of each race to the team with the lowest average pit stops.  This would award points on pit road, give the crew direct recognition for earning their driver points and would add something to the mix for fans to follow.  This would allow for the sport to be even more team oriented in a driver-focused environment.