We didn’t have to travel far for our Fan of the Week to finish out the month of April. This professional student is attending UNCC here in Charlotte and would like to get into racing in the Marketing/Public Relations side of things.

Now, she can put Fan of the Week on her resume as a nice start.

Name: Jessica Stroupe

From: Candler NC originally, living in Charlotte NC now

Age: 20

Occupation: Professional student at UNCC

How long have you been following racing: All my life

How did you get started:  My parents were huge Dale Sr. fans and every Sunday it was an understood fact that the race would be on.

Who was your first favorite driver, and why:  My original favorite driver was Terry Labonte, because he was just so nice and drover clean but aggressive.

Who is your favorite now, and why:  My favorite driver now is Martin Truex Jr, much for the same reason. He is a clean, but aggressive, driver and he is a winner. Like he says in that Busch commercial- he doesn't race for the money...? I like his attitude and his goal-oriented style.

What is your favorite driver’s racing moment: This is a tough question. Winning wise, it would be either Dale Jr's win at the Pepsi 400 or Martin's first win at Bristol or Dale Jr's first win at Bristol ... too many exciting moments. Wait - there's Martin's championship victory at Darlington in Dale Sr. paint scheme… so many priceless moments

How many races do you attend a year: Usually just the two Charlotte races, the Busch events, although I want to go back to Bristol

Best race you ever saw on TV or in person: Best race, are you kidding? Every race is amazing in its own right. But, if I had to pick. - Charlotte last year was an interesting turn of events

What is your favorite track for racing: BRISTOL

If your favorite driver came to your town, where would take him and what would you do:

Well, we would have to go to the old Asheville Motor Speedway. I would take him four wheeling and fishing in the mountains of Western NC, which is one of the most beautiful places on earth!

If you worked at DEI, what would you like to do: I am going to school to do Public Relations, so I would want to work for DEI or one of their drivers marketing them and doing their PR work.

If you ran NASCAR for a day, what rule would you change, add or delete: I would change that stupid gear rule that has thrown everyone a curve ball.