With the weather wreaking havoc this week down in Florida, already, we thought we’d head there for our Fan of the Week.

If you stop by an Outback Steakhouse near her home, you can say you saw Kristen on the website. Better get there quick because she’s headed to school and wants to change tires on one of our cars.

Name: Kristen Pearce

From: Winter Haven, Florida

Age: 18

Occupation: Outback Steakhouse hostess but soon to be student at NASCAR Technical

Institute

 How long have you been following racing: Since I was three -years old, which was about 15 years ago.

 How did you get started: My dad and uncle were always into racing. When I

was three, they would sit me down and watch the races with me and I have been hooked ever since.

Who was your first favorite driver, and why: My first favorite driver was Dale

Earnhardt because that was who my dad liked and I really liked how he carried

himself and how he always wanted to give back to those less fortunate.

Who is your favorite driver now, and why: My favorite driver now is Dale Jr.

because I started to watch him when he was first coming up in the Busch series. When Dale Sr. passed on, I got completely hook on Junior because of his strength and courage through everything. Also, he is a very talented driver and always treats his fans very good.

What is your favorite driver’s best racing moment: I think Dale Jr’s best racing moment would have to be either when he won the Pepsi 400 in 2001 or the Daytona 500 in 2004.

How many races do you attend a year: I get to two races every year- at Daytona

Best race you have ever seen on TV or in person: It had to be the 2004 Daytona 500 because it was an exciting race and my favorite driver won.

What is your favorite track for racing: I love Richmond because the drivers can race each other, it’s a wide track and the races there are always exciting.

If your favorite driver came to your town, where would you take him and what would you do: I would probably take him to the beach, hang out all day and surf; just chill and have a good time. I would take him out to dinner at a casual restaurant and then watch a movie or something.

If you worked at DEI, what would you like to do: I would want to be the front tire changer for Dale Jr’s car. I have always wanted to be on a crew team and that is why I am going to NTI; so I can fulfill my dreams.

If you ran NASCAR for a day, what rule would you change, add, or delete: If I ran

NASCAR for a day, I would change more races to night races. Night racing is always more exciting and the fans, as well as the drivers, seem to enjoy it more.