This week, we received our Fan of the Week from far away. He asked if it was okay if he wasn’t in a photo that was DEI related because of the special circumstances he is currently living under.

Well soldier, I can tell you one thing – that patch (American flag) on your right arm is very Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. related. And, I just wanted to let you know that we think you’re dressed just fine.

Thanks for what you’re doing; so we can keep doing what we’re doing.

Name: Clarence Dale Heninger

From: Reidsville, NC, currently serving in Iraq on a deployment

Age:  24

Occupation: Army soldier/mechanic

How long have you been following racing: I’ve been following it for 15 years

How did you get started: My uncle got me into when I used to build NASCAR model cars. I started watching it and I have enjoyed it ever since

Who was your first favorite driver, and why: I truly can say Dale Earnhardt will always be my favorite driver. When I was younger, I lived about a mile out from RCR in Welcome, NC. I would go up there every day to meet everyone hoping I could see the driver of the No. 3 Goodwrench car. One day I got lucky and met Earnhardt there and he was the greatest guy you could ever know; he has been my favorite driver ever since that day.

Who is your favorite now, and why: Of course, my favorite driver now would be Dale

Jr. Like I said, since I used to go to RCR all the time it almost felt like family. so I gotta stay with the Earnhardt legacy.

What is your favorite driver’s best racing moment: My favorite moment would be when Dale Jr. won the Daytona 500 in 2004.The Daytona 500 Champions of Dale Sr. and Jr. almost back to back. When Jr captured the 500, it like his Father was with him all the way around the track for that checkered flag.

How many races do you attend a year: Normally, I go to about five races during the year. I go to spring Martinsville race, Golden Corral 500 in Atlanta, Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, Talladega and Bristol.

Best race you ever saw on TV or in person: Dale Earnhardt, Sr. winning the Daytona 500 after 20 years of trying; it is the best moment in motorsports.

What is your favorite track for racing: Talladega.

If your favorite driver came to your town, where would take him and what would you do: I would take him to Myrtle Beach, SC go have a nice meal with me him and wife at NASCAR Café. And afterwards, hit up the go-karts, and beat Dale Jr. just so I could say I ran and beat him in a race.

If you worked at DEI, what would you like to do: Work in the Engine Shop - no doubt about it, I love working on motors and I would really love to build a DEI engine.

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

NASCAR for a day, the rules don't bother me that much but I would get rid of Nextel

Cup and go back to Winston Cup Racing, the way it has been in racing for years.