We’re starting off the New Year on a good note, and hope you are, as well.

Fan of the Week will continue this year, and we kick it off with someone from Texas with a sense of humor as large as her home state. Check the “age question” as proof.

That’s fine with us, because it’s good to share a laugh. This fan also has history on her side because it seems the memorable Allison/Allison/Yarborough battle was her first foray into our sport. But, it was a certain other driver’s talent that caught her attention. In case you’re wondering; we’re not even going to ask how she got into Jr’s car for the accompanying picture.

Name:  Beverly Hensarling

From: Midlothian, Texas; just outside of the Dallas area.

Age: Old enough not to fill this in. (good one)

Occupation: CFO (Chief Financial Officer) of family business.

How long have you been following racing:  I started watching racing in 1979

How did you get started:  I began watching racing when CBS broadcast the first Daytona 500. That was the first flag-to-flag coverage of a NASCAR event.

Who was your first favorite driver, and why: Dale Earnhardt. I could not believe what he could do with a race car. I remember remarking during the '79 Daytona 500, "Who is this rookie Earnhardt - he can really drive?"

Who is your favorite now, and why: Dale Earnhardt, Jr., isn't it obvious?

What is your favorite driver's best racing moment: The 2001 Pepsi 400 win by Dale Jr.

How many races do you attend a year: I get to two a year; both Texas races.

Best race you ever saw on TV or in person: The 1998 Daytona 500 when Dale Jr. won.

What is your favorite track for racing: It would have to be between Talladega and Bristol.

If your favorite driver came to your town, where would take him and what would you do: I would take him to our house in the country. Here we would all relax, drink Budweiser and eat steaks. I would remove all the variables encountered by racing; I would make an hour seem like a week.

If you worked at DEI, what would you like to do:  What wouldn't I do to work at DEI?   Seriously, with my background, I would probably want to do something in the accounting area. 

If you ran NASCAR for a day, what rule would you change, add or delete: When a Cup driver races a Busch event, I would pay Cup drivers by their finish but not award any points unless he races the entire series.