This might be a record regarding how far someone has come to be our Fan of the Week. With Martinsville being two hours away, we usually attract some fans into our headquarters en route to the track.

But this week, we didn’t expect to find someone from out west in Washington to be headed to Martinsville. Just proves one more thing, they come from far and wide to visit – and we appreciate it, too.

We found this week’s fan when she emerged from the Retail Store with a brand new, red leather Earnhardt, Jr. jacket. That just screams “pick me pick me” – so we did.

Name: Candy Whiteford

From: Graham, Washington, which is just outside of Tacoma.

Occupation: I own seven Poppa Murphy’s Take and Bake Pizza stores. They’re not here in this state, but they will be soon.

Okay, so what brings you here today: We’re on our way to Martinsville Speedway. We flew into Charlotte, rented a car and are visiting a bunch of the race shops today before we go to Martinsville.

Is this your first visit to Dale Earnhardt, Inc.: Actually, we’ve been here five times. We just love coming here because of Dale and Dale Jr.

What is your favorite part: Every time we come here, the displays change. This time, my favorite was the 1998 Daytona 500 video with Dale winning.

How long have you been following racing: I started watching it 12 years ago when my husband got me interested in the sport. We also go to the local track in Washington to watch races.

Once you got into NASCAR, who was your favorite driver: Dale Earnhardt, of course. (Laughs) I liked him because he got what he wanted, he just went for it and he didn’t give a darn what others thought.

Favorite Dale moment: The 1998 Daytona 500 win; best moment in the whole world.

Now, you follow Dale Jr.: Yes, because he’s slowly becoming the type of driver his dad was and he’s growing up right in front of us, too. His philosophy on life and racing is very much like his dad’s.

Favorite Dale Jr. moment: When he won the Busch Series race at Daytona in February of 2002. He did it in a Richard Childress-owned car with a No. 3 on the side and Teresa Earnhardt was there, too. It was just a good moment for him, and I think a lot of fans.

How many races do you get to a year: We get to three or four per year. This year, we went to Bristol, Las Vegas, Martinsville and then we’re going to Darlington. We’ve been to Phoenix, but the south is where it’s going on as far as racing and people knowing what it’s about.

When you don’t go to the races, how do you watch them: We have the big screen TV at home and we’ll sometimes have people over. Or, we’ll go down to the bar and watch them. Either way, we enjoy it.

If you could work here, what would you like to do: I’d like to work in the shop on the race cars doing something mechanical. Of course, they’ve had to show me how to do it (Laughs), but I’d do it. That’s cool.

You’ve just become president of NASCAR for a day, what rule would you change, add or delete: I’d take away the Free Pass Rule and let them race back to the caution.

Dale Jr. just turned 30, do you think he’ll ever get married: Yeah, I think he’s getting ready. I really don’t know who I would match him up with, but it would be someone who would have to share him with all of us. (Laughs)