During testing at Daytona International Speedway, the track unveiled their new Fan Zone complete with Fan Deck above the garage.
With Michael Waltrip and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. parked right next to each other, you can guess where the most fans were hanging out. That’s were we found our Fan of the Week soaking up some Florida sunshine – and playing hooky from work.
Name: Mark Avent
From: Orlando, Fla.
Age: 37
Occupation: Vice-President of Sales, Excel Business Systems.
What brings you here today: I wanted to check out the new infield, watch some cars and see Dale Jr. This is nice, I like it.
How long have you been following racing: I started watching it about 10 years ago.
What caused you to be interested: My friend has been watching it for years. I’m a big NFL fan and he said I needed to start watching some racing and I got hooked on it.
Who was your first, favorite driver: Dale Earnhardt
Why him: A lot of our friends were pulling for him and I liked the way Dale raced. It was just something to watch the things he could do with a race car.
Favorite Dale moment: When he won the Daytona 500 in 1998.
Now it looks like you’re a Dale Jr. fan. What made you start following him: He was younger, was kind of the “hip thing” and he has a different attitude. It’s kind of nice he’s a little different than his dad.
Favorite Dale Jr. moment: When he won the 400-mile race at Daytona in July of 2001.
If Dale Jr. came to hang out with you for a day, what would you do: We’d have a few beers, shoot some pool and have a laid back day. We’d talk about racing, football and music.
If you got a job at DEI, what would you like to do: I’d like to drive.
Have you ever seen our website: No, but now that I know I’m going to be on there - I will. (Laughs)