While wandering through our Retail Store to check out some cool back-to-school items, we happened upon this person engaged in a serious racing conversation.

She was talking about how she likes Martin Truex, Jr. and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and watching them race. Things like that get our attention, and get you to be our Fan of the Week.

Name: Leslie Dennard

From: I’m originally from Philly, but I’ve lived here for 16 years

Occupation: Substitute school teacher in Jonesville.

How did you get interested in racing: It’s kind of funny how it started in 2002. I was sick with the flu one weekend and was feeling so bad I didn’t want to get up to find the remote. The NASCAR race came on and I had seen Dale Jr. in some commercials, so I kind of knew about racing.

I became addicted that day. So, I watched the race and Dale Jr. did really well and now I follow him and Martin.

What is it you like about them: Dale Jr’s personality and the way he drives is what I like about him. Martin is the same way, but his personality is a little different that Dale Jr’s. They both seem so cool and laid back.

Favorite Dale Jr. moment: The win at Bristol last year in the fall, both of them. (Cup and Busch race) I also liked the Chicago win this year because the team was getting beat up in the press so bad. When they won, it kind of shut everyone up and caused them to mince their words.

Is this your first visit to DEI: Yes, it’s incredible. I didn’t expect something like this for a race shop.

What was your favorite part: Seeing the No. 8 Bud car that Dale Jr. won the Daytona 500 with last year. If I was rich, I would be wiped out in the Gift Shop because of all the things I want.

If you could work at DEI, what would you like to do: Being a secretary doing up letters and answering the phone would be fine with me. (Laughs)

Okay, you get to run NASCAR for a day. What rule would you change: I would stop the part where they hold a driver on pit road or penalizing them a lap. There has to be a better way to punish someone for making a mistake besides taking away track position.

If you could go to one race, which one would it be: Richmond, that’s a cool track.