This week’s fan hails from the Lone Star State of Texas and has been following racing for a decade. You’d think Texas Motor Speedway would be his favorite track, but a trip to another changed his mind.

When you read which one it is, you won’t blame him one bit, either.

Name: Chad Smith            

From: Rockwall, Texas      

Age: 24

Occupation: Manager at Preferred Powder Coating

How long have you been following racing:  It’s been 10 years now.

How did you get started: Watching local dirt track racing

Who was your first favorite driver, and why: Terry Labonte. Obvious reason; he is from Texas

Who is your favorite now, and why:  Dale Jr., I started watching him in the Busch Series and was at Texas for his first win. That moment just stuck with me.             

What is your favorite driver's most memorable racing moment: When he won his first Cup race at Texas. I was around victory circle when Dale Sr. politely pushed me out of his way to get to Dale Jr.

How many races do you attend a year: I get to at least three a year.  

Best race you ever saw on TV or in person: I would have to say the race

between Kurt Bush and Rick Craven at Darlington in 2003. That was an awesome finish.

What is your favorite track for racing: Having just returned from Bristol for the first time, I would have to say that is now my favorite track of all time.   

If your favorite driver came to your town, where would take him and what would you do:  I live right by a lake so we would probably take Jr. out on the boat and just hang out and not tell anyone who I was with. I think it would be great to be able to talk to him without a lot of people around to get to know the real Dale Jr.

If you worked at DEI, what would you like to do:  Transporter driver; I love to travel.             

If you ran NASCAR for a day, what rule would you change, add or delete: No more restrictor plates!!