Who is your favorite driver and what made you a fan? That’s the question we posed to our fans on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. A simple question, the answers were anything but. Running the gamut from childhood favorites, emotional choices, underdogs and in-person interaction to car design, manufacturer loyalty, hometown pride and a few truly unique stories.
Check out some of our favorites below!
“Watching [Dale Earnhardt] Jr. win at DAYTONA [in] July 2001…his passion, his emotion, his skill, his joy…he stole my heart. I haven’t missed a race since!” –Kym Liberatore Becraft
“We met Carl Edwards at DAYTONA outside of Turn 4. He was handing out business cards, riding a bicycle, asking us to watch for him because [one day] he was going to be a NASCAR driver.” –Kelly J Petrucci
“I first met David Ragan in 2005 and he was a young kid full of manners and has held true to himself ever since. I am proud to call David my friend!” –Katie Daniel
“My driver is Joey Logano. Not only is he a great driver, but the work that the Joey Logano Foundation does is something we believe in strongly.” –Missy Hauck Strothers
“I became a fan of Danica [Patrick]...Her perseverance inspires me to go for my dreams no matter what…she’s not only my favorite driver, she’s my hero. –@danica_stenica1017
“…My middle name is Elliott because of Bill Elliott, so loving the #24 and having my name because of his dad, I’m a huge Chase Elliott fan!” –@kbures77
“…In 1980, along came this brash rookie named Earnhardt. I still liked Cale [Yarborough] but this Earnhardt guy was too much fun to watch. When Dale Sr. started driving the black #3, I was a fan for life.” –Craig Sheppard
“Elliott Sadler. He is one of the most humble and cleanest drivers out there…He really appreciates his fans and that means a lot.” –Tammy Sims Hinson
"My husband was fortunate enough to be introduced to Ryan Newman at a test session in DAYTONA many years ago. Somehow they ended up talking about fishing. What a down-to-earth, nice guy!”
–Susan Baur Scherff
“Jimmie Johnson’s skill on the track, his professional yet humorous personality, and the way he uses honesty in all interviews. He is respected and shows true character.” –Carolyn Little
“Rusty [Wallace] is my all-time favorite. I love his passion. Now, Jamie Mac [McMurray] because he is very professional. He is a really nice guy to talk to.” –Teresa Holter
“Tony Stewart for his absolute love of anything with wheels…I will miss his passion on the track next year…” –Erin Hulme Kane
What made you a fan of your favorite driver? Jump into the discussion by letting us know in the comments section below.