This is why people LOVE NASCAR

Kraw · Aug 28, 2007

NASCAR offers a unique bond between fans, drivers
By Raygan Swan, NASCAR.COM
August 27, 2007
03:20 PM EDT

What if before the national anthem of the Super Bowl, you walked over to Peyton Manning, shook his hand and got the quarterback's autograph right there on the field?

Well, the chance of that actually happening for a football fan is about as likely as Mike Vanderjagt kicking for the Colts again.

However, what can happen -- if you're a NASCAR fan -- is getting a driver's autograph and possibly a photo as he prepares to slide into his racecar before the green flag drops on the Daytona 500, NASCAR's Super Bowl.
Jamie Squire/Getty Images

The unfettered access to some of NASCAR's most recognizable drivers is part of what makes the sport so popular. Unlike athletes in other major league sports, NASCAR drivers make it a priority to connect with and devote personal time to the fan base.

Namely, David Stremme, driver of the No. 40 Dodge for Chip Ganassi Racing.

Stremme is known for becoming "mayor of the infield" so to speak at some of NASCAR's biggest races. Be it alone, or with his teammate Juan Montoya, Stremme loves to hop on his golf cart and drop in on unsuspecting NASCAR fans.

"It's what makes us different from everyone else," Stremme said. "Look at football, the players show up to the field, do their job and go home. Our sport is a weekend-long event and our fans become a part of us, a part of our personalities."

Spot on, Stremme commented that NASCAR is the only sport where fans can eat with, sleep next to and breathe the same air as their heroes for three consecutive days.

http://www.nascar.com/2007/news/hea....cedwards.mkenseth.jyeley.dstremme/index.html

HobieDude16 · Aug 28, 2007

i was expecting a video of a crash.....

Uncle Meat · Aug 28, 2007

That's the exception and not the rule. For the most part it's nearly impossible to get anywhere near these guys on race day unless you're there for a scheduled appearance at their souvenir trailer.

Now NHRA is the sport where ANYONE can get up close and personal with the driver, car, and crew!

U.M.

Venom351R · Aug 28, 2007

Uncle Meat said:
That's the exception and not the rule. For the most part it's nearly impossible to get anywhere near these guys on race day unless you're there for a scheduled appearance at their souvenir trailer.

Now NHRA is the sport where ANYONE can get up close and personal with the driver, car, and crew!

U.M.

I know they make it out as if you can walk up to 10 different drivers shoot the $hit and get autographs left and right. You do have much better luck with NHRA and not much of a chance at all in the NFL but its still the best sport.

Crzyhrse · Aug 28, 2007

In 30 days I'll be in the infield for 3 days at Kansas Motor Speedway. :Track: YEEEEEEEE-HAWWWWWWWWWWWW!! Look for me. I'll be the one wearing the yellow Mach 1 ball cap.

Jenns01TA · Aug 28, 2007

I got to meet Tony Stewart at a Home Depot event earlier this year. I had his rookie year license plate signed and have it on my wall in a frame. He was cordial and respectful to all that attended the event. Unfortunately, although I am a woman of many words, I was star stupid when I shook his hand. I had not one word. I think I squeaked out something stupid. But, like my wedding day, it is all a blur. hahahahhaha

I have to say that outside of most other sports, access to these individuals is easier and far more enjoyable. I believe that this is still a "fan" sport more than most. However, things are changing as sponsors demand more time from their drivers.

crzyhrse have fun and enjoy yourself.

kiddiccarus · Aug 28, 2007

I can get more in the NFL than in NASCAR on a regular basis and have 20 autographs of Colts alone.

Venom351R · Aug 29, 2007

kiddiccarus said:
I can get more in the NFL than in NASCAR on a regular basis and have 20 autographs of Colts alone.

do you keep the Manning autograph under your pillow?

Uncle Meat · Aug 29, 2007

This just happened a couple weekends ago in my current little town of Prattville...

They just built a brand new Bass Pro Shop! It's huge to say the least and will bring in plenty of revenue to our little community. Well the scheduled opening day was August 15th and they had some celebrities scheduled to attend the opening ceremonies. One of them being Martin Truex. Now I'm not a big Truex fan, but i thought it would be cool to go see him. Well he comes driving up on the stage in his DEI car.... didn't rev the engine once, just idled it up. He climbs out and shakes the hands of the BPS owners/managers and then heads for the autograph table inside the store. He stayed for 30 minutes and then split with more than 2500 people in line waiting to see him & possibly get an autograph. It was lame to say the least and people were highly pissed off.

I enjoy NASCAR, and we all know it's the number one motorsport in the USA, but NHRA is way more approachable for the fans. NASCAR is just getting too commercialized due to it's popularity.

U.M.

kiddiccarus · Aug 29, 2007

Redline_351R said:
do you keep the Manning autograph under your pillow?

Dont have one of Manning, all mine besides Harrison are Defense

04DarkShadowGT · Aug 30, 2007

kiddiccarus said:
Dont have one of Manning, all mine besides Harrison are Defense

I do The wife got it for me for christmas.

kmterrill · Aug 31, 2007

Uncle Meat said:
He stayed for 30 minutes and then split with more than 2500 people in line waiting to see him & possibly get an autograph. It was lame to say the least and people were highly pissed off.

Maybe Martin had something else to do.

He'll be opening another Bass Pro Shops in Miami on the 3rd. During one of the races at Michigan we had a nice encounter with Greg Biffle. It was during the June race at MIS were we have an infield spot across the fence from the extra lot by where the drivers park. He was out playing with his dog and his golf cart. He came over to the fence and gave everybody autograph who wanted them and then just stayed and bs'd with the us for an hour. He's a pretty cool down to earth guy in person.

COramprat · Aug 31, 2007

I've gotten a few...Micheal Waltrip was the most personable I've ever met. Asked how many kids I had and ages and mentioned his and mine were close to the same age. Made sure we had something to eat or drink and made one of his assistants pick up some of the official autograph pictures when we couldn't find them. Of course that is when he drove the Nation's Rent car and wasn't nearly a popular.

Rusty Wallace didn't speak...

I don't generally ask for autographs unless there are other circumstances involved. I've met quite a few clelbrities where I work but never felt a real need to get autographs...I mean I saw Jamarcus Russell every game for 3 years and never once asked and saw Shaquille Oneal fairly regularly and didn't once get an autograph.

I did get accosted by Britney Spears' body guard after I called her a little prima donna when she ignored me asking to get an autograph for my daughter. Now look at her...

Kraw · Aug 31, 2007

I feel the same way. I've met tons of celebs, never once asked for a autograph. I saw Mikey at the last AMS race, he was going to the speed booth on a golf cart. I said hey, he said hey back. Nice guy... even though I hate his guts

This is why people LOVE NASCAR

Kraw

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