On being a Dale Jr. fan

From: Jessica, Daytona Beach, FL
Dale Jr. is a huge part of my lilfe. Ever since I can remember, there has always been a picture or a car with an Earnhardt on it. I remember when I was little I would ask my father "Who is that picture referring to?" (Like I said, in every room of my house there has always been something Earnhardt).

My father was a huge fan of his and Dale Jr's. When I was little, I used to sit and watch the races with him. He would explain things about the cars or whatever to me. I was the only kid I knew who knew more about race cars than the adults.

I go to all the races during Speedweeks here at Daytona. I remember once when I was 10 or 12, my father took me down to the pits and garage areas. Of course, we had to go to Dale Sr's. There for the first time I saw a very young Dale Jr. He must have been like 15 or something. He was wearing a uniform like his dad's. I remember asking my dad "Who is that kid? Why does he get to be there?" My dad answered "Honey, that's Dale Jr, Dale Earnhardt's son." After the race, every time I watched a race or went to the track, I would look for Jr. My dad thought it was the funniest thing once Jr started racing in the Busch races: It was all over. I was a fan for life. Even now I see him everyday whether at my house or my father's.

I'm only 21, but I've been a race fan for as long as I can remember. Jr, even though I don't really him, has been part of my family longer than I have. I just wanted to say thank you for all the enjoyment he gives me and all the other race fans. We all love you. Thank you!