COLUMN: Getting a Close-up Look at the Passion of NASCAR’s Fans

I got the chance to experience race week in Bristol for the first time this year, and what I found is that Bristol is visited by passionate, die-hard race fans.

I spent all day on Wednesday at Bristol Motor Speedway, taking in everything I could about the track, the sport, the media and the fans.

Even though the stands weren’t packed that night, when the Whelen Modified cars and the Camping World trucks roared around the track, you could feel the energy.

Fans hollered for their favorite drivers. Brad Keselowski and Ron Hornaday were among the favorites as they took the stage during driver introductions.

NASCAR’s favorite villain, Kyle Busch, creates an energy of a different kind. He simply waved and walked past, smiling as the boos poured down from the crowd.

I got to see that kind of passion from a more personal standpoint on Thursday at the Lee Highway Home Depot store, where Joey Logano and his crew chief, Greg Zipadelli, made an appearance.

Here is some of what happened:
* A young woman lifted her hands to show her friend that they were shaking uncontrollably.
* One man told Logano that his impression of former professional wrestler Ric Flair was a little weak: “You need to practice that ‘Woo,’ ” he said.
* After meeting the young driver, one mother became so emotional that she walked out of the store without her camera and had to return for it.
* “Come to me,” one woman demanded, as she tried to get her picture taken with Logano and Zipadelli. She added, “I’ve always wanted to say that.”
* After sizing up Logano, a male fan said, “I liked Tony, but you’re getting better.” The 19-year-old driver was left speechless.
* One older woman said, “Boy, you’re young. I didn’t think you’d be this young.”
* Two young girls came through the line three times, getting something new signed each time.
* Logano signed a bunch of stuff, mostly cards and T-shirts – even a diecast car. One woman asked to have her arm cast signed.
* The best moment? An elderly woman and her husband brought their small dog, which they’d dressed in a checkered flag outfit. The woman wanted to pose the dog with Logano and “Zippy.” The dog did little to cooperate.

That’s just some of the passion that gripped Bristol during race week. Every fan with whom I talked offered the same assessment: “Bristol is the best.”

Asked why, they mention the action, friendly people, great atmosphere and the great seats at the track.

They figure we’re awfully lucky to have the monster half-mile in our neighborhood. After last week, I agree.

It’s clear: No matter how crazy and chaotic race week might get, there are a whole lot of people who enjoy the heck out of it.

I know. I was one of them.