This is part of a series of 12 Questions-style NASCAR fan profiles open to people who select that tier on my Patreon page.
Name: Peggy Long
Location: Huntsville, Ala.
Twitter name: @msudawg7880
Age: 60 – ugh!!
1. How long have you been a NASCAR fan?
Since 1962.
2. How many races have you attended?
Too many to count.
3. Who is your No. 1 favorite driver?
Denny Hamlin.
4. What made you a fan of his?
I began following Denny during his rookie year with Joe Gibbs Racing. I had stopped watching NASCAR after the death of my two favorite drivers, Davey Allison and Neil Bonnett. A friend told me, “This new guy is your kind of driver.” I watched his first race and my inner NASCAR spirit was renewed. I love his determination!
5. Who is your most disliked driver?
It’s a toss up between Joey Logano or Brad Keselowski.
6. Why don’t you like them?
I don’t like Logano for wrecking Denny in California. And Keselowski for his treatment of a handicapped child who wanted an autograph at Talladega. Being a special educator, that did not set well with me. I’ve seen Brad do some great things since, but it still bothers me.
7. What is your favorite track?
Talladega.
8. What is one thing you would change if you were in charge of NASCAR?
Do away with pit road speeding penalties.
9. What is one thing you would keep the same if you were in charge of NASCAR?
Double-file restarts.
10. How often do you yell at the TV during a race?
Every race. I rock in my recliner more than I yell. In 2016, I hit almost 18,000 steps on my Fitbit during the Daytona 500 — rocking and yelling, trying to help Denny win. It worked!
11. Do you have any advice for other fans?
Support your driver and the team. Follow them on social media, join the Fan Club and attend those events — especially the Joe Gibbs Racing team events. Go to the tweetups and connect with other fans. Connect with the writers, NASCAR executives, spotters and team members on Twitter and support their work. NASCAR is the only sport that provides multiple ways to participate other than just watching the race. Take advantage of every opportunity you have to experience NASCAR.
12. What else do you want the NASCAR world to know about you?
I always want to be a part of the team — not a part of the problem. If I believe in you, I will support you.