Many years later I met my current husband. He loves older cars, just like me. Again, lack of money had us fixing our own beat up cars and driving them til they fell apart. It was imperative that I knew how to listen to the engine and diagnose problems on the car I was driving, as to get the problems fixed, before they caused more serious damage. To this day I hate it when Mechanics won't listen to me, just because I am female.
That is how I got into watching Nascar racing. I was interested in the sport for several years without rooting for someone specific. I paid close attention to the drivers, their interviews, how they conducted themselves, etc. I found no one in particular that stood out. Then, one day in the year 2001, I heard the names Kurt Bush and Ryan Newman mentioned. They were new names to me, and I like underdogs, so I started listening closely. I am not sure why I decided on Ryan Newman, but there was just something. I did not have a computer then, so I just stayed glued to the TV and Radio for the racing season, like everyone else. Then in 2002 Jimmie Johnson and Ryan Newman were neck to neck for Rookie of the Year. No offense to Jimmie, but I was glad Ryan got it! I also decided I really wanted to see a race in person, but tickets and getting time off are expensive.... Plus my husband works weird hours, and is never available But, at that time I knew we would eventually, as my husband supported me in my goal.
We finally got a computer and I was able to find out more about him on the websites etc. I found out he was born on the same day as me, just 10 years later. I got a funny feeling in my stomach reading that, It was too weird! Also, his original home is not too far from where I used to live. Just like me, he moved south and now lives one State away from where I am. I found out that he has the same degree my older brother has, and he of course has been my role model in my adult life. The opinions I formed of him over the years were that he is quiet, reserved, respectful of his competitiors, and a little uncomfortable in the spotlight. Of course I don't know if he is really like that, but these are qualities I value highly in people. To me he also has a unique charisma, and not many race fans seem to dislike him, whether he is their favorite or not.
I was several times close to getting tickets for the local race, but somehow never got them. And wouldn't you know it, he did not do well (crash, engine problems) on the days I was supposed to go. That for sure would have ruined my day seeing that in person, it's bad enough when I see it on TV or Newspaper. It hurts me when I see him crash or have technical problems, especially the day at the Daytona500. Boy I was scared!
Finally in September 2003 I had my tickets. I bought Busch tickets just in case, so if something happened at least I would see him in practice and qualifying.