tinarenee.com

What constitutes a NASCAR fan? Is it someone whose wardrobe consists of 75% or more of driver/team/manufacturer t-shirts? Is there a minimum requirement of driver/team/manufacturer paraphernalia that must be semi-permanent to permanently attached to some visible part of the vehicle used as the primary form of transportation within a family unit?

Although I make my home in the South, I’m amused at how many acquaintances show no outward signs of fanaticism, but could talk your ear clean off about their favorite driver if you gave them a chance. Seriously.

Of course, there could be extenuating circumstances – the person may be required to wear a uniform for their job. Perhaps their employer doesn’t allow the show of “flair” (see Office Space). One thing is for sure – if an closet NASCAR fan spies any hint of driver devotion on your person, in your purse, on/in your car et al., there is no telling when the conversation will end.

Typically, the dialogue will begin with one of the following:

“Oh my gosh, you aren’t a are you?” (This can either be stated sarcastically or in fellowship)

“How ‘bout that ?”

“What happened to your boy on Sunday?”

Outward appearances aside, one thing rings true – no matter where I go, I seem to find at least one fan to chat with about the most recent race, the pros and cons of the Car of Today, or the latest stupid thing that Kyle Bush has done…