(I bought this flag many moons ago back in Dupont sponsored Monte Carlo days) as you might note on the flags newness it has'nt flown outside much maybe a Daytona 500 or 2  but I flew it yesterday for the Phoenix race and for sure will be up this weekend as Jeff drives his last race and races for his 5th Championship)

A little break from my normal Concert and Wildlife reviews here on the blogs, I just had to write a tribute to a racer I've followed and rooted for since his first win in 94. Not a fare weathered 24 fan here I've been in it fulltime since his Cup career started.

I guess I should tell you a little about my history with NASCAR, growing up and living near Michigan International speedway  my Dad would take my brother and I to the NASCAR races up there when we were young, we'd always do the camping in the infield craziness, such a thrill to witness and feel the speed of these cars at such a young age. over the years we'd go up to them  but it was'nt until the 92 NASCAR season that I fell in love with the sport and was hooked and watched intently every weekend since.   here's a exerpt from wikipedia about that 92 season ending race that some of you long time Cup fans might remember.

"The 1992 Hooters 500 was the final race of the 1992 NASCAR season. It was held on November 15, 1992, at Atlanta Motor Speedway and was televised live on ESPN. The race is widely considered one of the greatest NASCAR races of all time,[2][3] with three noteworthy stories dominating the race: the debut of Jeff Gordon in the Winston Cup Series, the final race of seven time champion Richard Petty's thirty-five-year career, and the battle for the series points championship with six drivers mathematically eligible to win the title.
The race was won by Bill Elliott in the #11 Budweiser Ford for Junior Johnson and Associates. By virtue of his second-place finish and leading the most laps, Alan Kulwicki won the series championship for his own #7 Hooters Ford team.

Me Watching Alan Kulwicki win was extremely emotional, He drove for his own team which made it more special. But tragicly he died the next year in a airplane crash as did Davey Allison in a separate helicopter crash that sadden the NASCAR community.  Two young Stars taken in the same year. there was soo much going on in the sport that year and years that followed. I loved the sport. 
 

I remember not having a favorite until Jeff Gordon won his first race in 94 at Charlotte and saw his emotions for winning. just a great sports moment.  Growing up we all go through faze's of hobbies and sports and whats important to you at certain times in life well watching NASCAR on sundays was my fav for many years.   its faded over the years but I still try to catch every NASCAR race, it does'nt have the passion I once had  but I still like it,  I can honestly say I remember only missing 1 of Jeff Gordons now 93 wins.  (I believe I was out of town) but I was ticked for me not being there counting down the laps.   Some might not know the passion of Race fans for there particular driver.  A true race fan at any NASCAR race will always have one eye on where there driver is.  lap and lap and lap you always know where your driver is, watching his(or her) lines watching his moves.   I know the races I've been to its like that with me and rooting for the 24.  And if the 24 is in or near the lead and I'm watching at home  I'm off my seat as the laps wind down rooting for the 24  to just hold on! thrilling when he wins and devasted when some loser takes him out. grrrrrr

Alot of NASCAR fans have left the sport for what ever reason its always seen in looking in the stands at the televised races the last several years. many left after Dale Earnhardt Sr. Died,  and many will leave after Jeff's last season the only reason why attendence is up at this years race is all those 24 fans that have watched him over the years are back in the stands seeing him one last time. sadly I predict when he's gone attendence will take a huge hit as well,  there are many that think like I do and say to themselves  now what to do on sunday afternoons :)

there's some good people in the sport, It. just. won't. be. the. same. for me.

Many think and I tend to agree NASCAR is in some trouble with this Chase format (and not crowning a Season long championship) and for me some of the drivers personalities really don't hit home for the die hard fans like myself that have been through the sport back in its hayday.   I probally won't watch as many races in the future  In fact know I won't. I gotta have someone to pull for but everytime I try to find the passion or liking to a driver they just dissapoint me.  I just don't see it with some of drivers.   I'll probally just watch the tracks I like to watch.  there really will be a huge void in this sport for me when Jeff's laps wind down this weekend.  

Man, think about it 23 years driving a race car at break neck speeds, that is quite something and he never missed a race, never got injured enough to miss a race, A true ironman with the consecutive race streak record!  23 years folks. you gotta give him props, in fact Every single NASCAR driver in that garage area now and years to come owe Jeff Gordon a thanks for bringing this sport of there's to the mainstream success it had become.
 

I never ever have met Jeff let alone take a picture of him(well not unless its halfway up the grandstands and took a picture of his car). Heck The last NASCAR race I attended in person was the 2000 Talledega Oct Race where Dale Sr. Won.  

Jeff if by some miracle you read this I always wanted to shake your hand and say thank you for being my Driver.

Who knows someday I can, he's still gonna be around with the TV commentating deal for Fox and of course being with Hendericks motorsports he'll still be at the tracks. He's just one of those Sports Hero's in my life I've dreamed about having the honor just to meet him.  

There are so many DIE hard JG fans out there, I'm just one. I did'nt collect much over the years but I did buy a few things over the years and there were many Christmas's where the 24 colors were under the tree for me's. thanks mom and dad. and  to my friend Kristy I still use to this day that  #24 Blanket you and Ali put together for me :)

Picture time cause well thats what I do ;)  I Dug some of these momento's of mine out for championship week and thought I'd show ya's

I thank you Jeff Gordon for being my racing Hero, you inspire me and many with what you do on and off the Track. Enjoy your retirement life with Ingrid, Ella and Leo and away from being behind the wheel of the 24.

boy this Sunday is gonna be emotional. probally tears and hopefully cheers for ending your Career on Top again as a Champ!

Cheers Jeff! the Drive for 5 is still alive :)

Steve