NASCAR wasn’t always a sport in which supercharged race cars battled each other along with millions of dollars in sponsorships. In fact, in the early days of stock car racing, the cars were exactly that--stock standard, and drivers who didn’t have a car to race would rent a car for the weekend and race it against the competition.

NASCAR has advanced a long way since then, and today the fame of drivers within the sport has followed suit. More people attend NASCAR events each year than any other sport in North America.

Some people get to the track early and make their way to the pits in hopes of meeting their favorite drivers, while others hang around before and after time trials with a pen and paper handy. Others get in touch with drivers through their official fan clubs, which are generally run by the driver’s staff.

They’ll send a letter, include a self-addressed stamped envelope, join the fan club, and wait, but not every NASCAR fan club ensures you’ll receive a contact opportunity with the driver in question. For example, for a membership fee of $19.95, the Jeff Gordon Fan Club gives you:

• Official JGFC Membership Card
• Welcome Letter from Jeff Gordon
• 35mm reusable camera
• Mini AM/FM scanner radio with earplugs
• Thermo travel mug
• Can koozie
• Rain poncho
• Three $10 coupons to be used at JG trackside souvenir trailers on purchase of $50 or more
• Regular newsletters

While being a member of an official NASCAR fan club may help you get in touch with a driver, it isn’t guaranteed. What works much better is to keep an eye out for a race in your town or any pre-race driver appearances. The drivers will usually turn up for autograph-signing sessions at local branches of their sponsors (such as a Home Depot or Lowe’s), as well as souvenir trailers or after parties.

Ultimately, NASCAR drivers are fully aware their rise to fame comes from their connection to grassroots fans, so if they can find the time to sign something for you, they usually will. Just be polite, don’t gush, and don’t take up more of the driver’s time than you should. Oh, and have something for them to sign!

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