My first NASCAR race was at Lowe's Motor Speedway. I was invited by my brother-in-law, the late Brian Schwanenberger. I thought I was a true Jeff Gordon fan, but I was told I couldn't ware my Gordon "crap" to the race. As I entered the track for the first time I smelled the rubber and gas from the cars as they warmed up for pole night. I was hooked for life. During the test runs I was forced to pick a new driver that I would bet to win the AllStar Race, Winston back then. I chose a hot red Bud car with the number 8. My new friends and brother-in-law told me I couldn't pick him because no rookie has ever won the Winston, but I stuck with him and he won the race! I think that was his father's proudest moment as well as the best memory of Lowes's Motor Speedway. I hope to be there this May again.