The Fan Experience Team meets exceptional race fans from all 50 states and multiple countries throughout the race season. It’s part of what makes our job so much more than just a job. This season, we decided we wanted to showcase some of those fans.
Meet Roger and Dorthy Eckstein from Houston, TX.
The couple have been attending World of Outlaws races since 1997, visiting various tracks around the Houston area when the Series came to town. Roger’s racing journeys started even earlier, first attending races at Houston Raceway Park in 1959.
The speed. The racing. The drivers. It’s their love for it all that keeps them coming back.
Jac Haudenschild’s famous “Wild Child” driving style turn the Ecksteins into lifelong fans early on. Then, when he slowed his career, they found a new favorite to watch in Jac’s son Sheldon, who also embraced his wild and exciting style.
Of the tracks they’ve visited, they highlighted Gator Speedway and the World of Outlaws at The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway as two of their favorites.
One of the most interesting things we find out from fans is what drew them to the sport and the Ecksteins had a few great reasons: it’s the fastest thing they have ever seen in a circle, the athleticism of the World of Outlaws drivers is just incredible and they love that you really come to a World of Outlaws event for the racing because the talent level is undeniable.
The Ecksteins also expressed that our sport allowed them to bring their son to the track with them at a young age. They noticed now how great it is to see so many generations attending races and how it’s still a great place to bring your family. When bringing outside friends to the track, Roger expressed to them how Sprint Car racing is like “driving a Funny Car in a circle” – the speed is undeniable, and you have to see it in person to really experience it. Another thing they notice is how racing gets everyone off their phones and it has you on the edge of your seat.
The couple is one example of how we get to meet such awesome race fans through the Be an Outlaw program and we can’t wait to share even more stories with you as the season goes on.
