Dale Earnhardt was one of the greatest race car drivers of all time. One of the hardest moments of my career came when we found out he’d passed as a result of wrecking in the 2001 Daytona 500.

The first family of NASCAR, the Frances (l–r) Amy France Helton, Sharon France, Jim France, Betty Jane France, Brian France, Amy France, and Lesa France Kennedy stand with statue of Bill France Jr. in front of Daytona International Speedway. Their strong family values have kept NASCAR humble over the years, while their keen business sense has helped it expand. (Photo by ISC Photography)

Mark Martin never ceases to amaze me. In his fifties now, he’s still able to out-race drivers half his age.

Carl Edwards is a driver I greatly admire. His love of speed carries over into his off-track hobby of flying airplanes and helicopters.

The flyover that starts many NASCAR races is just one of the many ways the sport honors the men and women that keep our country safe.

NASCAR knows how much the military means to its drivers and fans, so they are often invited to take part in the pre-race ceremonies. This is the 75th division color guard from Fort Sill before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Samsung Mobile 500 at Texas Motor Speedway.

Jimmie Johnson and his crew chief, Chad Knaus, talk before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Amp Energy 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on October 5, 2008. Knaus is one of the best crew chiefs in the business, with him calling the shots, Johnson has won five consecutive championships.

Mark Martin’s pit crew is one of the best in the business. These unsung heroes are essential to NASCAR, just as the folks behind the scenes in America are essential to help keep America running.

NASCAR fans are proud of their patriotism, and it’s always shown in the pre-race ceremonies. The singing of the National Anthem is especially powerful. There’s nothing quite like being with thousands of fans and patriots, singing our great nation’s anthem to start the races.

Brad Keselowski is handed an American flag to pay tribute after winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series Kansas Lottery 300 at Kansas Speedway. I’ve always admired Brad’s poise and ability on the track, as well as his love for our country.

Richard Childress is one of the owners I admire the most in the business. He started as a driver before he moved into team ownership. He has always done what he can to make NASCAR a better sport, reinvesting his earning in developing great teams. That loyalty is one of the things that make NASCAR, and America, great.

It took me a while to break into the close-knit NASCAR community, but they let me know once I was in. Here I am with Jeff Hammonds getting a shower courtesy of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s crew after they won the NASCAR Sprint Cup Chevy American Revolution 400 on May 15, 2004.