Nascar

Making it work

While fans are only interested in drivers and cars, a NASCAR race wouldn't happen without support from a whole lot of people who work at the tracks, from NASCAR officials to law-enforcement folks to the guys from Goodyear who mount the tires:

The firefighter who considers this a dream job — his coat is covered with 10 years worth of driver autographs.

The Race Recovery Teams that tow the disabled cars and clean the track of debris after an accident.

A 75-year-old security guard — a retired plumber — who has worked at Michigan International Speedway for 27 years. ``I used to drive midgets and stock cars back when I was young and foolish — it just got too dangerous and too expensive.''

Volunteers with the Victory Lane Committee — businessmen in the community who hold charity events throughout the year at the track and work at major races.

People who provide pre-race entertainment, such as the 116th Army Band of the Georgia National Guard or a dance team from Stetson University in Deland, Fla.

— Connie Grosch

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