I started looking for someone in Bradenton, Florida, during the World Series of Pro Mod. I had the clipboard with my printed questions in hand and ventured into the stands. I made three passes in front of the packed grandstands and finally spotted my subject, an older guy wearing a well-used NHRA Championship T-shirt with the sleeves cut off. He was with his friends and his wife. They were just leaving the stands, so I walked up behind him, tapped him on the shoulder, explained the concept of this column, and asked if he would be willing to participate. I was met with a“ Sure, why not?”

So, here is my first interview with“ fan in the stand” Jim Cowie, age 63. He is retired and calls Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, outside of Toronto, his home along with his wife, Patty. They

frequently travel within the States. They were enjoying some time with their friends in the beautiful weather that we had in Bradenton.

How long have you followed drag racing? It seems like it has been forever, but it was 1994. We have been to 26 straight NHRA U. S. Nationals events at Indy.

What brought you to this event this weekend? Where else can you see 80 of the fastest, wildest Pro Mods that exist? Why would you ever want to miss that?

What class do you like the most and why? I love the Pro Mods. They are the most uncontrollable car out here. You never know what they are going to do during the run.

If you could spend an hour with one person involved in the sport of drag racing, past or present, who would

that be and why? John Force, of course, because he is the GOAT. He is old, wise, and funny, and the stories he could share would be the best stories that you could hear.

What tracks besides this one have you visited? We have been to most all of the NHRA tracks. Indy is always a favorite. The U. S. Nationals is the race that everyone wants a chance to win.

What’ s your favorite part of going to the races besides the competition? I am a motor guy. I want to go visit the pits and talk to the crews about the motors, and get the real info on what parts are in the engines, what oil and fuel they use. I want to know everything about the engine.

What’ s your favorite spot at a race to watch from? The pits. I could stand around watching the teams all day. Being I’ m an engine geek, I want to know everything there is to know about

what makes the car run.

What else do you do for the love of our sport? I read online, sites like NHRA. tv, NC ProModer, MAVTV, Drag Illustrated. I’ ll look at any site that covers our sport.

What is the one thing that you never miss doing at a race? Walking in the pits and meeting new people.

How many races will you attend this year? At least 10. We are retired, and what could be better than traveling to the drag races?

I tend to agree with Jim. Traveling to the races has become a thing that I love, and meeting new people is always a fun part of it. I myself will attend between 15 to 20 events and I will be searching for people to interview because we need to celebrate the fans in the stands.

If you have a special“ fan in the stands” story, reach out to me on social media or send me an email at Denise @ DragIllustrated. com. DI