After an exhilarating weekend in the garage last week at Atlanta, it is time for me to head back to the best place to watch a race; the grandstands.

This weekend I will be making the trek to the famed Bristol Motor Speedway for Sunday’s Sprint Cup Series Food City 500.

For me, sitting amongst the fans in the grandstands is far better than being in any media center. Being surrounded by those that drive the sport reminds me of why I am able to do what I love – write about racing.

Sure there is the initial thrill of being surrounded by the stars of the sport, but that quickly goes away when it is time to get to work, conduct interviews and hunt for stories. Sitting in the stands puts everything in perspective – especially at Bristol. Surrounded by 160,000 Hardcore Race Fans in the closest thing to a Roman coliseum is simply breathtaking.

It simply goes to show that no matter what new sponsors get involved, what drivers are hot and which are not, and no matter the price of the ticket or the gas to get there NASCAR fans will show up. Many of NASCAR’s most Hardcore Fans have accused the sport of turning its back, while NASCAR has been left to wonder where the fans have gone.

I urge you to be patient and remember why and how you fell in love with the sport in the first place. The thrill of watching 43 of the world’s best drivers screaming past you at dizzying speeds, inches apart is enough to convince even the strongest critics. NASCAR has realized its mistake and oversight; they will come back to the Hardcore Fans that make this sport what it is.

This weekend, be sure to keep an eye out for the HardcoreRaceFans.com reporter – yours truly – with his big black hat and handy camera. If you are sitting in the Waltrip grandstand, you never know, you might find yourself sitting next to someone with a pen and notebook in hand instead of a beer. No matter where you are this weekend, make sure to tune in to all the events taking place at Bristol and check HardcoreRaceFans.com for all of your news and results.