Jamie Witte is a hardcore race fan and an unsung hero.

Witte works as the Operations Supervisor for the Donor Client Support Center for the American Red Cross. He is the person who ensures that the donated blood is safe and ready for transfusions here in Charlotte, NC.

“Everyday there is always something horrible in the news, murder, war, the economy and it drags your spirit down,” Witte explains. “Then I get to work and I deal with people who come in to their local Red Cross and take minutes to hours out of their day to donate their blood and their time, to give back and to help save lives. It is an amazing process and I love being a part of it. People who donate blood, even only one time, are true American Heroes.”

Blood donors are certainly heroes, however, the men and women, like Witte, who are behind-the-scenes at the American Red Cross, are just as heroic. Plus, Witte also served as a Corpsman in the United States Navy.

Witte was born in Poplar Bluff, MO but grew up in Jefferson, WI. In high school, his sister and some of his friends were NASCAR fans and they introduced him to the sport.

“I started watching and next thing you know I was addicted,” Witte said.

The 32-year-old is a Jamie McMurray fan because they practically share the same name. Witte’s full name is Murray Jamie Witte, too much of a coincidence for him to not cheer for McMurray, who is also a Missouri-native.

“I was able to meet him (McMurray) at Speed Street and got his autograph on my hat I wore to the races. I keep it at work to remind me of the fun when my days are too busy to think.”

Witte enjoyed local short track racing back in Wisconsin, he even saw Matt Kenseth race there, but he had never attended a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race until last May. Witte recently relocated to Charlotte for his job at the Red Cross and was finally able to see two live races, the Sprint All-Star Race and the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

“I thought I was not going to fit in at my first NASCAR race, but I loved it, loved the people… It is unbelievable to see and hear everything live and not on TV. You feel like you are a part of this race. Your heartbeats faster as you watch your favorite driver take the lead. The fans are the greatest and we all have a good time. We were sharing beer, food and everything with each other. NASCAR fans are the best.”

Witte may have been a NASCAR fan for many years, but now that he has been to a NASCAR race, this everyday hero is a true hardcore race fan.

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