Last year I went to the Daytona 500 for the first time in my life. After years of watching it on TV every year until then, I got to feel the thunder and the experience of the excitement in person. NASCAR is my sanctuary on Sundays.

Now I'm 27 years old and have had to watch the races on TV as long as I can remember. Not once did I ever think I would get to go. I also thought that when I did finally get to go, it was going to be a once and done thing. If anyone would have came up to me and told me that I would go to Daytona more than once, I would have just disagreed. Everyone has been saying to me lately, "I told you so!"

This year I'm even more excited than last year. New surface, faster racing, and even more excitement, but on top of it all I will get to experience Daytona from the reporter view. Talk about pressure but also talk about a whole new experience. Get to interview drivers, fans, crew members, and even the winner of the 53rd Daytona 500. I honestly hope that the 2011 Daytona 500 has an exciting finish like last years.

Seeing Dale Earnhardt, Jr. go from 17th to 2nd in three laps was very exciting. Being able to go to Daytona has really impacted my life. I suggest that all hardcore NASCAR fans go there at least once in their life.

When you hear Daytona is the Super Bowl of motorsports, it’s the truth. There is so much to do while there. Tailgating outside the track with some of your closest friends, concerts and shows, it’s all there. This year as a reporter, my plan is to talk to as many people as possible to get the full effect of the experience for you the readers just to give you a taste of the Daytona atmosphere. If you aren't just a NASCAR fan and you crave that taste of dirt in your drink or the rumble of big block motors on a dirt surface, you are in luck. Fans can just drive about 30 minutes from DIS to Volusia Speedway and watch The DIRTcar Nationals which hosts the greatest show on dirt, the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series and the Late Model Series. No matter what you will have a great time while in Daytona, the World Center of Racing.

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