Natalie M. Trogus
Age: 31
Location: El Cajon, CA
Occupation: Marine Corps Officer
How long have you been a fan?
Since 2004 when I was stationed in Quantico, Va. I went to my first NASCAR race and I've been hooked ever since.
How did your interest in racing start?
When I started dating my husband in the summer of 2001.
Who was your favorite first driver?
Hands down, Jimmie Johnson!!! Go No. 48!!!
Who is your favorite current driver?
Absolutely Jimmie Johnson!!!
If you had three hours to spend with your favorite driver, what would you do?
I would love to talk to him about the camaraderie he has among his team and how he trains himself to prepare for each race. I would absolutely love to drive his race car and, finally, find out how my military unit can become involved with his Foundation.
What is your most memorable moment in racing?
When Jimmie won his third straight NASCAR championship. Since my husband was deployed at the time to Iraq and I had a newborn, I could not travel to the race track to see it live. So, I watched it from home and I was estatic that he won.
How many races do you attend each year?
Well, for the past few years when I was stationed in Virginia, I would go to two per year. I was deployed to Iraq in February, so I will miss quite a few races. However, when I get home in September, I will definitely go to a race to make up for lost time.
What is your favorite track?
I have only been to Richmond, so I cannot compare it to anything. But my dream is when I retire to be a race chaser and travel with my husband to all of the race tracks and see all of the races in a given season or two.
If you worked in racing, what would you do?
I would love to be the conditioning coach for the team to make sure they are always at their peak to keep Jimmie winning races.
If you were in charge of NASCAR, what would you change?
I would make children more a part of the sport, to get them involved with athletics since they are the future of NASCAR.