Fan of the Month – July 2023

Pit Pass Network presents

PPN Fan of the Month

July 2023

PPN is proud to present our next Fan of the Month! Meet Kevin Young, our July 2023 Fan of the Month. You may recognize him as “Kevin from Virginia”, famous for his conversations on SiriusXM’s NASCAR Radio. Kevin is also an (unofficial) advocate for NASCAR, sharing his love for the sport and encouraging new fans along the way. While Kevin may have a few years on the current drivers, he relates to them and the sport well and doesn’t hold back when it’s time to talk racing. Plus, his favorite retired driver is also my favorite so you know he’s got good taste!

Like all great race fans, Kevin follows us on our social media accounts. Make sure you follow us, too! We’re practically everywhere.

Read on to learn more about July’s Fan of the Month.

How long have you been a NASCAR fan and what got you into it?

I’ve been a NASCAR fan since I was about 9 or so. I got my curiosity from watching The Dukes Of Hazzard episodes with guest star NASCAR Hall of Famer, Cale Yarborough. I was intrigued and watched what racing I could on broadcast tv and highlights. Later in life work and school happened but got back heavily into it around 1997 to present day.

Who is your favorite current NASCAR driver and why?

I don’t have a favorite driver in general because so many have a unique story to follow. I enjoy the competition and the gains each driver and team make throughout the season.

Who is your favorite retired NASCAR driver and why?

This is a difficult question but Jeff Gordon to me is one of my favorites. My mom was a big Jeff Gordon fan because he transcended the sport, not only on the the track but off the track. Jeff Gordon had crossover appeal which made him a natural for magazines, talk shows (day and night). Jeff Gordon made appearances on Saturday Night Live and brought NASCAR to audiences that never would have experienced the sport beyond a certain stigma attached to it.

What is your all-time favorite NASCAR moment or race?

My favorite moment is being at Martinsville in 2022 to bear witness to Ross Chastain’s Video Game Move. It happened so fast my mind didn’t register it at first. I was there in person to witness a moment in NASCAR that will never be repeated ever because it is now outlawed. The best part is hanging around after the race to chat with him and congratulating him on making it to Phoenix to the Championship 4.

Is there a unique story behind a piece of memorabilia that you own?

I have Chris Rice’s shirt he wore in victory lane for Chandler Smith’s first Xfinity win at Richmond Raceway in April 2023 . Me and my wife were in the Fangrounds in Victory Lane to witness a first win celebration by a driver for Kaulig Racing. Chris spots me near the guard rail and calls me out and proceeds to take his shirt off and hands it to me with a big smile; he was temporally shirtless in victory lane. As a bonus, Freddie Kraft gave me at the same time an Xfinity Victory Lane hat to go with it. I have it all hanging up till more room is made.

What is your favorite piece in your collection? Why is it your favorite?

My favorite piece is a Chase Elliott Championship winning car with his autograph on the windshield and his crew chief Alan Gustafson on the rear window. I had no problem getting his crew chief but took 2 years of trying to get Chase’s autograph. I don’t hound a driver; if opportunity presents itself I’ll try in a responsible manner. The way he won his first championship was very telling of his work ethic and determination and overcoming some obstacles that could have ruined it – an example is crew member going back over the wall as not to get a penalty for being too early.

About how many items are in your collection?

Too many to catalog but probably over 100.

What is one item that you really want to add to your collection?

I would love a Dale Jr pair of race worn gloves.

Thanks for sharing your collection with us, Kevin!

I really enjoyed getting to know a little bit more about Kevin. We’ve been friends on Twitter for a while now and I’ve always loved the passion for NASCAR he shows in his tweets. He keeps his posts positive and uplifting, always seeking to showcase what NASCAR fandom should be. Kevin is a fan who truly loves the sport. Keep your eyes open for Kevin at a track near you and tune in to SiriusXM’s NASCAR station to catch Kevin on the air!

As a reminder, you can enter your collection for Fan of the Month consideration by clicking this link and completing the online submission form. Don’t forget to follow us on all social media for more great content and spectacular giveaways!