Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

NASCAR drivers, sign in please

You just picked up the newest memorabilia of your favorite NASCAR driver. Now you want to get it autographed.

With the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 scheduled for Sunday afternoon at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, what are the chances of getting that prized signature?

It all probably depends on the driver and your flexibility.

A number of NASCAR's finest have scheduled personal appearances at local hotels and restaurants this week to meet with fans.

"I think the driver appearances are definitely the best way to go (for autographs) because that is what they're set up for," said Jeff Motley, director of public relations for LVMS.

The Sun is publishing a list of local appearances each day.

If your favorite driver isn't scheduled to sign or appear, you still may be able to catch him at the track this weekend.

Most drivers will have their personal souvenir trailer set up outside the speedway to sell merchandise.

"A lot of drivers after practice on Friday or Saturday will go out to their souvenir trailers and sign," Motley said. "They want to sell their merchandise, so they'll go out there and sign autographs."

If that doesn't work, your chances are probably pretty slim.

"You might be able to catch them in a hotel or in a restaurant," Motley said. "It's hard to get close to them at the track. They're usually in the garage or in the infield. Many of them have their own motorhomes where they stay."

If you're hoping to get an autograph from Dale Earnhardt Jr., probably the hottest name on the circuit for collectors, you better cross your fingers and be real lucky.

Jade Gurss, public relations director for Earnhardt Jr., said his client doesn't have any autograph signings scheduled here this weekend.

"Right now all he has is corporate and private appearances," Gurss said.

And because "Little E" has gained rock star status on the NASCAR circuit, he will be staying in his motorhome in the LVMS infield instead of at a hotel this week, which will severely limit autograph seekers' access.

"Things can get a little crazy at a hotel, so he'll have a motorhome in the drivers' lot and stay there," Gurss said. "He pretty much stays in the facility. It's one of the few places he can have some peace and quiet and can concentrate on getting ready for the race.

"It continues to amaze me the urgency with the way fans want to get an autograph," Gurss continued. "He tries to do as many autographs as he can. It's kind of a Catch-22 situation because the success of NASCAR was kind of built on its access to its stars. But that access has become more strained as it (NASCAR) has grown because you just can't sign every autograph. And it can become a safety hazard, especially with the crowds around the garage area."

Best chance to get Earnhardt Jr.'s autograph?

"Sometimes you might be able to get him going back from the garage to his motorhome," Gurss said. "But even that can be pretty frantic."

archive