Liz Allison has been around NASCAR for over 20 years. First as the wife of Davey Allison until his tragic death in 1993 and then as a member of the media, Liz has seen NASCAR from all angles. She has provided her unique insiders view of the sport on radio, television and in the 10 books she’s published on NASCAR.
Her books include the Girls Guide To NASCAR, NASCAR wives: The Women behind the Sunday Drivers, Full Circle: The Story of Davey Allison and even a popular series of romance novels with a NASCAR theme. She currently lives in Nashville where she hosts a popular NASCAR themed radio show and serves as an announcer at Nashville Superspeedway.
The latest work from Liz is a book many fans said they have needed for years. 'The NASCAR Insiders’ Track Guide’ is being hailed by many as the definitive guide for fans to get all the inside information they need for every track that is currently visited by the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
I recently posed five questions to NASCAR insider and accomplished author Liz Allison.
You’ve published ten books on NASCAR, what was the motivation behind the ‘NASCAR Insiders’ Track Guide’?
People ask me all the time about great places to eat, where to stay and what other things there is to do while attending races. It occurred to me that a track guide that (truly) covered every area of interest for fans had not been created. I have to admit that putting together such a book was much more involved than what I had expected, but I am so happy with the information that is now available for fans. This book has something for everyone even the most seasoned race fan.
You’ve been around NASCAR for twenty years, what are the biggest changes you’ve seen?
Certainly the popularity factor. I grew up in a small town where everyone loved racing, but this was not the case everywhere. Now you can sit in a boardroom in New York and have people discussing NASCAR. Another area of significant change is the increasing number of female fans. I love that so many gals are enjoying the sport as much as their significant others.
Liz Allison has been appointed president of NASCAR, what changes would you make?
Give the drivers their freedom of speech back. NASCAR has placed such a heavy hand on the drivers, and with this, very few times do the fans really get to see the real personalities of their favorite drivers. This was one of the things that lured fans in to the sport to start with so let them be who they are. I would also take some of the restrictions from the track and let the drivers do what they do best and that is race. Again, get back to what the fans want...personalities and great racing.
You must have some great memories gained over the years, is there one happy or humorous memory that stands out?
Davey winning the Daytona 500 would have to be the most special racing memory for me. This is the ultimate win for a driver so to see Davey standing in Victory Lane with our kids in each arm was the most perfect moment in time.
Do you have a favorite track? And what makes it so special.
Talladega was our home track so I would have to say this track ranks right at the top, but very close behind is Darlington Raceway. I was born and raised in South Carolina so I love the area to start with. Davey and I also met right down the road from Darlington; we also spent our Honeymoon at that track. As far as the racing itself...Darlington is it, hands down. I would rather be at that track than anywhere else on the circuit. The history along with the great racing makes it a racing gem.
For more information visit Liz Allison's Website
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