SCR: Along that line, could you mention individuals who have been mosthelpful to you during your career? What about the fans? Along the way,they have supported you, or at least it seems that way to me. How haveyou given back to those fans, and are there any individuals you wish toremember in this report--that is, beside your mom, dad, and family?
Nemechek: There are so many people who have helped me I could never namethem all. I'm just thankful to the fans who used to come out and watchme race mini-stocks, late-models, and on up through the ranks. Withoutthem, I wouldn't be where I'm at today. I try to go out of my way tosign autographs for the fans and stop and say hi when I can at thetrack. I have a lot of interaction with our fan club, too. You alwayswish you could do more, but the best I can do is say thank you to all ofyou for your support.
SCR: This probably goes back to an earlier question. Has Andrea eversaid "Joe, this is too dangerous, why don't you scale back?"
Nemechek: Never. Andrea has been by my side since the beginning,supporting me every step of the way. As our family has grown, we'veadapted the changes to our lifestyle, and it suits us. It's a verydemanding schedule, but we're fortunate to be in a position to have themotor home so we can all be together at the track, and then the plane sowe can spend the most time possible at home. Those things are essentialwith the schedule as it is. Having my family with me at the races meanseverything.
SCR: Along that line, what is the routine for the youngsters during thevery trying week-to-week racing schedule? Does Andrea bring them to theraces on occasion? Does she have a babysitter if that is not possible?
Nemechek: When we're at home, I take them to school, and we spend allthe time we can together. When we're racing, during the school year,Andrea and the kids will come on Friday after school lets out, butduring the summer we all go together early. She'll stay home from theWest Coast races because it's just too hard to take the kids out there,but for the majority of the races we do the family thing and it's great.
SCR: Finally, we know the well-known teams and national andinternational sponsors for whom you have driven. What are your thoughtsabout driving for the U.S. Army?
Nemechek: It carries a special feeling of pride and honor. It's anawesome feeling and an awesome responsibility. Our soldiers put theirlives on the line for us every day, and my goal is to continue to puttheir [No.] 01 Army race car in Victory Lane. Also, meeting with thesoldiers and learning what they do in fighting for our freedom has beenincredible. I've also visited the wounded. We see, on the news, all thebad stuff that goes on, but with all the things that happen, there'sboth good and bad. I've been to Walter Reed (army hospital) inWashington and the burn center in San Antonio. Those soldiers who arewounded were wounded fighting for our freedom and the world's freedom.Without our Army and our other armed forces, we do not have the freedomswe have now. These guys are the ones who are putting it on the line forus. When I took the job to drive the [No.] 01 car, General (Dennis)Cavin told me that no points are given for Second place in the Army. Icouldn't agree more--I've tasted victory and I want more of it. .