A fan enjoys fireworks at Daytona.

NASCAR EXCITEMENT Loyal fans roaring engines Left, Ward Burton enjoys his 2002 Daytona 500 win. Below, fans' tribute to the late Dale Earnhardt.

I enjoy covering these races. The noise is deafening and some fans are obnoxious, but the excitement is contagious.

The first NASCAR race that I ever covered was the Pepsi 400 in 1998 and 1999. Since then, I've covered the 1999 and 2002 Daytona 500, and this year's Samsung/Radio Shack 500 and Coca-Cola 600.

Shooting is a challenge, especially if one is the sole photographer covering for his newspaper. A race track is a very big place.

NASCAR is America's fastest-growing sport.

Mark Martin is cheered on after winning the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway on May 26, 2002.

Above, Jeff Gordon runs at Daytona. Right, Steve Park slides as Mike Skinner avoids him at the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway on May 26, 2002.