I’ll admit, I’m probably not what you’d picture as a typical NASCAR fan. I’m a 30-something professional, a Volvo-driving suburbanite, and I don’t particularly like beer.

But I’ve been to multiple races at Texas Motor Speedway. I signed my name on the start/finish line before the 50th running of the infamous Daytona 500. I know the difference between “hot” and “cold” pit passes. And I’m a huge fan of NASCAR’s recently implemented double-file restarts.

I am hooked on the sheer spectacle of the event. The sights, the sounds, the cars, the personalities -– it’s all really great theater. And when I catch a race on TV, I love it when the announcers (often retired drivers or pit crew chiefs) get into the strategy and the physics of the race.

But what has become an even more interesting piece of the NASCAR pie (or chili and cheese-laden Frito pie, as the case may be) is observing the relationship between the drivers and the brands they represent.

These guys -– whom most people assume are a little rough around the edges –- are very effective spokespeople. One of the first times I heard a driver interviewed after a race, I was blown away by how sponsor-conscious he was after just having driven 180 mph for three hours. I mean, it takes me a while to re-focus after my own 30-minute commute!

As a PR professional, I’ve worked with executives who’ve had weeks to prepare for an interview and don’t end up hitting all their key messages the way these drivers do.

Yes, the drivers are paid (and paid well) to represent these brands. But as long as NASCAR fans remain 75% more likely to buy sponsor products and services, the drivers are some of the most influential brand representatives around. And from a NASCAR-lovin’ PR gal’s perspective, I can appreciate the skill these guys display on the track, as well as the job they have to do off the track.

Speaking of the track, I’m counting down the days to the Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on November 8 –- how ‘bout you?