What we’re thankful for, NASCAR edition

The finality of crowning three champions in Miami is starting to settle, pumpkin pies are going in the oven and the weather is getting downright cold.

It’s Thanksgiving season, and we have plenty to be thankful for. Here’s our list for the editorial team members of NASCAR.com following a memorable 2018 season.

We are thankful for …

• The local and regional levels of NASCAR, including the weekend warriors who form the backbone of stock-car racing. Warm Saturday nights under the lights at Bowman Gray Stadium bring back all the nostalgic emotions. — Zack Albert

• The crew members in the garage. These men and women spend the majority of their year traveling around the country to different race tracks, dedicating their lives to racing and its betterment. Thank you for your hard work, perseverance and friendly attitudes — we couldn’t make it happen without all of you. — Jessica Ruffin

• Margin of victories that read “.000.” — Brad Norman

• The courage to try the Charlotte Roval in the playoffs. It was a risk to try something new like that, but it turned out to be one of the more interesting events of the season, and the finish was phenomenal. — George Winkler

• The energy, excitement, enthusiasm and passion Dale Earnhardt Jr. shares for the sport in the NBC booth and on his own platforms. His insight and knowledge add so much to telecasts, and it’s great to still have him involved in a big way as a commentator and Xfinity Series team owner. — RJ Kraft

•  Teams, tracks and those at the NASCAR R&D Center for their consistent pursuit of safety advances. It’s a moving target, but one that remains a primary focus. — Zack Albert

• NASCAR Fantasy Live. The new fantasy game on NASCAR.com was a blast to play and provided plenty of online interaction with NASCAR fans. On a personal note, the joy of beating contributor (and friend to NASCAR.COM) Steve Letarte in both leagues was an added — and fun — bonus. — RJ Kraft

• The NASCAR family. From top to bottom, from drivers to fans to employees, this sport has felt like a collective family since I walked in the door. That’s not something to be overlooked, but instead something I’ll be thinking about during my second, fourth and fifth helpings of Thanksgiving stuffing. – Pat DeCola

• Kyle Larson running the high line. It takes courage, instincts … and guts. Sounds like the very foundation of NASCAR itself. — Brad Norman

• NASCAR’s rising stars. They challenge the veterans, take chances on the race track and, perhaps best of all, bring new groups of people to love racing. I can’t wait to see more young drivers build a name for themselves in 2019. — Jessica Ruffin

The post What we’re thankful for, NASCAR edition appeared first on Official Site Of NASCAR.