Of your choices I would say Terry Labonte. Very cool and calm guy and always a class act.
But in actuality I would think its Robby Gordon, which is why I am an fan of his. Note this article:
http://www.catchfence.com/html/2003/lt051203.html
Racing is a wonderful atmosphere for children. I know that now. I experienced first hand what a difference the drivers can make in the lives of those who adore them. Yes, they might be people we have never met, however, any race fan can tell you that the drivers are much more than that. They are people we relate to, heroes we have specifically chosen to root for. For one young girl, my niece, I realized just how much this sport means to her.
I introduced Jessi to racing at a young age. She didn't care for it much back then. Actually, she hated it. Truth be known, I think it was because she equated the fact that when racing was on tv, I was not to be interrupted. Since I have always made my time available to her, and my other niece and nephew, I think it was difficult for them to understand. Granted, we are not of true blood relation but don't tell them that. They have grown up knowing this, but refuse to debate the issue. I take pride in that, and they know that regardless, I love them.
As Jessi began to come around to racing, I had questioned whether I had used the right judgment in encouraging her to follow it. She had chosen Kenny Irwin as the driver she rooted for, as he was the first driver she had met in person. She was completely devastated when he passed away.
Most of us know the dangers of racing, and for the most part we accept this. However, for a child, it isn't that easy. After Kenny's death we went through the same thing with Adam Petty, and then of course, Dale Earnhardt. It shook her up, but nevertheless, she continued to follow it.
Jessi has been through some tough things in life. She has since grown and matured into a beautiful 13 year old girl. Along with her growth, her love in racing continued to mature and flourish. I decided that it was time for her to see her first race, a Busch race in Fontana, CA, in 1999. She was hooked. I let her make the trip with me to Phoenix for her first Winston Cup race in 2002, and that's all it took. She feverishly saved every single penny that came her way, determined that she would attend the Winston Cup and Busch Series weekend at California Speedway this year.
Each year, I take her to the Speed Freaks celebration welcoming NASCAR to Southern California. Several drivers were expected to appear, and she insisted that we go, so she could add to her autograph collection. Given the fact that she knew I would be working throughout the weekend, at least this was one thing we could do together.
She met with several drivers, getting autographs and politely thanking them. First Brian Vickers, then Ron Hornaday, David Green, and then Chad Blount. Each time she returned with a smile, assuring me that she had thanked each driver for their time as she had been taught.
Robby Gordon was also scheduled to appear, and as he arrived, she rushed over to his line to obtain his autograph. She got much more than that, and walked away a lifetime fan.
I stood in the distance, and watched while she approached him with the autograph book that she has treasured since her meeting with Kenny Irwin. She faithfully carried it up to Robby to sign, which he did. He began a conversation with her, questioning her about her driver of choice, teasing her a bit, and they both laughed as she walked away.
Throughout the night, Robby signed autograph after autograph while Jessi looked on. As he was preparing to leave, she spoke to him, despite my objections, and he stopped and spoke with her again. I didn't want Jessi to appear rude and allow the man to leave without issue. She apparently knew better of the situation than I did.
Robby stopped on his way out began speaking with her again. The two stood there talking along with her two friends and Robby's girlfriend. They laughed and joked for a good five minutes, and Jessi walked away starstruck at what had just taken place. Normally a very shy young woman, she had no reservations about joking around with the NASCAR star.
I knew right then, that everything I see in this sport and its drivers, their down to earth nature and willingness to interact with the fans, she had just witnessed for herself. I realized that I had made the right choice in bringing this sport to her, and encouraging her love for it.
In today's world, there aren't that many celebrities or sports stars that would take the time with her that he did. It was clear as I observed them, that it wasn't a show for the onlookers. He was very genuine in the way he interacted with her and the other girls, and wasn't trying to be polite in fending off an over-aggressive fan. I knew it, and so did everyone around us.
Robby went out of his way for her, and showed her that this sport truly is different. She hasn't stopped talking about it since. Each time she sees Robby's car on the track, it brings a sense of pride and a smile to her face.
Yes, he made a lifetime fan that night, out of both of us.
You can reach Lori Tyler at:
[email protected]
I forgot to put Mark Martin and Johnny Benson on there, so state that If you think they are. 
