About the Author
Desmond Hobson
There are some things in my background that would not qualify me for being a NASCAR fan, at least on paper. First of all, I am a lifelong resident of southern California (born in 1972). Also, I am African-American (although, believe it or not, I don't flinch at the sight of a Confederate flag). Oh, and I also have a degree in information systems at California State University, Long Beach. I got that in 1999, four years before Steven Spielberg finally graduated.
Despite this, I consider my life a disappointment. I am unmarried, have no children, still live with my parents, and - HORRORS! - cannot drive. (However, believe it or not, I could still get a NASCAR racing license. Scott Wimmer finished fifth in the 2004 Daytona 500 despite having a suspended drivers' license after a drunk driving incident.) However, compared with most people diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, a form of developmental disability, I am doing very well.
So why do I love NASCAR so much? The reason is that it appeals to my sense of family values more than any other major sport in America. I have watched them all and the others have turned me off. They either talk too much about money, get charged with crimes over and over again, or just act plain arrogance. When any of these things happen in NASCAR, it's still a big deal.
Online, I have contributed to Speedcouch, Wikipedia, and Laidback Racing.
Future goals
At some point, I would love to return to the work force. The last full-time job I held was at SourceCorp, an outsourcing company that deals with processing subprime home loan accounts. I left that company in 2005 because I did not want to work on Saturdays and I was finding every excuse to get out of that. (I still remember calling in saying that I was at a poker tournament in Las Vegas with all the big stars!) For some reason, nothing has come along since. I have tremendous experience in data entry and clerical work, but most of the jobs are in cities I cannot get to because, as mentioned, I can't drive.
A secondary goal is to have The Buddy Wayne Chronicles succeed. I am using this site and other resources to promote it relentlessly. I hope to make enough money to equal or better the fixed Supplemental Security Income (about $810 a month) I receive now.
About the picture
It was taken at the Long Beach Grand Prix in 2005. I was alongside a show car provided by Roush Fenway Racing; it is the #16 car driven by Greg Biffle.