Underwood finds ways to show his love for NASCAR

Al Underwood of Cape Girardeau County became a NASCAR fan when he was a youngster -- 15 years ago -- at the age of 65.

"I've been a fan of Jeff Gordon, No. 24, since he started," Underwood said last week. "He does a fine job."

Underwood, 80, actually can trace his love of auto racing back to the 1950s.

"I used to be in the auto business on the end of Broadway," Underwood said. "They brought the midget cars down from St. Louis, and I really enjoyed them. I ended up driving and announcing. Rush Limbaugh and I used to split announcing duties at Arena Park.

"I enjoy them. I like watching on TV about as well as I do in the grandstand. It's a clean sport. I think the Frances have done a lot for it."