Race car driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr., visited Redskins Park on Thursday and watched training camp practice from the sidelines. Earnhardt later signed autographs and spoke with reporters about being a longtime Redskins fan:

Q: How long have you been a Redskins fan?

A: "The first game I watched was in 1982 when they won the Super Bowl. I've been a Redskins fan ever since and I don't see why I can't stay one."

Q: What was your day like at training camp?

A: "It was a lot of fun. I didn't know what to expect. It's just like a race--it's totally different in person than what you see on television."

Q: What was it like to meet some of the players?

A: "I'm such a big fan of the Redskins, to tell them how much I support them is a good feeling."

Q: Do you ever get updates about games during your races?

A: "Even during the race season, under caution I'm getting numbers and stats told to me over the radio. I can't concentrate on what I'm doing if I don't know what the Redskins are doing."

Q: Have you ever thought of racing for Joe Gibbs?

A: "I guess I have to get traded. That'd be interesting. It seems like it'd be a lot of fun to be able to race for him. If I ever did get that opportunity, I'd have to seriously consider it."

Q: What does Coach Gibbs mean to the NASCAR circuit?

A: "To me, he's a legend on the football field. It's the same way in the racing world. He's won two cup championships with two different teams. He has a program that steadily progresses, builds and grows. He's always found himself next to success. I applaud him for coming back and being apart of this organization again."

Q: What was it like watching Joe Gibbs on the race car circuit while you were growing up?

A: "I was a kid when Joe just started building and racing cars. Seeing a glimpse of him walking through the garage was like seeing Elvis to me. I didn't even have the guts to go up and speak to him. That's why this is really a treat."