DOVER - When Steve Strazza of Long Island, N.Y., goes grocery shopping, he is always sure to stock up on Oreo cookies and Ritz crackers.

When he's throwing a party, he'll serve only Budweiser beer.

All of Mr. Strazza's fishing supplies come from Bass Pro Shop.

And the only cologne he wears is Drakkar Noir.

Each of these brands has one important thing in common.

They are primary sponsors of NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Mr. Strazza is a passionate Dale Jr. fan and he purchases all products that are associated with the driver.

This week, Mr. Strazza and his brother, Frank, are camping out at Dover International Speedway in anticipation of Sunday's MBNA America 400 Nextel Cup race.

Outside of their trailer is a life-size Dale Jr. cardboard cutout, which Frank purchased from a Dover liquor store last year.

Both men also are fans of the late Dale Earnhardt and Steven Strazza's license plate reads "Dale RIP."

For them, it is essential to support their favorite drivers.

"It's about loyalty," Steven Strazza said. "If (Dale Jr.) sponsored liver, I would buy it."

Judy Torrey, of Mullica Hill, N.J., feels the same way. However, her heart is devoted to a different driver.

A longtime Jeff Gordon fan, Ms. Torrey's trailer is decorated with No. 24 memorabilia.

And her kitchen is stocked with Pepsi and Fritos - two of the many products endorsed by Mr. Gordon.

For her, Coca-Cola products are off limits.

"Even if Coke is on sale, she still won't buy it," said her nephew, Dave DeGrado, also of Mullica Hill.

Ms. Torrey defended this by claiming that she doesn't like the taste of Coke.

But when asked what she would do if Mr. Gordon endorsed Coca-Cola, Ms. Torrey admitted that she would switch brands.

"I am very faithful to Jeff no matter what ... I buy products for him," she said. "It keeps his sponsors going."

Ms. Torrey said she also makes an effort to support NASCAR racing in general.

When her Verizon phone plan expires later this year, she will switch to Nextel, because it is the primary sponsor of the sport.

NASCAR enthusiast Dave Kubovesak, of Reading, Pa., said he is not surprised that race fans are so loyal.

"We enjoy the sport, and without sponsorships, we know it wouldn't exist," he said.

Mr. Kubovesak is camping out at Dover International Speedway this week in the $80,000 recreational vehicle that he purchased solely for NASCAR races.

Pricey RVs are a common investment among race fans.

Complete with beds, bathrooms and kitchenettes, they make it easy for people to camp out at their favorite racetracks.

Frank Strazza, the Dale Jr. loyalist from Long Island, said he only uses his camper when he goes to NASCAR races.

"I've been married for 16 years, and when my wife wants to go camping, I say 'No. This is a NASCAR trailer.' I don't take it anywhere else," he said.

The fields behind the speedway are currently lined with campers and RVs, and the majority of them are adorned with NASCAR flags and other racing decorations.

Most are occupied by out-of-state residents who travel to the First State twice a year to watch Nextel Cup races.

Candy Saia of Vineland, N.J., never misses a Dover race.

She even named her Pomeranian puppy "Dover," in honor of Dover International Speedway.

It is not unusual for race fans to share their love of NASCAR with their pets.

Many fans tote their dogs from race to race, and dress them in NASCAR apparel.

Brian and Nancy Ouellette of East Taunton, Mass., deck their dogs out in Mark Martin collars and leashes.

But their fan loyalty stops there.

"My husband does not take Viagra," Mrs. Ouellette said, referring to the male impotence drug that is endorsed by Mr. Martin.

Another common trend among race fans is to buy the same brand of car that their favorite NASCAR driver uses.

Rusty Wallace fans Linda and Bob Gordon of Inlet, N.Y., own two Ford trucks and a Ford Mustang.

Mr. Wallace competed in Fords for many years before switching to a Dodge last season.

"I've supported Rusty for 11 years," Mrs. Gordon said, while clutching a Rusty Wallace doll. "He won the first race that I ever went to."

Once NASCAR fans choose a favorite driver, they usually remain dedicated to him for life.

Mr. Ouellette believes the loyalty stems from the personal connection many fans feel with their favorite drivers.

"NASCAR drivers are more personable than other athletes," he said. "When you talk to them, they're down to earth, and that's why their fans are so loyal."

Staff writer Jenny Kania can be reached at 741-8233 or jkania@newszap.com.