These days, NASCAR isn't just for the boys. According to an ESPN poll, 42 percent of NASCAR fans are women. Why? Women like the speed factor, of course, but they also like the family-friendly atmosphere -- on and off the track.

Connie LeGrand of Speed TV is one of the increasing number of women making their living from the country's fastest-growing spectator sport.

LeGrand, who lives in Boiling Springs, began her career anchoring local news.

After spending eight years at WHNS-TV in Greenville, she jumped at the chance to be part of the NASCAR News team.

LeGrand, who is in her second year with Speed, recently offered her take on the role women now play in the world of NASCAR.

Q: You have a television news background. How did you become involved with NASCAR News?

CL: I got a good opportunity with Speed TV that I couldn't afford to not to try out. It was something new and different. And although I never imagined myself doing any kind of sports, it's been very rewarding -- and very challenging.

Q: Did you follow NASCAR before Speed TV?

CL: I didn't know a lot about it, but living in the South, you can't not love NASCAR.

Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of a woman reporting the sport?

CL: I think drivers, PR people (with the teams) and people in general are more likely to talk to me because I'm a woman. The disadvantage is -- until you prove yourself -- they're much tougher on you in the beginning.

Q: What's the most exciting thing about NASCAR for you?

CL: The drama. These men -- and women now -- risk their lives every week. They make it look so easy when you're watching a race on TV, but you can see if the slightest thing goes wrong, it could end a driver's life.

Q: What's the most memorable moment for you since you've been covering NASCAR?

CL: That's a really good question. I don't go to the track very frequently, so Jamie McMurray -- we were at some event -- he turned to me and said, "you, you, come here. I asked my PR person who yo•were and all of a sudden, it hit me -- I watch you every week …I have you TIVOed." These people are bigger than life and to have Jamie say that, I thought "wow, I've been accepted."

Q: Who's your favorite driver?

CL: Carl Edwards. The story of Carl and how he used to pass out business cards at the track -- and that smile a mile wide. And the back flip, which everybody knows about now. I even enrolled my son in his fan club.

Q: Forty-two percent of NASCAR fans are women. Why do you think there are so many women NASCAR fans?

CL: Probably, it started out because the men in their lives were watching the sport. People will tell you it's a family sport and it is. It's an activity drivers and teams do as a family. Now, the women have their own drivers and their own interests. I hate to say this, but there's something about a man in a fast car, but there's probably something to that.

Q: We're starting to see more women drivers in NASCAR. Do you see women becoming the norm as opposed to the exception to the rule in NASCAR?

CL: I think so, but I think it will take time. Take Danica Patrick -- she didn't even win the Indy 500, but she got all the glory. She got the cover of Sports Illustrated and she didn't even win and it was like "wow."

The LeGrand file - Graduated with a bachelor of science in marketing from Clemson; Masters in mass communications from the University of Georgia. - Has a 4-year-old son, Cole. - Studying for the LSAT. - After years of eating dinner on the fly while anchoring late newscasts, finally learning to cook. - Favorite author is James Patterson - Favorite movies are "Legends of the Fall," "Pay It Forward," "The Locust," "African Queen" - Favorite Spartanburg restaurant: Abby's