NBC/TNT's Marty Snider (left) with Nextel Fan of the Week Tripp Zanetis. Credit: Contributed photo

Nextel Fan of the Week: Pepsi 400

New York firefighter Tripp Zanetis

Teamwork. That's what one of New York's bravest loves about Nextel Cup racing.

Tripp Zanetis is a firefighter from New York Fire Department's Engine Company 28, Ladder 11 located in Manhattan's Lower East Side.

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"I am naturally drawn to NASCAR racing because of the teamwork and cohesiveness you see on each team," Zanetis said. "They depend on each other during races and every day to be successful."

Just as drivers depend on their pit crews during races, Zanetis and his company rely on each other during calls to get their job done safely. Working together and supporting each other is vital in their line of work.

When asked what else he enjoys about NASCAR racing, he said "there's just something about an engine turning 9,000 rpms at 200 mph that thrills me!"

Zanetis' love of NASCAR has spilled over to his job at the firehouse. He and fellow N.Y.F.D. firefighters have joined in on the NASCAR excitement and drama.

Zanetis hanging out with DIS firefighters. Credit: Contributed photo

A native of Indianapolis, Zanetis' love of racing began at a young age, thanks to influence from his dad. Growing up close to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, his first racing experiences were with open-wheel racing.

When NASCAR came to Indy, he and his dad quickly turned their attention to the Brickyard 400. Zanetis' favorite NASCAR experience to date has been seeing Jeff Gordon kiss the bricks last year after winning the Brickyard 400.

Even though this father-son duo now live in different states, they call each other after every Nextel Cup race and talk "for hours" about what happened and to plan their fantasy racing league picks.

Last weekend, Zanetis combined his love of racing with his love of family, as he and his father went to the Pepsi 400 at Daytona at the same time his parents were celebrating their 28th wedding anniversary.