Tai W.

( Karl Merton Ferron, The Baltimore Sun / June 3, 2011 )

Hometown: Elkton, Va., now lives in Owings Mills, Md.

What do you do when you're not a Checkered Flag Girl?: works at Ikea; student at Art Institute of Washington, studying fashion

Were you a racing fan before you became a Checkered Flag Girl?: "It's growing on me. I've always been around cars. My dad, he built up race cars. I'm familiar with car shows, not really race cars."

Favorite thing about Baltimore?: "I would have to say the harbor. Coming from the country, and coming here to Baltimore, it's a huge experience. The people here have actually welcomed me in, as far as me being from the South."

What would you say to a first-time visitor to Charm City?: "I would say, 'Buckle Up!' They're in for a ride."