BUSCH: David Green is "Mr. Mom" of the 90s

ARCHDALE, NC---When he's not racing the No. 36 Stanley Pontiac at 200 mph around a track, NASCAR Busch Series driver David Green can be found at his home in North Carolina changing diapers, reading nursery rhymes and picking up cheerios. This "Mr. Mom" of the 90s makes it a point to slow down to spend time with his family.

On May 23, 1997, David and his wife Diane became the proud parents of Kaylie, a baby girl. Since then, Green has had new experiences and thoughts on life.

"Having Kaylie is the biggest thing that has happened to me," explained Green. "I had always thought that racing was all there was. Now for the first time, there is something else that is more important in my life than racing."

"Kaylie just adores her father," said Green's wife Diane. "When he's home he's real good with her."

Here are some of Green's thoughts on fatherhood and what he hopes for his daughter in the future.

Family Time..."I get to spend a lot of time with Kaylie during the week," said Green. "I'm also fortunate that she and Diane come to the majority of races. NASCAR, MRO (Motor Racing Outreach) and all of the tracks have done a tremendous job making this sport family friendly. A lot of drivers are now able to bring their children, wives and families. It wasn't like that 10 years ago."

Changing Diapers...Green instantly jumped into the daily responsibilities of being a father, including changing diapers. "I did it as soon as I could," explained Green. "I wanted to make sure I could do it in case Diane wasn't home and I had to by myself. It's not so bad. Anyone can do it."

Growing Up..."It amazes me what she does and is learning everyday," said Green. "Whenever we turn on the radio she starts dancing, every car she sees on television is ‘Da Da', and she is fascinated with airplanes and helicopters.

"The biggest thing I've been impressed with is she watches Diane and I and then imitates us, such as brushing her teeth and putting on shoes. Whatever we do, she tries to do herself."

Dating..."I'll probably end up being tough on the guys she brings home," said Green. "I wasn't an angel child, and I doubt the other guys are. It will be interesting, I'll have to let Diane handle it."

Fame..."I think it's important that she blends with the other kids," said Green. "I don't want her to receive special treatment because of who I am."

Career..."I don't think I want her to become a race car driver," explained Green. "She sits on my lap in the car and turns the steering wheel and pretends she is driving. She doesn't play with dolls, she plays with matchbox cars.

"NASCAR is so big that she can be involved in many capacities. Diane used to work in the public relations field and it would be neat to see Kaylie pursue something like that.

"My father never told me that I had to drive. I think the best decision is to let your child make their own decision instead of telling them what to do."

Fatherhood..."I am pretty darn lucky," smiled Green. "Kaylie has been a very good child. Now I know why people have two or three kids. She slept through the night from the beginning. She's 14 months old and it seems like it's been a lot longer, yet at the same time it seems like she was born yesterday.

"With Kaylie around now it doesn't take me as long to get over having a bad day at the track. Before it used to take me weeks to accept what happened, now it's a matter of hours.

"When I'm around her it gives me a different perspective on things. I look at her and all the bad stuff disappears.

"She has made me appreciate every little thing that has happened to me. I've learned a whole lot from her, things that I should have learned years ago."

The Future... "The toughest job Diane and I will have to do is to teach her what's right and wrong," said Green. "I think that will be harder than racing.

"I have a new respect for my parents. Now I know what agony we put my mom through to raise three boys who are involved in racing.

"Each day with Kaylie is exciting for me, and I can't wait to see who she grows up to be."