Dale was unarguably the best thing in NASCAR since the first paved track. Many people went into deep mourning since his death. Many fans have stopped watching NASCAR and racing in general since we lost our Intimidator. I have spent many hours trying to convince these people that Mr. Earnhardt wouldn�t want his dedicated fans to stop watching NASCAR because of his death. He loved the sport as much as anyone could possibly love racing, but if his favorite driver died in a horrific wreck I don�t think he would stop cheering on the other drivers, debating who done who wrong or laughing and arguing with friends about who is the best one on the track.
When we lose faith in our dreams and passions, not only do you suffer but also those who are around you have the same sense of loss. If you are one who has written off racing since Dale�s death, have you noticed a change in your attitude or your life? Do you still look forward to Sunday afternoons just so you can turn on the T.V. and watch the wonder of 42 cars chase each other around a track, or be amazed at 14 second or less pit stops?
How are you honoring Earnhardt by turning your back on racing? Sure you buy every #3 memorabilia that you run across but does that change anything? The next time a race is on the T.V. doesn�t surf past it, stop and remember your idol. Think of how the other drivers feel competing without the best competition on the track. The fans of NASCAR can do little to voice there compassion for the family�s that have lost loved ones, but one thing we can do is tune in our televisions, scream and yell in our living rooms when some one gets bumped wrongly or attend a race every chance we get just to hold our hands up with our fingers in the number three fashion on the third lap.
Don�t forget why we become fans in the first place. We love the thrill of Stock Cars speeding around a track as fast as they can trying to obtain that checkered flag, the smell of octane and rubber overwhelming our noses, the roar of thousands of horses screaming at top RPM�s. Don�t forget the rush you had when you saw your driver win his first race, how he did the victory doughnuts or the pleasure so clearly expressed in his face when he sprayed beer or some beverage all over his teammates in victory lane. Also please don�t forget the lives that have been lost trying to achieve these goals all for the same passion we have.
Please watch, attend, or what ever you use to do before we lost our Dale, hold your three figures up on that third lap, B.S. will fellow fans the next Monday at work, do everything in your power to never forget and honor Dale Earnhardt and the other drivers that we have lost over the years.
Princess Nascar
12/02/01 |
