Driver Autographs & Fan Interaction

Much has been written on these pages of today's star NASCAR drivers being insulated and separated from their fans. It's something we hear over and over and it wasn't always like it is today. Drivers did take time with fans in days gone by.

When I worked with Dale Earnhardt driving our Wrangler cars in the early 80s, he was certainly no Richard Petty around fans - he was actually pretty shy.

However, even the guy we were billing at the time as "One Tough Customer" always honored fans' requests, despite the gruff exterior he displayed to the media and some drivers.

Here's three photos I found of Dale before in 1981 at Daytona. These are the type scenes we need to have more of today to help save our sport.

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"Any Day is Good for Stock Car Racing"
updated by @dave-fulton: 01/08/17 07:59:30PM

Dale looked happy especially on the last one! With so many dingbats out to get publicity any way possible, guess it is a safety issue these days!!

Dave you were around him back in the early days, and I think you could see through that gruff exterior.. The guy I remember talking to was a trickster and a happy go lucky feller that DID have heart,but only if you knew how to get to it..

Very well stated, Johnny.

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"Any Day is Good for Stock Car Racing"

Dennis, that's a really good story. With Junior being a chicken farmer sponsored by a chicken processing company, maybe your cousin should have had him autograph a chicken instead of a pig!

Remember Junior's famous quote about chickens, pigs and breakfast?

"Its kind of like having ham and eggs for breakfast. The chicken is involved, but that pig, hes committed.

Of course, you probably remember, too, some drivers calling Junior "Ole Hog Jowls!"

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"Any Day is Good for Stock Car Racing"