Confessions of the Legend

Most every who knows me knows very well that I am a "people person". I like, and get along with, almost anyone. Those who do offend me for whatever reason I perceive the reason to be are just simply removed from my list of those with whom I communicate. Period. I don't have the time or desire to associate, even on social websites, with downers and know-it-alls. There are plenty of those around as I am sure most of you can attest.

I have really be fortunate to have made some really great friends from this site and although Danny Whitener believes I have a "list" of certain individuals subject to retribution at some point, I can assure you that list has never exceeded 10 at one time! Right, Danny?

The purpose of this post is a public response to a private e-mail I received this morning from someone who only occasionally, and only on rare occasion, writes to privately respond to my public posts or public comments on the radio show. The reason for today's e-mail was the post I put up about Junior and Kenseth. The scathing comments contained in that e-mail caused me to post this confession. Points are:

1. Favorite driver: Richard Petty always was my favorite and always will be. I really liked it when Bobby Hamilton was driving the 43 but in realityI don't really have a favorite. I watch races because I always have and because I still get the thrill of watching the field of colorful and loud cars battle it out on whatever track.

2. Favorite track: After Columbia Speedway, where I literally grew up, Darlington is my favorite track, followed closely by Rockingham. I am not a fan of all these 1 and 1/2 mile "quad-oval" tracks and I still think it is a shame what Bruton did to Atlanta. The Atlanta track, in its original configuration, provided some awesome races and I have many wonderful memories of that track.

3. Comments I make: This is sort of a direct response to the e-mail. Most of you, I assume, know what "tongue in cheek" comments are. For those who don't, at least in my opinion, it is saying something with sort of a silent chuckle to myself seeking to solicit a response for a person either reading my posts or listening to me talk. Most who know me know that I do this often solely to get comments going. Danny Whitener is one who truly understands this about me as he and I trade barbs all the time but I consider Danny to be one of the most genuine people I've ever met. Same with Dave Fulton and TMC Chase. We throw the barbs back and forth but it is all in the spirit of fun and in the hopes that others will join in and maybe some new information will be shared.

4.I do not "hate" anyone. I have very strong dislikes of certain makes of cars, which I openly express, and strong dislikes of some of the drivers, which I also express for all to see. I have my reasons for these feelings, but honestly, when I make the posts to the Forum naming some of those for whom I have little or no respect, it is with the hope that the fans of those makes and drivers will jump in a present their side of it. That makes for much interesting conversation.

So, there you have it, at least for today. Remember, I answer every e-mail and respond to every comment I see so feel free to unload. This I promise you: I am very unlikely to change. I realize I am not always right but I am expressing my feelings as to what I believe. I will not attempt to force my opinions on you, or to speak for you unless you specifically ask me to. Just remember, I like to entice discussion. Citing something to which everyone will agree is asking for a bunch of "Amens, Atta boy" and other such responses which encourages nothing but a few strokes of the keyboard.

I would like to refer to #4 in the "Legend" list. As a good friend of said Legend I already knew about the Strong dislike of certain Brands of cars and strong dislikes of certain drivers. I was surprised to notice that TV commentators were absent from the list. Just want to make sure the "legend" is feeling ok and hasn't mellowed or gotten forgetful....lol

I thought the same thing Bill.

Tim, This proves Bill understands.

Bill, and Dennis, I thought of including those television dunderheads, but realized it would be difficult to waive the "hate" words! So, Bill, instead of "Happy Birthday" on August 16th, I'm going to "Boogity, Boogity, Boogity" your butt across the Glory Road in front of the D. W. car!!!!!!!

you cant get out of it that easy my friend... I have told to many people about it already and several are bringing video recorders to capture the moment so I can put it on the web site. A certain person in Myrtle Beach promised front page exposure..... Practice those vocals as I consider my 75 birthday a special event . Since I retired from driving this year and to be sung to by the Legend in the same year, well it don't get any better than that, lol....

Lol, ok, Bill, I guess I can forgive a good friend like you for indiscretions! Singing it is on the 16th.

Having spent a couple of days riding in the Ford with you, I know this list of confessions does not scratch the surface...is not even the tiniest tip of the iceberg, and any other words to say....lol, this ain't even the beginning of The Legends list of confessions.

So many places to jump in here its almost scary but here goes =

#4 I guess in the 60s he must have had a dislike for some cars along with a few drivers.

#3 I dont know if he is referring to talking with a forked tongue but I have seen him him with wistful look in his eyes, even if he has Dark colored glasses on.

i am the only one to notice that among the thousands of tales told here by The Legend, not once does he mention taking his camper to Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway? Must be an oversight!

Ole DW probably let the Legend use his private Condo up over the main stretch, you know the one where he learned the Boggity Dance

Thanks, Johnny. That explains the license plate.

I thought this was Tim's plate...