I have to get this out of my system this morning. For those of you who like it, good, for those who don't, that's also good because it shows us the diversity from which this site is made.
I was disgusted weeks ago to see how NASCAR and other entitities were geared to capitlize on the 10th anniversary of the death of Dale Earnhardt. I have not watched the special, nor will I. There is NOTHING anyone can add to make Dale more in death than he was in life. He was the Intimidator. He was more than a fair race driver. He was a personality that provided a great deal of exposure to NASCAR wherever he went. He was a common man who achieved greatness beyond the hope of even himself I believe. I was never a Dale Earnhardt fan, as I've said here many times, but neither was I a Dale Earnhardt hater.
Please allow me this: Dale Earnhardt was NASCAR's franchise driver. He was argueably the most iconic figure NASCAR produced at a time when NASCAR was going global and needed such a figure. The number "3", which has conveniently disappeared from Cup racing although NASCAR has had a long standing rule that says if you don't use it, you lose it. Ask Richard Petty. NASCAR told him after the one year (1993) where Petty Enterprises used 44 on Rick Wilson's car, that if you don't take 43 back in 1994, we'll reassign it. Another NASCAR rule of convenience and dollars.
Another thought: From all the reports I've read, Dale's crash killed him because of the improper installation of this seatbelt which was installed as he demanded because of the way he chose to sit in the car. The blame on the seat belt did unmendable damage to Simpson Safety Equipment. Was that fair?
Now this is sure to bring hateful language directed my way but it is something I've felt since the description of the last lap as it happened at Daytona. One of the announcers, and I don't remember which one, said, as the cars went down the"Super straight" that Dale, in third at the time, was blocking for Mikey and Junior. I remember saying to Ann at the time "that is not the Dale I know, and if he is actually blocking for those two cars, he needs to hang up his helment and be a team owner". Legally speaking, to be driving for Childress and blocking for the DEI team to win is a conflict of interest.
During the truck race last night with D.W. talked about Austin Dillon running third in the number "3" how appropriate that was on this "special date" and how awesome it would be if he won, I knew we were in for not only more of the D.W. trash I can't stand but also more and more capitilazation on Dale's death. When the checkers fell and that irritated, pig squealing voice kept bleeting "Mikey did it, Mikey did it" and then discovered that the fantastic Mikey did it with half his spoiler missing. I immediately turned off the tv because I knew what was coming in Victory Lane. Apparently, from the description of the Victory Lane celebration in The State Newspaper this morning, I was not wrong. Had I watched, I would be too sick to attend my grandson's soccer games today. That would never do.
So, Dale Earnhardt was a great individual who deserves to be remembered as such. His yatch was named "Sunday Money". Now it seems NASCAR wants seven day a week money from him.
To all the Earnhardt fans, this is NOT a desecration of Dale's memory, only an effort to point out how profitable it is for NASCAR that Dale's death came in the Daytona 500. If he had been killed in a hunting accident, the opportunity for such big bucks wouldn't exist.
Bless your memory Dale. Even in death you continue to expand the coffers of the folks in Daytona. Rest in Peace my friend.
Tim
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What a change! It's been awhile since I've checked in and I'm quite surprised. It may take me awhile to figure it our but first look it's really great.
updated by @tim-leeming: 12/05/16 04:04:08PM
