My local newspaper, "The State", actually had a full page in the sports section today about stock car racing. One corner was the advertisement for the upcoming Southern 500 at Darlington May 7th (it still riles me that they call any race NOT run at Darlington on Labor Day the Southern 500). There was a short story of how Carl Edward won in Nashville which was more directly slanted to the fact that Kyle Busch did NOT win the race. It is somewhat comical now that whomever wins the race must justify thatwin by where Kyle Busch finished. At least no Sam Bass guitars were smashed this time. In fact, Carl now has five guitars. Maybe he needs to give one to Billy Biscoe just to honor the picking skills of Mr. Biscoe. The remainder of that entire page consists of a very prominent picture of The King in a suit and tie with his trademark cowboy boots in keeping with his imitation of The Legend, and a story about how Wendell Scott has NOT even been nominated for NASCAR's Hall of Fame.
The main crux of the Hall of Fame story is that no one is coming, or very few are coming, and that NASCAR is going to have to go back to the City of Charlotte and ask for more money to keep the place going. There is also an ongoing argument from Atlanta, GA, officials that if the Hall had been built in Atlanta, there would be no such attendance problems.
First, please allow me to address the Wendell issue. I was watching Wendell race from the very beginning of his Grand National career. This was back in the day when the "N word" was the only designation for someone of his race but Wendell could have passed for a deeply tanned caucasian man. Someone said to me, when Racers Reunion was inducting Wendell into the Memory Lane Racers Reunion Hall of Fame that the blue eyes would often allow Wendell to pass as the white man that was prominent in the sport both as competitors and fans, and that he would often time have his sons stay outside the track as they were obviously black. I remember when Wendell was not allowed to race at Darlington because of his race. I remember when I just simply could not understand such a thing as, to me, Wendell Scott was a race driver and the other "race" issue didn't enter my thoughts in that regard. I am thankful to belong to an organization like Racers Reunion that honors the achievements and sacrifices of true pioneers like Wendell Scott. Rarely have I been more graciously greeted by anyone as I have been my Mary and Sybil Scott. Obviously, they believe the colors of race involve green starting flags and the black and white checkered flag. Sort of symbolic, don't you think, that the winner receives a flag of combined black and white checkers? Sort of indicates a winning situation, huh?
Now, as to the Hall of Fame. I have blogged this, forumed (is that a word) this, and I believe even Legendtorialized my thoughts on this. I will not belabor the issue addressed by so many others here that to induct only five per year is ludicrious, stupid, assinine, but, typical NASCAR. When I read that it is being done this way to insure and constant flow of publicity for the sport it sort of fit the mold of what I have come to expect from the pursuit of the almighty dollar. Unfortunately, the management of NASCAR believe that the typical race fan lacks education and knowledge to understand even the most simple of ruses used to milk any situation. Think back to the first Daytona 500. Instead of getting the Monday morning headline of Lee Petty winning the first 500, Big Bill was able to milk out almost a week's worth of publicity as photos were examined and re-examined to determine the winner. Think what Big Bill could have done with social media sites like we have today! I shutter to think.
I have said I will visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and I intend to do so. In fact, I'll do that very soon because I have vowed never to set foot in the place when D.W. goes in. I think to have D.W. inducted anytime before the year 2088 would be a cruel injustice to the sport. There is more to being a Hall of Fame qualified individual than winning 84 races. Ask him about the trophy for the Snowball race in Tampa he refused to return when it was determined he had not won the race. Ask him about all the cars he raced knowing the cars were illegal in so many ways. Yes, yes, I realize that "cheating" in NASCAR is as common as changing the Goodyear tires and filling up with Sunoco Racing Fuel during a 500 mile race, but don't go around preaching the Gospel and thumping the Bible as if you should be wearing a halo while knowing all that is going on with your cheating. Would he have won 84 times with a legal car? 54 times?
I will visit the Hall of Fame. I want to see how NASCAR presents the history of the sport I grew up supporting, enjoying, and truly allowing it to be such a huge part of my life. Besides, someone whose opinion I value very much, Billy Biscoe, supports the Hall and believes everyone should visit. If Billy Biscoe tells me I should see it, I'm going and I'll probably spend the day there. However, if Billy Biscoe says I should reconsider my opinion of D.W., then Billy and I are going to have to have a really serious discussion.
So, Charlotte, stand by. NASCAR will be knocking on your door for more money to operate the museum. The fact you were told by NASCAR that you could expect over 800,000 visitors the first year and less than 200,000 showed up should show you that NASCAR's estimation of its worth is in the eyes of those who can not only estimate a crowd at a race track but can't even count the number of people there when they sold the tickets to the event. Speaking of which, the advertisement for the Saturday night Southern 500 at Darlington has many concessions to ticket prices. Sort of a "stimulous package" offered by one of the NASCAR Czars to drive the masses to the facility. Granted, most races at Darlington are pretty good races, but The Southern 500 belongs in the daylight on Labor Day weekend. I'll never give up that fight. NASCAR, you were wrong to eliminate that tradition. But, being the devine power you think you are, you won't allow yourself to admit a mistake. That's ok, though Brian, we'll admit it for you. I would call you an idiot, but that title is already reserved for the rhodent loving big mouth FOX network hired to destroy the television ratings.
O
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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 04:02:07PM