Over the past couple of months, someone I respect deeply for all hiscontributions and efforts to the preservation of the history of stock car racing, has taken me to task over my title as The Legend and on comments I have made concerning certain participants in the sport. I would like to take this brief opportunity to clarify some issues.
First of all, it was the RacersReunion Computer program that established me as "The Legend" for the sole reason that I submitted a great deal of material to the site. The computer had it's own system of rating contributors. I remember this from the Christmas Party at Jeff's house in December, 2008. Jeff thought it was a "cutesy" title and started calling me The Legend. Sometime later, Jeff decided the site needed an "Icon" or perhaps a "Mascot" with an unique name so he started using that label. At first I resisted the title until he convinced me it was good for the site because I liked to be in public and interact with people. So, The Legend I became.
To address the issue of the "costume" or "uniform" I am accused of wearing, I would point out that there is proof in a 1964 home 8 MM video that I was wearing cowboy boots, the cowboy hat and sunglasses even then, long before a certain NASCAR star choose that outfit. As for the sunglasses these days, they are a necessity due to a problem I have with my eyes and for which my eye doctor has recommended I wear them even under stadium lights. As for the remainder of the "costume", the purpose of an icon or mascot is to attractive attention, right? That certainly has attracted a lot of attention over the past 8 years and continues to do so. As for the embroidered shirts, they all say "The Legend" on one side of the front and "RacersReunion" on the other side. Those shirts are to bring attention to the site, as are my business cards and my "hero" cards. It is all about RacersReunion, NOT The Legend. The Legend is merely a marketing tool thought up by better folks than I.
I would also like to point out that with the exception of contributions from a supportive member, EVERY shirt, hat, pair of boots and the belt buckles have all been paid for by ME. Travel expenses are paid my ME. I have not garnered on red cent from being the mascot for the site. I love what this site has enabled me to do and I have met hundreds of people through the site who have become good friends.
I was appalled to learn that I was the topic of conversation in Daytona this past February wherein one driver mentioned that I believed, in my own mind, myself to be A Legend. I am even further appalled to have learned who that someone was. I guess back-stabbing has become as much a part of this site as in politics.
I was also appalled to hear some of the misstatements made by the individual in question. He is correct that I never finished high in points at Columbia Speedway. I never had the opportunity to run the full season having started in August of 1969 and ending my "career" in June of 1973. Regardless of that fact, I do vividly recall receiving a NASCAR points fund check at some point because the teller at Bankers Trust was thrilled to deposit a check from NASCAR as she was a big fan of the sport. As for the statement that the announcer referred to me as "Beetlebomb" because I always finished last is simply some confusion on the part of the individual as I never finished last in any race where I was running at the finish. I was never lapped (to my knowledge) in any race I ran. In fact, I did finish second many, many times between Columbia, Savannah, Augusta and Myrtle Beach. It is true I never won a race but I can't remember a time when that fact ever bothered me.
The individual also took great exception to some of my writings and comments about current day NASCAR and the individuals currently involved in the sport. Remember this, just as you are entitled to your opinion about my title, costume, and belt buckles, I am entitled to my opinion about certain things. I have never been known to be politically correct and you will always get my opinion on any subject, stated exactly as I believe. Whether I am wrong or not is for me to decide and for those who read or hear what I have to say. I'm not forcing my opinion on anyone and am always, always open for discussion. And, for the record, I do not recall being unusally rough on Big Bill or Bill,Jr. while I freely admit I have no use whatsoever for Brian France. I'm sure that is of no concern to Brian.
If it continues to bother you that I am referred to as "The Legend", I apologize. Maybe we need to take a vote among members as to the use of the title. It will always be my concern to put RacersReunion first and to continue whatever efforts I can contribute to preserve and present the history of stock car racing to the world. I would hope the day will come when we can work together on this project because, as I've already stated, I respect you and appreciate what you do.
Thank you.
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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 04:02:57PM
