A review, of sorts
By Marty Smith, Turner Sports Interactive
June 28, 2001
9:14 AM EDT (1314 GMT)
COMMENTARY
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Marty Smith
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CONCORD, N.C. - When I was a bit younger, say, five years ago, I believed what most every college student believes -- that one day my dream job would seek me out, then pursue me relentlessly until I was convinced to take it.
My foolish fantasy? Something along these lines: “Mr. Smith, hi there, this is Tina from Rolling Stone Magazine. We’d just love to move you to New York immediately, so that you might come write lengthy features on Angie Harmon’s wedding, Edward Norton’s quirky habits and Eddie Vedder’s new album.
“We’ve seen your work in (insert small town weekly newspaper here) and would just love to get you started on that Sony Playstation 3 review as soon as possible. Your new wardrobe is waiting. When can you be here?”
Now don’t go cussing me, I know I have a pretty sweet gig, too; but just because you’re CEO of Bob’s Bait and Tackle doesn’t mean you don’t want to be the starting center for the Portland Trailblazers.
I digress.
Last weekend, just moments after arriving in Cincinnati for the Busch Series weekend at Kentucky Speedway, I got my phone call from Rolling Stone. And believe me, when the lady introduced herself, I darn near hit three bag ladies and took out an entire row of "No Parking" signs in downtown Cincy.
Once I gathered myself, I soon realized this wasn’t the call I’d long fantasized about. Nonetheless, the call intrigued me.
The young lady explained to me that Toure’, a writer on the Rolling Stone staff whom I’d heard much about from past exploits with Dale Earnhardt, Jr., had done an in-depth account of Little E’s life since his father passed away four months ago.
“We got your name and number from Jade (Gurss, Junior’s publicist). We’d like to overnight you a couple of copies,” the lady said. “Read it and let us know what you think.”
10-4, will do. I actually forgot about the whole ordeal until I got home to find a half-naked Angelina Jolie staring up at me from my kitchen table. The magazine wasn’t even scheduled for release until two days later, so I was pretty stoked to be ahead of the game. I grabbed a beer and headed to the pool. Here’s my take on Toure’s work:
I must start out by saying the man did a wonderful job -- so good in fact that I’m quite jealous. He has a rare talent, and his depiction of Dale Jr.’s uncharacteristic response to the anguish of losing a parent is remarkable. Enough butt-kissing.
Being a staple of the straight-up, in-your-grill alternative music genre, Rolling Stone allows its scribes the rare literary luxury of including expletives, and neither Earnhardt Jr., nor Toure’ held any punches in “Inherit the Wind,” the in-depth three-page account of Junior’s post-Big E existence.
Having already done one lengthy article on Little E last year, Toure’ has been bestowed with extensive access to Dale Jr., a treat rarely handed out to those of the written word. For the most part, Junior shuns discussions of his relationship with his father in the media.
Not this time. This time, he opens up the proverbial flood gates and spouts forth memoirs of life with "God on Goodyears", discussing everything from the importance of his seat at the driver’s meeting -- and how his father always saved him a coveted front-row slot -- to his strained pre-NASCAR relationship with Big E to his seemingly endless wait in the hospital waiting room following the Feb. 18th accident.
He talked at length about his newfound willingness to lay down the law for the betterment of Dale Earnhardt, Inc., whereas in the past he was quite passive, not wanting to be perceived as a brat. He also discussed the HANS device, thr head-and-neck restraint system that some say could have saved his father’s life, and how he’ll never wear one.
For the most part, writers from outside the industry struggle to capture the essence of life in the fast lane. Toure’ had no issues here. In fact, one excerpt of his story, in my mind, summed up the mindset of fans regarding racing accidents like few I’ve ever read:
"It’s not so much that racing fans like to see horrific crashes -- they like to see drivers walk away from horrific crashes."
Agreed.
For those of you -- and I know there are millions -- who want an authentic peek at Dale Earnhardt Jr. the man, not just the racer, it’s worth your $4.95 to go buy the July 5 issue of Rolling Stone.
Toure’ did a fine job, no doubt. It makes wish it were my name on top of the article.
Keep dreaming, Marty.
NOTE: Marty Smith's column appears every Thursday on NASCAR.com and the opinions listed here are solely those of the writer. If you wish to provide feedback to Marty, you can email him at marty.smith@turner.com.
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