Don't forget -- drivers have feelings, too

By Liz Allison, Turner Sports Interactive
November 2, 2001
11:25 AM EST (1625 GMT)

COMMENTARY

Liz Allison

As many of you know, I have been in this business of NASCAR racing for almost 15 years now. There have been many changes in this sport, but one thing that has not changed over time is the passion that race fans have for their sport and their favorite driver.

I have always heard that NASCAR fans are the most loyal fans in the world. In most cases I would have to agree. But I have to tell you that I have seen some pretty vicious acts against drivers and other members of this sport this year -- things that would get to even the thickest of skins.

Sterling Marlin

Remember the outrage that rose up against Sterling Marlin after Dale Earnhardt's death? The guy could not leave his house without a bodyguard for two weeks because of death threats he had received from race fans. Did people really think that Sterling would have caused an accident on purpose to hurt himself or his long-time friend?

What about Bill Simpson from Simpson Racing Products? This is a man who has given his life to the safety of the drivers and crewmembers. Bill Simpson has been around this sport for more years than most of us have been watching NASCAR. He, too, received death threats to the point that he was concerned for his own safety and the well-being of his employees.

NASCAR has also taken a beating this year. Yes, they could have done some things differently with several issues throughout the season. They realize the mistakes they have made and they are moving on. So should we.

Jeff Gordon

Let's talk about personal vendettas against drivers. The most obnoxious are the ones that are directed at one driver, for instance the FAG (Fans Against Gordon) T-shirts sold at the tracks or the banner held by some very proud fans that read "Sterling, it should have been you" bordered in the No. 3. Insinuating that Sterling should have lost his life instead of Dale. Can you imagine if Sterling's children had seen that?

Fan mail is another source of great concern for many drivers. Everyone in the public eye will get his or her fair share of "hate mail." But again, when is it too much? As Michael Waltrip said, "If I read everything that people wrote about me, I would never get out of bed in the morning".

Most of the drivers are not as much concerned about cruel fans affecting them, as they are their families. "Children don't understand when someone says something mean about their dad, it hurts them," said Ward Burton.

All of us on the TNT/NBC announcing crew have a big joke and that is: If you ever think you are doing a good job and you just might be getting too big for your pants, hop on some of those crazy racing Web sites and you will get put right back in your place, fast.

Ward Burton

Here's the bottom line. Race fans are the most loyal fans in the world but let's not get confused with the definition of loyal. Loyal is standing up on Sunday cheering for your favorite driver. Loyal is supporting NASCAR, who founded this sport that we love so much; and loyal is supporting the other members of this sport that have played a critical role in helping make the sport what it is today.

It certainly doesn't mean that you have to always agree and, of course, you should have your favorite driver. That's what makes this sport so much fun, but let's do keep things in perspective.

In our uncertain world these days, there is enough evil, hatred and cruelty without adding fuel to the fire. So, lighten up, you guys! And next time you go to send out a nasty piece of mail, send it to yourself and see how it feels because, believe it or not, these drivers have feelings, too, and so do their families.

NOTE: Liz Allison's column appears each Wednesday on NASCAR.com. The opinions listed here are solely those of the writer.