How to honor a champ
By Tim Packman, Turner Sports Interactive
December 1, 2001
3:33 PM EST (2033 GMT)
COMMENTARY
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Tim Packman
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The checks and trophies have been handed out, the speeches made and awards presented. After Friday night's awards ceremony in New York, the Winston Cup Series is officially over for this year.
From my home, I watched the ceremony like many of you did on TNT. I thought the theatre style seating and the show's pace were both improvements this year.
The biggest plus, in my mind, was Garth Brooks singing "The Dance" during a video tribute to Dale Earnhardt. Adding to that was "Big E" being named the Most Popular Driver for 2001 and having wife Teresa accept the award.
I'll be honest: I'm glad there was a box of Kleenex close by.
Hats off to the National Motorsports Press Association, of which I am proud to be a member, deciding to rename the popular driver trophy in honor of Bill Elliott upon his retirement. Elliott, a 14-time winner, elected to have his name taken off the ballot this year so as not to stand in the way of Earnhardt's chances.
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Teresa Earnhardt hugs Garth Brooks after his performance.
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Amazingly, even as a seven-time champion, Dale had never received the award officially signifying he was the fan favorite.
However, after the overwhelming response to the column that appeared here last week, I can see he will be for awhile. In that column, I shared my thoughts regarding why Victory Lane at Daytona should be re-named Dale Earnhardt Victory Lane.
I stated my reasons and you replied with your thoughts on the subject. From what I can tell, if it were up to you the above suggestion would become a reality.
To date, there have been approximately 1300 responses with 95 percent in favor of the idea. Surprisingly, the females outnumbered the guys 60-40 who emailed a thought.
Here is what some of you had to say:
Jill Friedrich from Chazy, N.Y., which -- as she was kind enough to point out -- is 170 miles north of Albany, was touched by the idea.
"As I read your commentary about the idea of a Dale Earnhardt Victory Lane at Daytona, I had tears coming down my face. I, too, feel the same way -- why not have a Victory Lane in his honor? Daytona is definitely the most appropriate place."
Jamie and Robin Hughes of Columbus, Ga. agreed that Victory Lane at Daytona was the best place to remember Dale. They also, like many of you, wanted to know how to get it done.
"I see we share the same views on this subject. Dale Earnhardt's name is synonymous with Victory Lane and Daytona. Dale deserves Victory Lane, not a grandstand. Who do I and the rest of the NASCAR fans need to write or call to see about getting this done?"
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On Friday morning, Dale Jr. accepted the Myers Brothers Award on behalf of his father.
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No name on this one other than her screen name. So, here is what "Homegirl" from Dayton, Ohio, had to say.
"Tim, I think your thought of renaming Victory Lane at Daytona International Speedway was the greatest way I've heard of yet for us, the race fans, to remember Dale. When people think of racing at Daytona, they always think of the 'Man in Black.'
I think the fans of NASCAR around the world would welcome the idea, that was definitely Dale's track."
Don't worry guys, just because the ladies outnumbered you doesn't mean you weren't heard. Bill Lingenfelter from Indianapolis may be new to the sport, but a quick learner.
"RIGHT ON MAN! I was a late-comer to NASCAR. Born and raised in the Indianapolis area, I was avid an Indy 500 fan. The first year they had the Brickyard 400 I became a NASCAR fan ,and Dale instantly became my favorite.
"He was 'The Man to Beat' at every race and it made everyone around him race harder and better. That tribute to name Victory Lane after him is RIGHT ON."
Well, right on back to you Bill, and welcome to NASCAR.
And when folks say that NASCAR fans are passionate and take things to the extreme, they are talking about guys like Ron Emenheiser from Whoknowswhere, USA.
"I agree 100% about naming Daytona Victory Lane after Dale Earnhardt. I
would rather remember his name in a happy, cheerful place than a sad place like Turn 4.
"I am a huge fan of Dale and that's why his No. 3 and signature are tattooed on my left arm! I don't even have my wife's name on me anywhere. I think the new name for victory lane will help in the healing process for all of us. Thanks for the GREAT idea and Happy Holidays to you and yours."
Happy Holidays to you and yours, too. Oh Bill, unless your wife has a really long name, and you obviously don't mind putting permanent marks on your body, you might want to get just one more tattoo as a present to her. Just a thought.
So, there you have it. You've been heard by me, but I am not the one you need to contact about getting this done. Like the Hughes gang from Columbus, Ga., many of you were asking where to send your support of the idea.
Well, since Daytona is owned by ISC -- you may want to write them a letter. Use traditional paper and pen to write a brief note. That way, the powers that be can actually see the letters piling up.
Just another thought -- it's in your hands now
NOTE: Tim Packman is a staff writer with NASCAR.com. The opinions listed here are solely those of the writer. If you wish to provide feedback to Tim, you can do so by writing him at tim.packman@turner.com.
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