Drivers, fans having a blast in Jamaica
By Tim Packman, Turner Sports Interactive
December 7, 2001
12:30 PM EST (1730 GMT)
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica -- The first task for fans at the third annual Race Fans Beach Bash on Wednesday was to meet their favorite drivers.
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Steve Park
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As the sun set over the Caribbean Sea, fans were lined up to get autographs and photos with Dale Earnhardt Jr., Steve Park, Sterling Marlin, Mike Skinner, Ricky Craven, Jimmie Johnson, Ron Hornaday, Andy Houston, Shawna Robinson, Andy Santerre, Kelly Denton, Larry Foyt, Derrike Cope and Christian Elder.
Park was welcomed with rousing applause and loud cheers when he took the stage. Park has rarely appeared in public since his September crash at Darlington.
"It was cool to have them welcome me like that," Park said. "I think it just shows how much these people support our sport. You can go and get hurt like I did and these folks don't forget about you."
Craven celebrated his comeback from post concussion syndrome with a win at Martinsville this season, his first in Winston Cup.
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Ricky Craven
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"This is a great ending to a very good season for our team," Craven said. "It's a great way to relax and we're among friends and fans. I'm enjoying the accolades from these great folks regarding that win. I waited long enough for it."
Some fans took the opportunity to take part in the trip even though their favorite driver may not be here. Others even made it a family affair.
"I'm a huge Terry Labonte fan, but to be here with these guys is great," said Alberta Mills of Manassas, Va.
"I'm really here for the sun and fun," said Alberta's daughter, Michelle McDuffie. "I really like racing, and when mom told me about this opportunity, I thought it was great to do something like this. I'm glad we get to do the autograph part first."
The drivers were just as interested in meeting the fans. Skinner and Robinson shared a table and posed for countless photos while signing autographs.
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Shawna Robinson
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"This is the kind of thing you want to be a part of," Robinson said. "It amazes me how fans have been so supportive of me even with a limited schedule like I had this year. NASCAR fans are absolutely incredible, you don't get them any better than this."
Skinner seemed to have a great outlook on the whole event.
"This is the first time I've been to Jamaica and the people from Air Jamaica have treated us like gold." Skinner said. "These fans are excited and glowing and it's a good time. Shawna and I like this kind of work."
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