Daytona to name something for Earnhardt
By Tim Packman, Turner Sports Interactive
December 17, 2001
10:41 AM EST (1541 GMT)
COMMENTARY
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Tim Packman
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OK, before I delve too far into this, let me start by saying that your
response to my recent column that Victory Lane at Daytona should be named
after Dale Earnhardt has been overwhelming.
They used to say the pen is mightier than the sword, but I'm starting to
believe that whoever wrote that never heard of the Internet. You, the fans, are still sending in responses to columns that ran two and three weeks ago.
Your passion for racing and for Dale, like him or not, has reminded me
once again just why the media is here. To date, more than 3000 responses have filtered into my inbox. I
sincerely apologize that I can't answer each and every one of you. But, here
is some good news.
Daytona International Speedway is going name something after Dale -- they
just aren't saying what it will be. It's already been decided and it has
the blessings of the Earnhardt family, as well. The official response I
received from ISC will close out today's column.
Apparently your emails and letters to the powers that be in Daytona have
been noticed. In addition, there are a few of you who have started
online petitions in various NASCAR chat rooms and clubs.
One such person sent me an email stating they had started just such a
petition to name Victory Lane at Daytona after Dale. Within 24 hours,
they had already garnered more than 400 signatures.
I only know her name, Mary, which is fine, but we have been in contact the
last few days. Here is what she had to say.
"Hi Tim! A guy named Michael "Bigdog" King founded a club called
'Bigdog's RacinMadhouse.' An off-shoot from that club is 'Bigdog's
Earnhardt Area.'
"I am a co-founder of both of these clubs, but I mostly concentrate on
the Earnhardt Area. In reality they "belong" to Michael. I am known as
'Littlewing' and most folks don't know my name and I like it that way.
"We read your column where you first floated this idea and we all
thought it was just a great and fitting tribute. We first began an email
campaign, which is still ongoing, then decided to couple that campaign
with a petition drive.
"The petition is posted at many other NASCAR sites through our club
members. It is also posted on many member's web sites and is being
emailed to friends and family members who are not active in clubs or
groups.
"I posted the petition Wednesday a little after 11:00 a.m., and by the
next night, there were 200 signatures. There were 300 this morning and we
are at almost 400 now.
"The petition for people to sign is at:
http://PetitionOnline.com/ndvl4E/petition.html
"Thank you so very much -- Mary"
***
On Saturday morning she sent me a note saying they had more then 1,000
signatures and counting. That's what I love about race fans, whether it's getting to a race, waiting out the rain at a short track or saving money for your favorite driver's die-cast, you get it done.
This past Thursday, I received an email from David Talley, director of
corporate communications at ISC. We spoke on the phone later that day
and with his permission, I give you the following email that he wrote:
"Hi Tim, I've gotten a couple of emails regarding your Dec. 1 column about
honoring Dale Earnhardt by renaming DIS Victory Lane after him.
"As an FYI, over the course of the past 11 months, we have received
numerous suggestions on ways to honor the tremendous contribution Dale
Earnhardt made to NASCAR and more specifically, his special relationship
with Daytona International Speedway.
"After considerable input from fans and competitors, and with the
support of the Earnhardt family, we have chosen a special way to
celebrate the life and legend of Dale Earnhardt. It is our intention to
make the announcement regarding our tribute during Speedweeks 2002.
"Hopefully you can make it here during Speedweeks to report on our
announcement. Have a nice holiday."
Regards,
David Talley
Director Corporate Communications
International Speedway Corporation
***
So, it looks like we'll all have to sit tight until the announcement and
see what they named after Dale. As I said before, it's out of my hands
and in yours. I commend you, as you have answered the call with flying
colors.
Oh, one last thing. David, you hope I can make it!? I look forward to
meeting you -- because I'll be standing in the front row for that
ceremony.
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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