Earnhardt among most intriguing? Definitely
By Marty Smith, Turner Sports Interactive
January 30, 2002
4:43 PM EST (2143 GMT)
COMMENTARY
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Marty Smith
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As these first few words spill from my brain and splash the white canvas, something from my psyche pleads direly with my hands to refrain from going further.
I could probably get fired for this. But, it's something I feel pretty strongly about, so it's a chance I'm willing to take.
Last night, I strolled in from my workout and noticed a recent edition of my wife’s People Magazine peeking out from beneath the mountainous stack of wasted trees the postman places in my mailbox every day. The cover screamed at me, boasting that its contents held the stories of the “25 Most Intriguing People of 2001.”
My hind quarters.
To me, the word intriguing means engaging, appealing, worthy of intense and considerate thought. That being the case, People’s list upsets me a bit. Granted, they did include several folks worthy of the praise, those such as President Bush, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and the thousands of so oft-overlooked firemen nationwide.
And sure, I think Reese Witherspoon is gorgeous, quite talented, too, but I can guarantee you her story isn’t half as engaging as Dale Earnhardt’s.
While the magazine did include Earnhardt prominently in its tribute section, it did a disservice to fans and admirers worldwide in not including him among the most intriguing people in a landmark year in American history.
A man of his stature, of his resolve, of his significance deserves such recognition. He was the American dream personified. Now I know I’m biased. I am also well aware that NASCAR might not be perceived as a worthy subject of such praise just yet, but considering the repercussions of Earnhardt’s death, he is certainly worthy.
I’m not so naïve to think that Hollywood doesn’t overflow with stories of hardship and heartache, but for those of us in racing, none could be more captivating than Earnhardt’s story. Local boy rises from virtual poverty, makes good on childhood dream, carries on the family tradition, becomes world-famous, doesn’t forget roots.
He forever changed a sport with his life, and forever changed the perception of a sport with his death.
Don’t you dare try telling me that Harry Potter is more intriguing than that.
NOTE: Marty Smith's column appears weekly on NASCAR.com. The opinions expressed here are those solely of the writer.
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