Fans know what's up

If there is one thing that's been learned since taking this job two years ago is the fact that fans aren't stupid.

	Tim Packman

Not that it ever crossed my mind that you ever were.

But, growing up in a racing family and cutting my teeth announcing at the local tracks and even attempting some racing, I learned very quickly that fans pay attention. You folks pay attention to greater detail than I think some folks that run this sport realize.

If it's news breaking, you're all over it.

If it gets unnoticed, you don't hesitate to bring attention to the topic.

If it's controversial, you don't hold back your two cents. Usually, you give your two dollars worth.

A few cases in point reconfirmed this belief in the last month alone.

First off, when news of an alleged shoving incident of a fan by Tony Stewart at Bristol came to light, you voiced your opinions. When I did a column stating that I smelled a rat regarding the whole deal, I was surprised at not only the number of responses, but also the outcome.

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Of those who weighed in on the subject, 98 percent of you said that you agreed that the allegation was all BS. And, this was the part that surprised me; at least 75 percent of the responses were from women.

Lucy from Lakehurst, N.J. had an interesting take. Then again, (he said with a smile) when doesn't someone from New Jersey have an opinion on something?

"For this woman to take 10 days to file has someone wanting money written all over it.

"With all the cameras on Tony all the time -- and they missed this? I don't think so. They didn't get it because it didn't happen. I wish people had more to do with their lives than seek out money from a popular NASCAR driver who has had a troubled year."

Last week's column about bringing on a points battle and how great I thought would be touched off the Mark Martin fans. I didn't intentionally delete Mark from the story; I guess some thought I didn't give him enough love.

This is how I started my day on Sunday at 6:45 a.m. when I got to the Dover media center and had a note from NASCAR Rob with Mark Martin in the subject line. And, this is what he had to say. (I cleaned it up to avoid a fine)

"WHAT ABOUT HIM (Martin)? YOU DIDN'T SAY (bleep) ABOUT HIM. AND HOW LONG HE'S BEEN AROUND? 2'ND WHAT 3 TIMES IN POINTS..HOW BAD DOES MARTIN DESERVE A CHAMPIONSHIP..YOU (bleeping) (bleep)."

Yeah, and good morning to you, as well, Rob.

But, for every NASCAR Rob there are many fans that make you realize just who is out there reading, listening and watching all they can about NASCAR.

And, this week I think I just found my favorite fan.

TIM PACKMAN  •  Bring on a points battle  •  Allegation against Stewart smells funny

The hubaloo from Chad Knaus' post-race expletive was addressed by countless print, radio and television types this week.

Yes, it's over and it's time to move onto the next race and round in the championship battle. But, during the week it was a hot topic.

So, from nowhere I get the following e-mail.

"I am a 73 year-old NASCAR fan and follow Dale Jr. I read his book Driver No. 8 and loved it. I was brought up to believe the BAD word was as filthy as one could get. My mother would have smacked my face all the way around to the back of my head if I had said it.

"On the other hand, I understand where these guys are coming from and the pressure they are under all the time. I was watching the race and didn't hear the guy say it, didn't know anything about it until the reporters picked up on it.

"I think a lot of trouble these guys get into is caused by reporters. Get off their case and enjoy the race or go fly a kite. You guys keep up the good work. Thank you, Helen from Middletown, KY."

Tim Packman's column appears every Saturday on NASCAR.com. The opinions listed here are solely those of the writer.