

Any chance the Virginia drivers show their support for the Hokies family by sporting "VT" memorabilia this weekend? By declaration of The Mayor, yes. In fact, all cars will carry VT decals. ... Call me a sentimental fool, but it's apropos that Burton assumes point this week. And as a show of support, the Virginia Tech Fight Song, Tech Triumph:

Techmen, we're Techmen, with spirit true and faithful,
Backing up our team with hopes undying;

Techmen, Oh, Techmen, we're out to win today,
Showing "pep" and life with which we're trying;

V. P., old V. P. You know our hearts are with you,
In our luck which never seems to die;

Win or lose we'll greet you with a glad returning,
You're the pride of V. P. I.

Just watch our men so big and active,
Support the Orange and Maroon,
Let's go, Techs! We know our ends and backs are stronger,

With winning hopes, we fear defeat no longer,
To see our team plow through the line, boys,
Determined now to win or die;

So give a Hokie, Hokie, Hokie, Hi!
Rae, Ri, old V. P. I.

Fight men, Oh, fight men! we're going to be champions,
Adding to our list another vict'ry;

Football or baseball, the games in which we star,
They're the sports that made old V. P. famous.

Hold them, just hold them! Your know the corps' behind you,
Watching ev'ry movement that you make;

Winning games was nothing for our teams before us,
Keep the "rep" for V. P's. sake.

Monday's massacre in Blacksburg, Va., not only robbed parents of their children, friends and families of their loved ones, it also extinguished some of the brightest lights in this country.

Who knew what the future held? Many of the behind-the-scenes people in NASCAR garages are VT grads. Some of the murdered may also have followed in their footsteps.

We all consider ourselves part of NASCAR Nation, but we're also part of a larger nation -- one that makes us no different than anyone else around the world. We're all part of mankind, an ironic word in that many times we are not kind to others.

NASCAR will pay tribute to the dead and wounded at Virginia Tech this weekend in several different ways. And there will be VPI grads working with heavy hearts in the garages and back at the shops.

NASCAR Nation can show its support by donning orange and maroon. It's a small, maybe even insignificant, show of support but you do not know to whom it may make a difference.

There are many people hurting in the wake of this senseless tragedy. During this time every ounce of support is appreciated -- and even the smallest show of love and caring doesn't go unnoticed.

So while you're either in Phoenix or sitting at home pulling for your favorite driver, take the time to remember that while in the grand scheme of things "it's just a race" there are those who aren't here to enjoy the roar of the crowd.

Take the time to remember those who died and also send up a prayer for those who survived and are dealing with the tragedy on a moment-by-moment basis.

These are the moments that define who we are as a nation. Show the compassion -- and passion -- that makes both this country and this sport great.

Our condolences and prayers go out to every one affected by Monday's tragedy. Take comfort in the words of the VPI Victory March, which speaks of speed and victory:

You have seen the Hoyas tumble, you have made the Indians cry,
And you know the Army mule once took a kick at V. P. I.
Worthy teams from Lexington have fought with all their might;
But now it's time to show the world that VPI can fight.

GO, TECH!
GO, TECH!
H! O! K! I! E! S!
HOKIES!

Clear the way, so that team from Tech can roll to victory!
No foe can stand the test, so fight your best, and we will do the rest.
Strength and speed keep you in the lead; you'll never go astray.
Our banner high shall ever fly for victory is ours today.
Support the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund
Power Rankings' irreverent form will return next week.