Cross' Words: Talladega

Passion is something no one can put their finger on; it's different for everyone. The passion I have for my wife, my buddy doesn't share; nor me for his wife. But the raw passion that NASCAR fans often display ... well, that's different, too. Sunday at Talladega, however, it was evident that many people had become simultaneously passionate about one thing.

Jeff Gordon passing Dale Earnhardt on the all-time wins list.

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Many were passionate in the good-for-him sense. Those were the folks clapping, hooting and hollering as Gordon celebrated his 77th victory.

Others were equally as passionate -- though on the opposite end of the spectrum. Those were the folks throwing beer cans (and whatever else was within arm's reach) at the No. 24 car.

All the while Gordon was reveling in the moment -- laughing at the absurdity as it unfolded, one beer shower after another, one "hell yeah!" after another.

NASCAR fans are famous for their passion, which is why the sport has become so corporate. Use another detergent other than Tide? Take the challenge: Coke or Pepsi? I know a guy who switched from Miller Lite to Bud simply because Kurt Busch replaced Rusty Wallace in the blue deuce.

It's also a Catch-22 for the sport and its image. While the Gordon-passes-Earnhardt angle was good for the highlight reels, the post-race trash tossing left NASCAR with bitter beer face.

What else did you expect? Mr. Redneck, Jeff Foxworthy, was the grand marshal. Did y'all think it would be crumpets and mint juleps for everyone? On the day The Kid passed The Intimidator? On Big E's birthday, no less?

It was Talladega. The sun was shining. Gas fumes were wafting through the air. There were beads to be had. There were good ol' boys with suds in hand. There was passion. ... The same passion this sport was built on.

But more than NASCAR and Talladega got battered and bruised. There were fans who have shiner reminders today. There were kids, the future of the fan base, who were left wondering why they smelled like Otis -- and rubbing the knot on their noggins.

You might be a redneck if you thought otherwise. Think passionately about that next time you want to "toast" a driver's accomplishments. (Continued)