Welcome back, Waltrip ... yeah NASCAR needs ya (cont'd)

Chat-room chatter

Here are some of the best comments from a somewhat somber, but not maudlin Jack Daniel's Post Race Show chat room following the Dover race and the announcement of the passing of Bill France Jr.:

From Nick in Herndon, Va.
Bill France Jr.'s forceful personality and cutting-edge vision for the future pushed NASCAR to the place that it is today in modern sports. His passing will leave a void in the sport that will be impossible to fill.

From Andrew in Newfoundland, Canada
Thank you Bill France Jr. You brought what NASCAR means to everyone today -- from one of the most unpopular sports to one of the greatest sports in North America. Thanks again, Bill. I will miss you.

Sometimes you wish the people that are gone could hear the glowing thoughts those left behind have to say about them.

From Tom in Kissimmee, Fla.
I think Kurt Busch stopped to tell Tony that he wasn't painting the outside wall with Home Depot paint.

I think Kurt is lucky that his side-swiping stop didn't land him in jail. What happens if he hits Tony's jackman, Jason Lee, and causes serious harm or worse?

From Bill in Yuma, Ariz.
I guess DEI can win a race. Go Martin!

Let's hope that Martin Truex Jr.'s win doesn't get overlooked by the other headlines coming out of Dover.

I only have two thoughts as we head to Pocono ...

1. Can we call it a slump if only one Hendrick car made it into the top 10 at Dover? A ninth-place Jeff Gordon was the best of the HMS fantastic four. Maybe this is a bit of a reach, but that's how high these guys have set the bar.

2. Would I even have a column or post-race show without the tracks laid by William Clifton France Jr.? I think not. Mr. France, you brought the joy of NASCAR to many people who may never have otherwise been exposed to the sport. For that, we are all indebted to you.

Enjoy the race, everyone.

The opinions expressed are solely of the writer.