TNT to begin coverage with tribute to Bill France Jr. (cont'd)

He shook my hand and I'm sure he must have walked away because I couldn't move.

I remember one time, but I cannot remember where or when, he said, "Call me Bill." Yes sir, Mr. France.

There was one other conversation I had with Mr. France just a couple of years ago. I consider the conversation private and personal but it was on a very professional level. Again, it was broadcasting related and highly inspirational. I don't think I should tell you what he said, but I was flattered. I have never forgotten it. It was a side of Mr. France not many people got to see.

We had big plans for this week to begin our Summer Hoedown. (It's really called the Summer Series). But they can wait. We'll still get everything in, well, almost everything.

We have a new pre-race show this year, called NASCAR LIVE. At least that's what it is called now, and it leads up to the Countdown to Green. It is going to give you more of an opportunity to share some time with the stars of the sport, past and present. And we'll have a few minutes for a roundtable discussion or two. Nothing like The View, though. Not that I ever watch The View or know anything about it.

There is a segment called the Pride of NASCAR that allows us to visit with drivers that have been out of the sport awhile. Kyle Petty talked with David Pearson and, of course, The King, Richard Petty. Marty Snider talked with Junior Johnson and I had the pleasure to spend an afternoon with Ned Jarrett. There will be others, too.

I know I have rambled through this column like Kyle trying to qualify at Sonoma, a lot of heart, but all over the track. I just wanted to try and give you the sense of all the work going on behind-the-scenes leading up to the race at Pocono on Sunday. You really can't call it work; it truly is a passion, for all of us. And it will be an honor to salute the memory of Bill France Jr.

Well, I would like to go on but there is still a lot to do. I'll see you on the tube Sunday. Does that smell like something is burning in the kitchen?

The opinions expressed are solely of the writer.