The passion of fans: Best and worst of e-mails in '07

My hiring by NASCAR.COM roughly one year ago came with a clear warning from my new boss, the indefatigable Duane Cross.

Don't try to answer all the e-mails, he said. Despite whatever good intentions you may harbor to do so, he insisted, it will do nothing but drive you crazy.

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And he was right. After the first few months of trying to keep up, and repeatedly falling hopelessly behind, I had to admit that it was impossible if I was going to A) have any kind of life with my wife and four children, and B) spend the time necessary to actually continue writing and filing in a timely manner the stories I was getting all the e-mails about in the first place.

But I kept up best that I could, and tried to at least read them all. Sometimes I only read a sentence or two. If it was vile and profane, I usually stopped right there and pressed the delete button. If it was rambling, I admit I often gave it only a cursory glance.

When they were well-written, relatively brief and obviously had involved some semblance of deep thought, I tried to answer in like manner. Time, or lack thereof, often prevented this. And for that, I issue a universal apology to all who may have been waiting on an intelligent response.

I learned a few NASCAR basics: nothing stirs up the reading crowd like calling a race at Bristol boring (although nearly 70 percent of the hundreds who e-mailed me to comment on that column agreed with me); except possibly a column that attempts to examine the two distinct sides of Tony Stewart or anything that mentions the late, great Dale Earnhardt and his rock-star son, Dale Jr. These were the subject matters that flooded my e-mail inbox the most in the aftermath of articles that were posted on our Web site, but rarely was anything written that someone didn't respond to in some way -- a true indication of the passion with which NASCAR fans embrace their favorite sport.

Here, then, are some excerpts of the best and worst of the e-mails received in 2007 (last names, when provided, have been removed to protect those who wish to remain at least semi-anonymous):

From Phyllis, there was this reminder that we all have much to be thankful for, as she wrote:

"I just want to take the time the thank you for the great articles over the past season. You have given me the insights I crave and the laughter I sorely need. Despite going through some ugly health issues this year I was able to make the half-race at Pocono and if I could only bottle the smell of the tires and the sound of the engines, I would be a happy camper indeed. ... I was bitten by a spider three times in June of 2006, which is quickly leading to kidney failure. (I want it written on my tombstone -- "Always carry a can of Raid".)

"NASCAR has become the familiar place where I can lose myself. I yell at the television and honk the horn on my stuffed car. I take my stand-up of Mark Martin and shake him at the television. My blood boils over Tony Stewart and Kevin Harvick. I read NASCAR magazines and NASCAR.COM religiously. Who would have thought that a Ukrainian Catholic-educated woman would ever become addicted to NASCAR? I am a strange bird indeed and proud of it."

Well, we're proud to bring a little laughter into your life. Hang in there, Phyllis.

After picking Bobby Labonte to actually win a race in Atlanta, I was reminded of his many fans (and the many fans of Petty Enterprises), when I was bombarded with e-mails such as this one from Gunter:

"For picking Bobby, one of the most genuine, class acts in the sport, I can only say I love you for remembering and respecting his incredible prowess at Hot'lanta. Mind you, I mean that in the most platonic, non-creepy, non-stalker way."

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Um, OK.

From Bob, a little poke at my NASCAR.COM colleague David Caraviello, as Bob wrote:

"Your last post, The Year of Gordon, was well-written and totally objective. I read all of your articles from start to finish. Now get Caraviello on the same track. He has a real knack for just trying to disagree. He needs to sort out the facts and just not write to put words on paper. Thanks again, Menzer."

(Thanks, Bob, for the kind words but I have to disagree. As much as I laughed about the shot at Caraviello, I think he's already on the same track and maybe a higher one).

Then there was this reality check from Jon in Haughton, La., who wrote at the end of the season:

"The only thing good about your article is that hopefully we don't have to endure your drivel for a few months until you resurface in February 2008! Have a nice hibernation ... we will all be grateful for your absence!"

Hey, Jon, here's an idea: Why don't you write Caraviello for a change?

Oh, and check this one out from a guy who was identified only as "Dwiltone." He wrote:

"You, sir, are a great writer with a history of spot-on reporting. Keep up the wonderful work."

Take that Jon from Haughton, La.!

Then again, one reader did not appreciate my tongue-in-cheek column about taking a helicopter ride from the track in Phoenix to car owner Roger Penske's incredible car-dealership/museum complex in Scottsdale, and the apparent comparisons of Penske's sprawling digs to the cramped media center at Phoenix International Raceway. Kerry wrote in all caps:

"ALL YOU DO IS BRAG ABOUT THE CHOPPER RIDE, THEN B!@#$CH ABOUT THE PRESS ROOM IS TOO SMALL. I GUESS YOU DON'T KNOW HOW GOOD YOU GOT IT SO WRITE ABOUT THE RACES (YOU DO A GOOD JOB). AND KEEP THE BRAGING AND B!@#$CH DOWN. THANKS!

Did you see where Kerry wrote that I do a good job? I liked that. BUT LIKE ALL E-MAILS WHERE THE AUTHOR WRITES IN ALL CAPS, DOESN'T THE REST OF IT KIND OF COME OFF AS SOMEONE IRRATIONALLY YELLING AT YOU, EVEN IF HE DOES MAKE SOME GOOD POINTS???!!!! Oh, and I also liked where he correctly referred to my inaugural adventure in a helicopter as "the chopper ride." That's what we chopper veterans call them, too.

The Oct. 3 column I wrote about the old track at Rockingham being up for sale drew a seemingly surprising amount of response. Among those who responded were Dan, who wrote:

"As a life-long racing fan ... I remember that very long week from the end of Daytona to the end of Rockingham like it happened yesterday. As many fans hopefully remember, after Rockingham Kevin Harvick went on to win two weeks later at Atlanta in start No. 3. No true race fan will ever forget that spring. Thanks for the memories."

And Pat in Clinton, Mich., added:

"Just read your wonderful article on the selling of the Rock and the history behind it, especially Feb. 2001. I know I watched that February race, but I don't remember much except Dale Jr. crashing and Kevin Harvick's debut. I have never had an investment of feelings in the Rock, yet after reading your article my heart is breaking and I'm close to tears. My fervent hope is that whoever buys the track and property, improves on it and NASCAR will someday return to the track with so much history. Thank you for writing such a touching article!"

The good news, guys, is that the track is in good hands after being purchased by former driver Andy Hillenburg, who already is bringing some quality events back to it.

Before I could get the big head from the positive comments about the Rockingham column, there was this simple e-mail from Tim, who asked only: "Are you sane?"

Wayne at least thought so, writing in to say:

"Congratulations, Mr. Menzer, on making the switch from newspapers to writing online. I spent 25 years working at newspapers, so I know what it's like to have people calling or writing to call you an idiot or moron. You clearly are neither. I enjoy your columns no matter whether I agree with them 100 percent or not. (I usually agree wholeheartedly, for what it's worth.)

"And don't feel obligated to reply to this: You have better things to do."

Wayne, I agree on all counts. Thanks to all for writing in and Happy New Year!

The opinions expressed are solely of the writer.