Another Viewpoint Archives

Debbi Willis, Daw613@bigfoot.com

Who, What, When, Where, and Why?

While trying to make sense of this season, I pondered many questions and thoughts . While not wanting to recap the facts everyone already knows, I had many questions and queries run through my mind as I continued to try to move my heart beyond the most blatant fact of all: Dale Earnhardt is gone. There's a resounding thought about that concept that won't leave my head when a race starts, while the race is on or when the race ends. Though Kevin Harvick has stepped up to the plate and earned my respect as a solidly good driver, and Jr has matured quite well under the most dreadful circumstances, no one takes the place of the Man in my heart and head. As I've said before, I always wondered how fans of other drivers we've lost moved on in the sport and now I'm taking lessons from them. Like an invitation to ponder, "Who, What, When, Where and Why" trod through my thoughts at season's end.

Who would have ever guessed the 2001 season would change the face of the sport of Stock Car Racing just because it lost the driver Jeff Burton most aptly stated as the "true north" of the sport? Not only being the most popular face in the sport but also the leader, the guide, the everpresent everhelpful mentor, losing Dale Earnhardt threw everyone off the pace. Changes had come to pass with the growing popularity of NASCAR and Dale had weathered them all and was now at the top of his plans. Throughout the past few years, change had become the norm with the rules in constant fluctuation as NASCAR sought parity and the best show for the fans. Who might have realized the price for parity might be too high?

What was NASCAR's goals for the 2001 season? A new TV coverage package & aero rules had everyone buzzing with excitement and anticipation. What did NASCAR hope to accomplish in 2001 and I wonder if they think they achieved it now? Dale Earnhardt was poised to seize the 8th championship and every driver knew they'd be battling him for it. What was Dale thinking when he risked everything by blocking the thunderstorm behind him as only he could on the final lap of the Daytona 500? What would Dale do differently, if at all, had he that moment of decision to choose again?

When did Jeff Gordon realize the entire sport had been sucker punched by Dale's death and were having difficulty recovering? When did Gordon realize he could focus through anything, and this was his chance to become a bigger part of history in NASCAR. Trained in racecars since he was 5years old, Gordon seems able to move beyond reality behind the wheel. When did NASCAR realize their Golden Boy could rescue them from their sorry PR & disastrous decisions following Dale's death? Certainly there didn't seem to be any inspection problems for the 24 car, as was alluded to with some of the other teams. When did the outspoken drivers realize spouting off about safety issues wouldn't benefit them from week to week?

Where did Tony Stewart come from to finish 2nd? From a flipping, roof-riding DNF at Daytona finishing in 36th place to 2nd place in points at Louden, Tony Stewart stayed true to himself and fought all the way back to the top. Even his sense of humor showed well at the Awards when he took off the tux to show his Hutchen's device securely in place. Where did all the contenders for the season go? Some never quite seemed to recover but others managed a top ten like Jeff Burton and his team through sheer persistence and determination.

Why did it take losing the biggest name in racing to get NASCAR's attention on the safety issues? I realize some might deny that, but the silence convicts the leadership of NASCAR and the credit goes to the legion of Dale's fans who wouldn't let it go until something was done. Why does it feel like every driver is in a potential coffin on every track and holding my breath when a driver doesn't move after the accident is an automatic response now? Why does NASCAR think control works best with drivers? Why couldn't NASCAR just back up to the safe point we enjoyed before all the deaths? Is there really a dollar value more important than the lives of the drivers? I know the answers. I just dislike their decisions and the answers I see in those decisions and actions.

Questions that linger in many minds that many are tired of wondering and many wants to forget. If only we could.