| This fan's wish |
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I am writing this article, not as a request, not as a demand, not as a call to action, but simply as a fan with a wish.
After Dale Earnhardt's death in February, I read a lot of articles, heard a lot of interviews and watched a lot of TV and one thing stands out. Dale Earnhardt won everything Nascar had to offer except for the "Most Popular Driver Award". From what I have heard, Dale never mentioned it to anyone and kept it to himself but he did let it out on a couple of occassion how nice and it would be to receive the honor from the fans of Nascar as their Most Popular Driver. I immediately wrote e-mails to every Racing website I could find begging them to mention this to the fans, stating how this would be the ultimate tribute to the man who changed the racing world forever throughout his career and even after his death. Some websites replied, some didn't and my campaign seemed to fall short. I hoped and prayed that someone, somewhere could get the message out there. Then, the most amazing thing happened, Bill Elliott withdrew from this years Most Popular Driver contest. Could this be true? The man who has won it almost every year? Here is a section of his statement: "Being voted the Most Popular Driver for 15 years is certainly an honor," said Bill Elliott, driver of the No. 9 Dodge Dealers Intrepid R/T. "But, this is a much different year than others. Dale Earnhardt never won this award, and I think it would be a tremendous honor for the Earnhardt family to receive it this year. I certainly don't want to stand in the way of his family receiving this award." Bill, I say this, you are a true gentleman and you obviously understand the value of that award and the honor associated with it. You are the man and it is obvious why you have earned this honor for so many years now. Now, I know my personal campaign had nothing to do with Awesome Bill withdrawing his name, but it revamped my hope and my faith in Dale receiving the award this year. So, I ask everyone today to think of who their Most Popular Driver is this year. I am not saying it has to be Dale, I am not trying to lay the guilt trip on anyone, and I support 100% whoever wins this year's award. All I say is this.... write to whoever you can, vote where ever you can, and let your voice be heard and if THIS fan's wish comes true, may Dale finally receive what he so desired and in my opinion earned. Here is a link to a site where you can vote... http://www.thatsracin.com/nmpa/contest.htm Thank You. |