The Travails of Tony the Tiger
Race thirteen brought the NASCAR traveling circus to Dover Delaware. Is it irony or intentional planning that the unlucky number thirteenth event on this year's schedule would be at the track called the "Monster Mile". At Dover good luck is almost as important as a good racecar! Once again this crazy NASCAR 2000 season with all its emotional ups and downs featured some interesting story lines. Kyle Petty pulled double duty in his return to the track driving Adam's Sprint Chevy in the Busch race and his Dad's STP Pontiac in the Cup race. As if that wasn't enough, Tony Stewart came to the track amid criticism of recent statements and behavior and proved to his critics that what he said is true. Tony said he is not a politician or a public relations specialist... he is a racecar driver. After this week he showed he is a terrific racer indeed!
This week featured more negative press criticizing another driver for being a bad role model for our kids. After the Winston celebration when Dale the Younger and his crew used about a case of their sponsor's product to celebrate we heard a similar refrain. "Dale should be a better role model to my kids than drinking beer on national television," some fans cried. Hey folks...aren't we being a bit hypocritical to complain about beer drinking when a huge tobacco company sponsors our sport? Don't we as parents have the ultimate responsibility as role models to our kids instead of some racecar driver on television? It isn't like Dale the Younger was slamming down a brew before heading out on the track. He wasn't nabbed by the highway patrol weaving his way home from the race either. Do we really want to take away all the emotional fun from our sport?
Tony Stewart has been slammed in article after article for recent emotional outbursts and his complaints about fans hounding him for autographs in the garage area and on his days off. Last year many fans praised him for his fiery attitude. This year that same personality trait is a liability. Once again we are lacking consistency and again being hypocrites. Tony said he was asked a question and so he answered it truthfully. Isn't being truthful a great example to teach our kids? Or should he shut up? Perhaps blabber some well rehearsed banter that is NASCAR and sponsor approved? Like him or hate him we should praise Tony for having the courage to stand up for his beliefs. We should praise him for speaking truthfully when he knew his comments might not be well received. I held that up as an example to my kids this weekend. I would
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