September 11, 2002

One year ago, the country went through one of the most devastating events in its history. My city, like me, at first stumbled in disbelief and then triumphantly began to rally toward recovery.

After a few days, I finally moved away from the around-the-clock news coverage and began to move beyond the despair. Unable to return right away to work in downtown New York, I desperately sought comfort in familiarity, in my passion. However, like almost all other major sporting events, that weekend’s NASCAR Winston Cup race in Loudon, NH, was postponed until November. One week later, though, I found solace in our all-American sport.

As I sat down in front of the television last September 23, it struck me how fitting it was that our first race back was at Dover, so close to the Pentagon and our nation’s capital. Sadly, it was bittersweet, for Dover’s armed forces were involved in the recovery efforts.

The pre-race ceremonies that bright Sunday afternoon overflowed with the patriotic pride we had all rediscovered throughout the course of those dark weeks. As driver introductions proceeded, each team announced the charitable contributions they would make to those in need after the tragedy.

Lee Greenwood honored us with an emotional and glorious rendition of his poignant narrative God Bless the USA. The sea of Stars and Stripes waving softly in the breeze during his song showed our American spirit well. Triumphant in nature and magnificent in presence.

As the crews lined up along pit road, flags in hand, hats off in respect, this all-American sport paid tribute to the loss we had all shared. Drivers, whose fathers and grandfathers helped establish the sport, whose own driving careers began as young children in elementary school, stood in uniform beside their cars, witnessing the country at its finest hour – carrying on and celebrating the best we had to offer.

Fans rose in honor of Tanya Tucker’s American medley, songs we perhaps hadn’t sung with such fervor since grade school. Will anyone ever forget the cheering for The Star Spangled Banner, a song whose words had perhaps more meaning than ever before in these modern times? Yes, our flag was indeed still there.

And as 43 drivers strapped into their 3400-pound American racing machines – most displaying patriotic tributes, they demonstrated the strength we all so desperately needed at that time – the strength to return to life. To chants of “USA, USA, USA” from the 140,000 cheering fans, the engines roared to life as Cal Ripken, Jr., dropped the green flag.

Baseball may be the national pastime, but on this day, NASCAR gave us the opportunity to root for the sport that we love while celebrating our own victories during those two difficult weeks. That’s all-American, in my book.

And so, from this New Yorker, thank you to NASCAR, the drivers, and my fellow fans. I shall never forget all you gave us on that one day. And over the weeks since. My memory will forever preserve the sight of Junior’s victory lap with that magnificent American flag waving proudly in the wind as he circled the track before pulling into Winner’s Circle. For we were all victorious that day.

In the words of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. after his Dover win last year, “I’m just proud to be an American.”

You can send feedback to L.M. Burke at: Insider Racing News