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September 5, 2002
This will not be a popular column. While I always enjoy getting mail from my readers, if all you have to say is that I’m an idiot, save your time. Oscar Wilde, whose opinions weren’t always too popular either, once said, "It is grossly selfish to require of one’s neighbor that he should think in the same way, and hold the same opinions." So neighbor, please don't be selfish and hear me out. NASCAR needs to close the garage area to fans. Oh, I can almost feel the outrage as I type those words. Yes, that’s what I said; the garage area at NASCAR races should be restricted to teams and officials only. I know this is one of the things that makes NASCAR different from other sports. I know accessibility to the stars is a time-honored tradition in NASCAR. However, we live in a different world now and it's time to take this step. Frankly, I’m amazed this area remains as available and open in the wake of last year’s terrorist attack. God forbid, a fan sitting in the grandstands should attempt to bring in a large cooler or backpack. But, it’s fine for people loaded down with large bags full of souvenirs to wander within a few yards of the sports superstars. The garage is not the place for spectators or autograph seekers; it is a dangerous place. Happy hour, is an especially perilous time for visitors; cars are entering and exiting their stalls at a furious pace. Crewmembers are constantly on the move, fetching tires and other equipment. And mechanics are making as many adjustments as possible, as fast as possible. How can this environment be safe for non-participants? There are other sound reasons to take this action besides the obvious safety factors. The drivers, crews and officials are at work. They have a job to do and it is a job on which lives depend. Dale Earnhardt Jr. said the #8 team frequently has, “30, 40 people always around our garage stall.” Imagine what it must be like trying to prep the Bud car under these conditions. How well would you do your job if you had an audience of 40 watching you 8 hours a day? Milling around watching the teams work is the least of these “fans” indiscretions. They hound, mob, follow and harass the drivers and crews. In his book, Driver #8” Dale Earnhardt Jr. offers a chilling account of getting to his first Winston Cup drivers’ meeting. Dale describes being surrounded by a horde of people as he walked. He says he felt like “a slow-moving ship with raging seas around me.” This was in 2000, what does he go through now? Many of the people wandering around the garage area are what insiders call “bag people.” Named for the bags full of various drivers’ diecast cars, tee shirts, cards and other goodies. These enterprising folks are there to have as many of the items as possible autographed. Next time you see your favorite driver surrounded by people thrusting diecasts towards him, do not think these are going to end up treasured family heirlooms. No sir, these people are entrepreneurs, not race fans. In fact, many such items will be offered for sale the following week online. I assure you, an illegible scrawl on a little medal car that cannot be authenticated does not increase the value of the collectible. In fact, in some instances it can decrease the worth, therefore buyer beware. Recently we’ve been bombarded with the word communication. We’ve heard it almost as often as “aero push.” Everyone is talking about team communication and chemistry. It’s difficult for drivers to communicate and bond with their teams when people are screaming their name constantly. Many simply don’t try anymore and remain squirreled away out of sight until it’s time to get in the racecar. Again we hear from Dale Jr., "It really puts a bind on your relationship with your team when you've got to kind of hide underneath something all day long just to be able to concentrate on the car." True, Dale is blessed, or burdened, with the bulk of the attention but to a degree all teams must endure this chaos in the garage area. Most NASCAR people are gracious and open to fans. However, there is a limit to what should be expected from them. I believe that limit has been reached. If the garage were restricted several areas could be set aside for the drivers to meet fans when there were a few minutes to spare. The crowd could be controlled, everyone would be safer and the teams could work in peace. I would prefer that my favorite team be able to give 100% of their effort to winning. They should not have to worry about working with an audience. Competition is too tight today for even the slightest distraction. The teams need some space. Let’s back off and let them have some so they can do their jobs. The racing will be better for it, I promise.
The thoughts and ideas expressed by this writer or any other writer on Insider Racing News, are not necessarily the views of the staff and/or management of IRN. Although we may not always agree with what is said, we do feel it's our duty to give a voice to those who have something relevant to say about the sport of auto racing.
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Do Not Enter..Garage Area Should Be Off Limits
