At first glance it seemed that Busch had done exactly what the Jr. fan’s had accused him of. It looked like his wheels had turned right into Jr’s car, causing the melee and word bashing that ensued. But…according to other words that are coming out of Busch’s and various media members’ mouths, it was just a racing incident, a normal racing “thing.”

Apparently turning the wheels to the right was a way for Busch to keep his car from getting a mind of its own and spinning out or sliding up into the wall. It seems that Busch was doing nothing more than trying to save his slightly sliding shiny rear end from running amuck, Dale, Jr. just happened to be the one caught up in the mess with him. He and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. were doing exactly what they were born to do…fighting it out on the track, determined to be the first to cross the finish line. And as we all know, there can only be one winner…and this time, it wasn’t Dale, Jr. or Kyle Busch. Seem fair? Racing isn’t fair, not in the slightest.

Now why the heck am I feeling like this isn’t going to go away anytime too soon? It’s not because Dale, Jr. is the most popular, and it’s not because the media is continually focused on his next win, because that has nothing to do with this event. So what is it? I’ll tell you what it is…at least for me anyway…

When I was in school, it seemed that in almost every class there was at least one student that pretty much blew through the class without even having to study much, you know the one…the one that aced the tests time after time and made sure everyone knew about it …yeah, that one. While each class had a shining star, some were accepted by their peers and some weren’t, simply because of the way they presented themselves. On occasion there was that one that just got under your skin every time he opened his mouth…the know it all, the world owes me because I’m so good kind of kid. It didn’t matter that he was that good, not one bit, because the way he presented himself and the words he consistently pitched out to impress were offensive, rude and more than conceited. I often wonder what happened to those fellows. Chances are a hand full of them ended up very rich, and very lonely. Hopefully the rest figured out that while they may have been blessed in book work, they needed a serious attitude adjustment if they were ever going to be happy.

After watching the replays, reading the transcripts and taking time to sit back and think about this whole Earnhardt/Busch thing, I believe I might be able to accept it as a racing incident if I could just get past that uneasy feeling that this isn’t really about the way the race ended…it’s about the words. It’s real hard to be objective about someone that seems to revel in making people abhor him…but then again, that’s just my opinion.

No one says these fellows have to be cordial and kind when they are interviewed after just coming off the track. But just like that kid in school, it sure would behoove some of them to knock that chip off their shoulders and pretend they’re part of the community of racing, instead of acting like the whole community owes them something.

There are different kinds of people in every work place, some are looked up to and admired from the moment you meet them, others have to work on it and eventually get there, and still others could care less what you think of them, they’re going to do their job and run over anyone that gets in the way…and not look back. That’s what keeps this world rolling along…but dang, sometimes I wish I could just drag a handful of them into the woodshed and explain to them the advantages of making friends, instead of enemies…or, as in our situation…it’s a lot better to have a million fans than a million enemies.

Will the Kyle fans and the Earnhardt fans dare to agree that attitude can do more than just determine the outcome of a situation…that it can determine the loyalty of the fans? While each may continue to blame the other as to who is at fault and who needs an attitude adjustment, the truth is that after this racing incident, there was only one fellow involved that managed to keep his feelings in check and his emotions under control as he faced the microphone that was linked to a million fans. Does that mean he’s a better driver? No…but it does perhaps show just one reason he’s got the highest fan base in all of NASCAR, and he didn’t even have to bad mouth anyone to get there.

NOTE: I'm a one man show, not supported by anyone. If you wish to donate to help offset expense, it would be appreciated:

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