What Goes Around Comes Around - Black is Back!
I am psyched! Blood is pumping! Heart is racing!
Look out, everybody. That black machine is back on the track this weekend at none other than… Talladega, baby!
I cannot imagine anyone not getting chills thinking about it - thoughts of the intimidator. It’s mind-boggling. How many drivers had the fortune (or misfortune) of seeing that black machine in their rear view? How many spectators had the thrill of watching Dale win the Daytona 500? How many lucky people had the privilege of shaking Dale’s hand and hearing what he had to say in the garage area?
Not enough.
I could probably go on forever. Dale had a presence. An aura. There’s not ONE person who could ever replace him, as a human being or driver.
But, the unthinkable has happened, I believe. I see that black number 8 getting ready to race in Alabama, and I realize that there’s a new star rising, and it’s not just Junior. Junior has a lot riding on his young shoulders. He’s the legend’s son, and he carries the weight with finesse.
But the star is comprised of many, key personalities on, and off the track. It has given me so much hope in the past few weeks knowing that the spirit of stock car racing will strongly live on in the drivers who have really stepped up to the challenge of leadership - whether they know it or not.
Being a successful driver is not just about going fast. It’s about other things, like being strong, having courage, tethering wits, patience, racing intelligence, prayer, friends, gratitude, knowing when to shut up, AND going fast.
I see the current strength of NASCAR in so many faces now. They are, to name a few, Dale Earnhardt, Jr.; Kevin Harvick; Jeff Burton; Matt Kenseth; Tony Stewart; Jeff Gordon; Bobby Labonte; Joe Nemechek; Robby Gordon; Kyle Petty; Jeremy Mayfield; Elliott Sadler; and Michael Waltrip.
When I see that black number 8 out there this weekend, I will be reminded that Dale’s presence is always with us. I will also be reminded that the leadership in NASCAR is strong.
I hope all the younger (experience-wise) drivers see that black car and know that they are being watched and weighed - heavily. There’s not just a new sheriff in town.
There’s a whole posse! And, they’ve got itchy trigger fingers. (And apparently, softer bumpers.)
Junior, thank you for running that black machine. May you have wings this weekend. May you drive that hot rod home to Victory Lane at Talladega.
From AC/DC
Back in black, I hit the sack,
I’ve been too long, I’m glad to be back
Yes I’m let loose from the noose,
That’s kept me hangin’ about
I been lookin’ at the sky ‘cause it’s gettin’ me high,
Forget the hearse, ‘cause I’ll never die
I got nine lives, cat’S EYES
Usin’ every one of them and running wild
Black was never really gone.
