TONY THE TARGET!
EMT's, Media, Fans, Tony Stewart Didn't Hit Me T-shirts. Is there no where this driver can go that he is not the target for anyone that gets near him? Will it come to a point that should Tony even look at someone, they cry foul? Tony has made a plea to allow him some space, yet his plea has been ignored. Even though EVERYONE knows he is struggling to control his anger, he is still hounded.
I have been to several of Tony's appearances and he has always been polite, courteous, and extremely accommodating. Away from the track, Tony has proven he is conscientious by allowing the use of his private jet for disadvantaged fans and contributing to many charities. However, these attributes are overlooked when the intensity he displays at the track is construed as personal attacks.
I don't believe anyone out there would wave a red flag in front of a raging bull. Yet week after week, Tony is faced with hundreds of red flags in the garage and pit area.
It is supposed to be a privilege for fans to have access to these areas at every track. But this privilege has been widely abused. Instead of simply drivers to forget about their jobs and spend precious preparation time signing autographs and talking to them. These fans should be aware that drivers set aside time for this at appearances.
Drivers should not be preyed upon when they are at work. You wouldn't want someone to come to your job and disturb you. NASCAR must take a stand on this. If fans are to be allowed in the garage and pits, it should only be at specific times. Even then, there should be a barrier to allow the drivers some distance when going to and from and getting in and out of their cars. Let the drivers be the ones to decide when they will sign autographs. Fans should not dictate this!
Those fans that have been given the privilege to get into the pits and garage area are made to sign
release forms however, it seems as those fans signed and did not read what they signed.
Each facility states access to all areas of the track you the fan expressly assume all risks before, during or after the event including, but not limited to, injury from spectator areas and release all involved from any and all claims arising from the event it also states that YOU MUST ABIDE by each facilities rules and regulations or they reserve the right to remove you from their property.
Now don't get me wrong Tony has done some things that he should not have as well as some other drivers this year but haven't we all wished a time or two that we could take back some of the things we have done. Remember the saying those that live in glass houses should throw the first stone. I am sure that Tony Stewart is working hard on controlling his temper maybe we should all do the same thing. Lets give Tony a chance to prove himself while we remember 911 and those that have lost their lives to give us the right to gripe lets show NASCAR we too are not without fault and come together has a NATION again. I have been proud over the years to be a NASCAR fan after all it is really the only FAMILY sport out there however, lately I am ashamed to be a part of it. The finger pointing reminds me of a bunch of big kids picking on someone smaller than them just because they can. Shape up FANS or soon you will loose all your privileges or you will make it so the drivers themselves will turn into like all other athletes out there and will have body guards and you will have to pay to get an autograph from them. TSK TSK if this should happen.
I hope Mike Helton does make some changes if not for the safety of us but for the safety of the Drivers and that he also remembers not to punish everyone for a few that are at fault.
Article by S. Kipple
9/15/02
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