Unfortunately, as long as people with attitudes like Jack Roush, who equates pensions with welfare, run this business, you’ll see nothing of the sort.

Even Baseball, which of all the sports, most treasures its legacy, doesn’t do a good enough job of educating its contemporary fans and players about the pioneers who built the foundation they stand on. I remember talking to Sharon Robinson about Frank Thomas’s sheepish remark regarding her father “I know his name [Jackie Robinson], but don’t know that much about him.”

NASCAR has a golden opportunity here. They can create a special line of collectibles with throw-back die-casts To make this meaningful to the younger fans, today’s drivers could adopt a driver’s die-cast and appear in print ads and on the packaging.

Today’s drivers could do something which would cost them almost nothing, but help establish the health and pension fund. Each driver could appear for two or three extra autographing sessions during the season at the tracks. In order to get the qualifying bracelet, a fan would make a two-dollar donation. The driver’s sponsor could create a special 5×7 glossy for the driver to sign. All participants would also get a chance to win a 15 minute visit with their driver after the autographing session. The idea of making the donation amount low is so that everyone would get a chance to participate, not just those who can afford to spend a bundle.

To increase visibility, during the season, NASCAR could create a “Legends” series. Retired drivers could compete against each other in throw-back cars (modernized with state-of-the-art safety gear) during the weekends. Current drivers could sponsor a legend.

Finally, I’d like to see Sam Ard be invited to a race and give the call. From the accounts, he would still be able to say the words and appreciate the huge cheer he’d get.

Pacific Time Zone Kenny
Alameda, California