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End of an era After Earnhardt's death, grieving NASCAR looks ahead
By John Giannone, CNNSI.com DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- The dawning of a new day brought the official start of mourning to Daytona and the stark reality that, amid unspeakable grief, the billion dollar business of NASCAR must roll on without Dale Earnhardt's trademark intensity and passion. "Dale Earnhardt was the driver for NASCAR and played such an important role in all of our energy level and enthusiasm that has built NASCAR into what it is today," remembers NASCAR president Mike Helton. "It's hard to comprehend the statistic sheets for Dale Earnhardt are now permanent." "This is a tough period in NASCAR's history," admits NASCAR chairman Bill France. "I can't think of any time it's been more tough. This is needless to say going to be one of the big events, if you want to call it that, in the history of NASCAR." But even though Earnhardt is gone, some argue the best way to honor him is to continue on. "The world doesn't stop and he wouldn't want it to stop," declares 1965 Winston Cup champion Ned Jarrett. "He would want the sport to go on. He would want his son to be there next week, racing. I don't know if that will happen or not, but I guarantee you that's what he would have wanted." In a sport that aggressively promotes its drivers, Earnhardt was the only one since Richard Petty to forge an identity and captivate an audience with a dash of daring and personality. The question now-- does NASCAR have a suitable substitute? "His exploits will be chronicled for a long time as this sport keeps going. He will almost become an Elvis-type figure as far as admiration is concerned," predicts Humpy Wheeler, President of Lowe's Motor Speedway. "It's going to take time, if we ever fill it," admits France. "I'm sure we will because life has to go on. Dale Jr. looks to me like he's got pretty good potential, too, to follow in his father's footsteps." What becomes now of the legion of Earnhardt fans? More fervent than any in NASCAR, it is a group that exposed its broken heart and a flood of tears Monday for a man whose death remains an all too vivid nightmare. "I'm sure there's Earnhardt fans out there right now that feel like, 'I don't care if I never see another race,'" speculates 1975 Daytona 500 champion Benny Parsons. "And you know what? Some of them may never go to another race. They may never view another race. I hope not, because Dale Earnhardt would not want that." Some of Earnhardt's fans, who came to the Daytona track Monday to mourn their hero, agree. "I say remember his great career, his competitive spirit, how he drew more race fans than any other driver that ever lived," says one fan. "The greatest person in NASCAR, that has brought NASCAR to where it is today. He picked up where Richard Petty left off," chimes in another. Some observers are simply waiting to see what the next chapter brings to NASCAR. "Another story, another inspirational, captivating story will come into this void or vacuum that's been created by Earnhardt's loss. It might be the legacy of Dale Jr. or whoever drives the three car," suggests Max Muhleman, president of Muhleman marketing. Several fans already have suggested the best way NASCAR could honor Earnhardt would be to retire his number three, something that never has happened in the history of the sport. NASCAR president Helton said that hasn't yet been discussed. When asked if anyone else would drive the Chevrolet Monte Carlo again this season, Helton said that is a decision team owner Richard Childress would make in the coming days.
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