Column: The thrill of a lifetime

Published 5:26 am Wednesday, August 1, 2007

By Staff
I am writing this column this week sitting in a hotel room in downtown Charlotte, N.C., attending the North Carolina Press Association's Annual Convention.
On Thursday night, I got a thrill of a lifetime, seeing Richard Petty honored as the North Carolinian of the Year, an honor given annually to a native of the state by the press association.
As a racing fan since I was a small boy, Richard Petty was always bigger than life and even though I didn't get to see him on the track during his prime, was always one of my heroes. Getting an opportunity to shake his hand, snap a photo, and get an autograph was a huge thrill. As is his reputation, he was gracious and giving, taking the time to speak personally to everyone present, signing his famous flamboyant autograph for each and every person that asked.
He was as gracious in accepting this prestigious award, joining a list of former winners that includes Dean Smith, Elizabeth Dole, Rev. Billy Graham, and Bob Timberlake. Congratulations to the King and thanks for letting me act like a kid again just for while.
Since last week was an off-week, the last of the season, for competition on the track, the action off the track was fast and furious. Rumored for several weeks, the merger of Ginn Racing and DEI was completed this week and gives the combined company four teams in this week's Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis.
This deal was pretty impressive in scope for DEI and should quiet all of the critics, including myself, that said the company would go downhill after the departure of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Only one of Ginn's three teams remained intact after the deal, the No. 01 Army team. The owner's points accumulated by the No. 14 driven by Sterling Marlin were transferred to the Paul Menard team, putting that team into the Top 35 in points and guaranteed starts for the rest of the season.
I was a pretty harsh critic of Teresa Earnhardt in the aftermath of Junior's departure, but you have to give her credit. She, along with DEI President Max Seigel, have turned bad news of Junior leaving into a positive situation that positions them to be competitive for years to come. With a lineup of Mark Martin/Aric Almirola, Martin Truex Jr., Paul Menard, and a yet to be named replacement for Junior, the company is poised to compete with the Hendricks and Roushs of the world.
For a while, it looked likely that Kyle Busch would be the driver to replace Junior. However, reports are now that Joe Gibbs is very close to signing Busch for that team's fourth car. If that comes to fruition, look for DEI to put a full court press on Kasey Kahne. It is no secret that Budweiser covets Kahne, and given the upcoming sponsorship questions with Kahne's current Evernham Dodge team, Kahne could be making the move. Beyond the sponsorship worries, the performance of Kahne's team has been utterly disappointing this season.
Teresa Earnhardt and Max Seigel should do whatever it takes to secure Kahne. They get a huge talent, keeps Budweiser as a sponsor, and adds to a very strong roster of drivers.