MOTOR SPORTS: Earnhardt's death touches all sports fans

When the news of Dale Earnhardt's death hit the airways, my heart just sank. I immediately said a silent prayer for his family. Many NASCAR fans felt the same way. But, in my case, I am not a NASCAR fan at all. In fact, I rarely even watch any of the races and did not turn on the Daytona 500 until my sister visited and asked to change the channel to the race which only had about 10 laps left. Being a sports fan, I decided to watch the competition of the NASCAR drivers lobbying for positions as the race was ending.

Little did I realize that I would be watching a scene that racing fans will forever have etched in their memory. The only time I really watch NASCAR is when we have a family get together, because my brother-in-law and his family are really into the sport. So, I have seen Earnhardt race several times and noticed how he raced and how good he really was.

However, not really understanding the ins and out of racing, I found Earnhardt's driving on the verge of being unsafe. Furthermore, I always rooted against him and enjoyed seeing him in a wreck and out of the race. My dislike for him even emerged on Sunday when he crashed into the wall on the final lap. My happiness became apparent as I saw him go into the wall and said, "Good, now Earnhardt didn't finish third."

Now I wish I had never said this. Just because I didn't like him as a driver, I enjoyed rooting against him and recognized his superior ability over the other drivers. Immediately, after hearing of his death, I was in shock and couldn't finish my dinner. I couldn't figure out why this affected me so much. I mean, I didn't even like NASCAR or care about who won. I never listened to the winners of any of the races during the season on Sportscenter. Most of all, I didn't even care too much for Earnhardt as a driver.

But I love sports and appreciate the excellence of individuals and teams in any sport. Being a Detroit Pistons fan, I never liked Michael Jordan or the Chicago Bulls, but appreciated their talent. Nor do I like the New York Yankees, while I recognize their team is probably one of the best in baseball. When I say that I don't like these individuals or teams, I guess that is not totally true. I like rooting against them because being victorious over them means that the team or person you are rooting for has achieved greatness.

In Earnhardt's death, I have now become a huge fan of him and his legend. After seeing all the highlights of his career and all the records he has, I have a respect for him that I never had when he was alive. My heart goes out to his wife, son Dale Earnhardt Jr., and the rest of his family. Only 49 years old and, really, still at the top of his game. The only positive to get out of it is that his last view was of his son and his good friend, Michael Waltrip, fighting it out for the Daytona 500 win. Earnhardt's last feeling was probably one of pride and contentment that one of those two would win.

The next time my family gets together, I am sure the subject of Dale Earnhardt will come up. My brother-in-law is a big fan of his, and he will probably have many Earnhardt stories that I usually don't listen to too intently. But you can bet that this time I will listen and learn more about the greatest driver in NASCAR history, the "Intimidator," Dale Earnhardt Sr.