> Unless you're a fan, the death of Dale Earnhardt yesterday might seem like just another sad note in an already troubled sport (i.e. three deaths in nine months?). For those of us that are fans, the impact of his death is almost immeasurable. Dale epitomized everything that I love about racing. He was a fierce competitor that you either loved or hated. Even if you hated him, you respected and admired him.
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The first thing I thought of when I heard about Dale Earnhardt was that it was a great way to go -- dying while doing something he truly enjoyed. He died in the final lap of one of the most important NASCAR races of the year while allowing his son to pass him. And he died almost instantaneously -- no suffering at all. What a fantastic and beautiful way to go.

-Faux "" Pas