Glen Bass focused his binoculars on Dale Earnhardt's car and watched his favorite driver enter turn 4 on the last lap of the Daytona 500. Bass saw Earnhardt's car wiggle, dart up the banking and slam the concrete wall. Earnhardt died instantly. . Yet, the La Crosse, Wis., resident was at Bristol Motor Speedway two weeks ago, wearing an Earnhardt cap, sweater and jacket.
Fans grieve but understand that racing continues.
That's why close to 85,000 will be at Martinsville Speedway for today's Virginia 500 and millions more will watch on Fox. Experts on culture say that society's deep-seated interest in violence attracts fans to sports such as racing, football and hockey, among others. They question a sport where a person could die competing. Some label racing a bloodsport and wonder if the competitors have a death wish. Some cannot ignore the lure of danger, even if they won't admit it.