The racing community puts in more. The season goes from February to November, from the shop to the track and back to the shop. When a tragedy occurs, they realize what's important and they turn toward each other. The fans stay outside and do what they can there. They offer prayers and poems and scramble for a way to sooth their pain and express their love.
Outsiders make fun of race fans.
I sure have. Bobby Labonte wanted to make sure Tony Stewart was coherent after the concussion he suffered Sunday, and he asked him who the president was. I asked a friend in the press box how many fans would know. Dumb - and I'm talking about me. The manner in which they've reacted to Earnhardt's death has been nothing but admirable.