Flattering as that may be, Dale doesn't think so. That then turns it back onto the fans. Fans buy the tickets, fans show up, fans expect more than can ever be delivered by the drivers, and the drivers endure the onslaught for their time. To benefit the charities, of course. I wonder when the fans are going to become gracious again, and renew the sport's heart instead of continuing to feed the money monsters that keep the collectibles and souvenirs market growing and consuming what little life drivers have around their sport.
Value is all relative.
We the fans place the value on autographs, pictures, memorabilia etc until marketing thinks we'd be interested in anything as long as our favorite drivers name is on it. Therefore, it's up to the fans. If we don't fall for all the brouhaha and manipulation, marketing tactics will adjust to us and begin to respect everyone. If we stop making unreasonable demands, maybe the drivers will get their lives back.