Who They Are

Dale Earnhardt defined an era. He won seven championships and revolutionized the marketing and perception of his sport. Dale Earnhardt Jr. (junior) is second generation. He has received credit, fame, and notoriety; earned nothing, and won small. Teresa Earnhardt is the woman guiding the man. She was not a racing enthusiast. She was a calculating business personality. Kevin Harvick is happenstance. He simply replaced Earnhardt upon his death.

Two weeks ago, Teresa questioned Junior’s commitment. "Right now the ball's in his court to decide on whether he wants to be a NASCAR driver or whether he wants to be a public personality," she said.

Teresa’s assertion is valid. Junior has won only seventeen races. He has never garnered a championship. He was not rookie of the year. He has partied with rock bands and appeared in movies. He also hosts his own satellite radio show. Junior is Peyton Manning. He transcends the sport which has provided his recognition. Does this transcendence allow a champion’s focus?

Facing criticism from his stepmother and owner, Junior recoiled and retaliated. "Well, I don't want to really get too personal, but Teresa is my stepmother, and I have a mother at home that I have a very good relationship with," he said. "Mine and Teresa's relationship has always been very black and white, very strict and in your face. ... It ain't a bed of roses. ... I don't know how to explain it, honestly."

Teresa was promotion and capitalization. She married a struggling driver who had not won. She transformed his career, converted his image, and molded his legacy. Rarely was she seen trackside. Never was she seen in the garage. Racing was not her passion. Racing was her enterprise. Dale Earnhardt’s livelihood was racing. Teresa’s was cashing a check. Dale was not a seven-time champion in her eyes, he was a cash register. She simply rang the bell and took the money.

Sensing discord, Harvick cockily spoke. "It's hard when you have what I call a deadbeat owner that doesn't come to the racetrack,” he said. “You have to be at the racetrack and you have to play the politics of the sport and you have to be a part of your team and you have to understand what's going on."

Harvick inherited a championship ride. However, his team has regressed. They have won few races. They have won no titles. Harvick has been suspended for rough driving. He openly flirted with Toyota. He publicly threatened his owner icon. Everyday, Harvick walks past a statue of Dale Earnhardt. He is not Earnhardt. He has not earned the right to criticize. He deserves criticism.

This story is vast and complicated. The personalities and comments have been public. The psychology has been private. Two weeks ago, a businesswoman challenged a dilettante athlete. The athlete responded and his rival walked into an open conflict. The egos may never be squelched. The crisis may never be resolved. One lone fact is certain. These three persons were themselves prior to Dale Earnhardt’s death. Their current personalities merely were not visible.