Dale Jr's Brew Crew Site |
Hey, can I get a picture with you? I can remember when getting your favorite driver's autograph truly meant something. Something special, because you were there when he signed your car. You were the one that asked him, so bravely to sign your hat. You were the one that shyly approached him, and asked if he'd be so kind to sign your t-shirt. Do autographs really mean what they used to years ago? Obtaining an autograph by sheer luck in the garage area, or just outside the track was a source of excitement and joy. Going home with that signed hat and showing all your friends, and saying "hey.. You'll never guess what happened! I saw Dale Earnhardt in Bristol, and he signed my hat!" I'm sure a similar story was heard many times. Just fill in your driver's name and racetrack, and you have a story that was probably told many times over, as well. Since the sport has exploded over the last 10 years, with new drivers and many new fans, autographs are the things to seek. Drivers sign at their merchandise trailers, but you have to have a ticket, as they could only be there for so long with all of the race weekend responsibilities. They have special fan events where you go early to get a ticket and come back on another day to get to meet your driver. We've met Bill Elliott many times that way, and it has been truly a treat. I hope he has another fan event, even with his schedule cutbacks this year. The "preview" in past years was another source to utilize to meet your driver and get their "John Hancock" on something special. This year, there were no autographs at the fan fest. That disappointed many fans, as they only had a Q&A session with the drivers. Brendan Gaughan, however, did stay and sign autographs, which was very nice of him. I hope those fans appreciated his effort. Fans are creative with what they ask to be signed, and sometimes a little wild with their choices, but in any case, the drivers' are always willing to sign, knowing they were giving someone a memory of a lifetime. But is it still the same now? With the advent of E-bay, I'm not so sure. I have been watching the last year or so, and have found so many autographed items for just about every driver on E-bay that it truly saddens me in some ways. I believe some people want autographed items for the wrong reasons these days. They want them because they will increase in their value. Now granted, some folks bid on these items because it may be the only way that they will ever get their favorite driver's autograph. We all know how difficult it is to get some of the top drivers' signatures. I can't blame them for trying. I have been tempted in the past to bid on those items, but have restrained myself. I know that my husband and I have spent hours waiting in line to get autographs from our favorite drivers, and they mean the world to us. I would eat dirt first, before I would sell them on E-bay. While waiting in line, we overheard people that were there simply to get an item or two signed, to get up on the auction block that following Monday. That broke my heart. I wonder how some of the drivers feel about this free capitalization that is going on. I know my favorite driver doesn't like to see that. I can't blame him. After an appearance where Dale Jr. signed only Drakkar bottles, the very next day, I saw many on E-bay. I finally met him on his Rock the Boat cruise this past December, and yes, I had some of my favorite things autographed. Airport security looked at my carry on closely. "You would have to pry those die casts out of my cold dead fingers before I give them up," I told the guard. He just looked at me. I don't think he understood. But after we arrived home, it amazed me the number of items that appeared on E-bay within the next few days that were autographed. The more I thought about it, the more I have decided that I would have given up the autograph session if I could have just talked to Dale for a few minutes, and stood next to him to get a nice picture to remember our meeting by. Yes, I did get my picture with him, stretched across the autograph table, not very becoming, but nonetheless, a treasure for a lifetime. Most people don't get the opportunity to get that close, so I truly appreciate the fact that I did. I think maybe next time; I'm going to be original, and ask for a picture. It doesn't matter who the driver is. They may find that shocking, but it would still mean the world to me. That picture will last a lifetime as well, and I know that the driver that takes it with me will know for sure it won't show up on E-bay. Until next time, go fast, turn left, stay safe, and keep the shiny side up. |
Hey, can I get a picture with you? by Lisa Matthis |
