NASCAR on Nightline: The death of Dale Earnhardt continues to generate media interest. Earnhardt, and NASCAR, was the subject of an entire episode of ABC’s Nightline’ with Ted Koppel. The program featured interviews with fans, drivers and other journalists, and used the Dura Lube 400 race as it’s backdrop. While the focal point was Dale Earnhardt, the underlying theme of the program was NASCAR and it’s origins. Featured on the program, among it’s guests, was Dr. Jerry Punch, who added his own insight into the sport, and how it grew to be the multi-billion dollar industry it is today. “It all started when the first, big, corporate sponsor came to NASCAR in the early 70’s.” Punch said. On Dale Earnhardt, Punch recalled “He’s been a star for two decades… whether you liked or disliked Dale Earnhardt, you had to respect him for his ability.” Another guest, Liz Clarke, of the Washington Post, put it bluntly. “Dale Earnhardt was despised by many people. mBut he was a promoters dream” Mark Howell, an auto racing historian and another Nightline guest, said he believes that Earnhardt’s death may generate new fans who are curious about the sport that has been headlining the news for the past two weeks(Catchfence)(see my Dale Earnhardt Tribute of the Transcript Link)(2-27-2001)
