Helping a NASCAR Colleague

My friend and colleague Ellen Siska, NASCAR columnist for The York Dispatch and contributing writer at ESPN.com, needs our help.  I'm appealing to the entire NASCAR Nation -- not just fans, but drivers and team members as well.

The Stratosphere in Las Vegas dimmed its lights last night (Friday 2/18) in tribute to Dale Earnhardt.  Click on photo to see larger.



Here is the original press release about the tribute to Dale Earnhardt:

The Stratosphere Tower to Dim Lights in Honor of NASCAR® Seven-Time Champion Dale Earnhardt

February 18, 2011 is the 10th anniversary of Racing Legend’s Death

February 10, 2011 – Las Vegas, Nev. – The Stratosphere Tower, the most recognizable icon on the Las Vegas Strip will dim the lights on its tower for the second year to honor racing legend Dale Earnhardt. The Stratosphere Tower will turn off its lights at 9:00 pm local time, February 18, 2011, and will remain dark for 10 minutes as a tribute to the 10th Anniversary of Earnhardt’s death. Also during this time the property’s marquee will play a tribute to Dale Earnhardt for three minutes to honor the legendary car number 3.

Dale Earnhardt Press Release

Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet is proud to officially announce the production of the 2011 Intimidator Camaro. Not since 2001 has this execution of style and speed been released into the hands of drivers nationwide. Unlike other editions, which are out there mired in the middle of the pack trying to gain position, the Intimidator Camaro carries the name that is synonymous with charging to the front. This car lives up to that name in every aspect. This supercharged, production model makes great use of NASCAR style and speed. Paying homage to the days when the NASCAR race car and the car you drove weren’t all that different. With an expected first quarter release date, keep your fire suits ready and your pit crew on standby because this machine will be on track soon!

It's Try-Day Friday! September 17, 2010

Product: Legendary Corvettes: 'Vettes Made Famous On Track And Screen (hardcover book)


Website: http://www.qbookshop.com/motorbooks.com/

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/MotorbooksInc

Many of the books I review on http://www.writesides.com/ and elsewhere are NASCAR-related. So, at first glance, you may be wondering why I'm covering this new book about Corvettes.

Here are a few reasons: 1) It's an excellent book about a car that, like NASCAR itself, is a prominent part of American motorsports; 2) There is a NASCAR connection, as you will soon see; 3) The book was just published; and, 4) I have a brand-new copy, retail U.S. price $35.00, to send to one lucky Twitter follower! Details on the giveaway at the end.

Ask anyone to name the iconic American sports car and chances are a majority of respondents will cite the Chevy Corvette. As the inside jacket of the book notes, "The Corvette has remained a beloved symbol of freedom, power, and speed."

But not all Corvettes are created equal. Having been in production for more than half a century now, some 'Vettes have achieved what the author describes as legendary, even "mythical" status. Legendary Corvettes chronicles the stories of 18 such celebrated vehicles in 175 pages of text combined with many breathtaking photos.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. ~ Just Call Him Resilient

[ This article was originally published November 9, 2006, at Insider Racing News ]

Dale Earnhardt Jr. ~ Just Call Him Resilient

By Becca Gladden

To say that Dale Earnhardt, Jr., had a tough day in Texas on Sunday would be an understatement.

From a 10th-place starting spot, Earnhardt battled strep throat, joint aches, nausea and heartburn - along with hard contact with the outside wall on lap 166, which exposed him to carbon monoxide in the cockpit and its accompanying side effects.

He finished sixth in spite of these challenges, climbing one spot to third in the championship point standings with two races to go.

During a post-race press conference, Junior was asked about his team's ability to fight back from such adversity. He replied, "We've been called a lot of things, and it would be great to be called resilient."

Dale, you already have been -- by me.

Over two years ago, I penned a column explaining why I felt that resiliency was Earnhardt Jr.'s single best quality as a race car driver.

Here is that column again: