The Spin Out Zone – Autograph Seekers Get Bumped

I read a very good column this week regarding NASCAR fans and driver
autographs, sparking my BUMP AND GO reaction. The column mentioned how a lady
waited in line for hours to get Dale Jr.’s autograph, and when it was her turn,
Dale Jr. didn’t even acknowledge her presence. It’s sad for the lady, because I
am sure she is a dedicated Dale Jr. fan. But, as we move down this NEW road, I
believe we’ll find this type of attitude common among drivers. However, there is
a group of individuals out there in world of NASCAR to blame.

Not knowing if there is an actual term for these individuals, I wanted to
throw my hat in the ring of adding to the NASCAR book of terminology. So, here
goes my attempt and feel free to email me your own and maybe we can share it
among the REAL, DEDICATED FANS.

FPF’S or "FOR PROFIT FAN’S" are people who could care less about
the sport, buy pit passes or other credentials to hound our favorite drivers for
autographs only to turn around and put it on EBAY or other auction sites to make
a profit.

We’ve all seen them, walking with the drivers, pushing post cards, hats,
shirts and die cast in their face for a signature. The drivers are dealing with
so many autograph seekers that they are forced to keep walking without speaking
or showing any emotion. Heck, look at how the drivers feel! Wondering if this is
a TRUE FAN or a FPF making money off them.

Visiting EBAY on Monday, I found a Dale Jr. autograph card for $150, a Kevin
Harvick autograph card for $54 and even a Hut Stricklin autograph card was going
for six bucks! Not to say these specific sellers aren’t FANS, but it does give
you an idea the kind of money that is being made from autographs.

I think we would all agree NASCAR is the most fan friendly sport out there.
Your everyday baseball fans do not have access to dug out passes, football fans
do not see sideline passes or hockey fans do not have access to the penalty box.
We, the NASCAR FAN’s are lucky. But these FPF’S, will at some point, eliminate
the access that REAL FANS have with their favorite drivers. I believe they’ll
cause even more limited access to specific areas at the track and create fewer
opportunities to meet, touch and get an autograph from drivers. To the FPF, this
is their business and every man, woman and child for themselves.

When you get a chance, watch the people walking with Jeff Gordon, Dale Jr. or
any popular driver. First you’ll notice the drivers will continue walking, they
can’t stop or they’ll get mobbed. Most of the time, they won’t make eye contact,
it’s a typical sign and go. Then watch the reaction of the person getting the
autograph. You’ll see right off who is a TRUE FAN by their emotional enthusiasm
or who is the FPF. And do me a favor, if you are at the track and see an FPF
push aside a child to get the for profit autograph, just yell out "FPF
ALERT." Maybe just maybe, you’ll scare the living FPF’s out of them and
they’ll think twice about messing with a REAL FAN.

This weeks SPIN OUT goes to – the FPF’S. For taking a priceless opportunity
from the REAL FANS of NASCAR!

I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy July 4th. God bless America,
our Military and our President!

Until next week, happy bumping!