Dale Earnhardt Jr. honors his father in so many ways, but he remains his own man.
There was a reason why Dale Earnhardt, aka "The Intimidator," was also known as "Ironhead." His stubbornness came along as a package deal with his skill-set.
Earnhardt didn't think much of this new-agey safety feature called a HANS (head-and-neck restraint) device back in 2001 before the start of the Daytona 500. It could very well have saved his life. Earnhardt died from a basal skull fracture after an accident on the last turn of the race.
Fifteen years later, his son is front and center when it comes to a proactive attitude about safety. He will miss another race next weekend at Bristol and possibly more, still dealing with concussion-related symptoms.
Sadly, Dale Earnhardt never saw the big picture and dismissed evolving safety features and concerns as some form of wussificaiton of the sport. His son knows better.
"The doctors won't let me race," he said on Friday, addressing reporters at Watkins Glen. "This is not my decision, but it's the right decision and I trust what my doctors are telling me."
Bingo and bravo. Many athletes, not just race-car drivers, get caught up in the macho world of ignoring pain, of ignoring medical advice and of putting short-term satisfaction before long-term health.
Earnhardt is doing no such thing. And of course the NASCAR Nation is hurting, right alongside him.
But what be even more painful would be to have another Earnhardt become part of another NASCAR tragedy.
