Distance between NASCAR heroes and their followers grows wider.

To some, the scene might have been touching.
For a true NASCAR fan, it was simply a sign of devotion or even a rite of passage.
For well over an hour Friday afternoon, a young boy stood in the rain just outside the driver compound at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Dressed in the expensive attire of his dashing hero, the fan clutched a pen, a pad and a camera.
He waited, pleaded, chased, and then waited some more. The mini-drama alternated between noble and tragic, but it was definitely impressive.
The goal of this rain-drenched devotee to the stock car lords was basic. He simply wanted to soak in some NASCAR magic from his man. You know, feed the racing fever.
Of course, landing an autograph from the iconic Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is comparable to a Holy Grail quest. Just a wave or smile from a mid-level driver or apprentice would have been fine on this day.
Sadly, this little episode ended in disappointment if not heartbreak. And that seems to happen far too often.
NASCAR fans, no matter the age, are incredible. They will brave weather extremes, traffic jams, high prices and even swarms of locusts to support their sport and its stars.
Certainly, the drivers face demands on their time from owners, sponsors, media and family Yet, one wonders if the drivers really understand how much a simple gesture of recognition would mean to the average fan.
Before the days of ESPN and soap-opera style glamour, stars such as Richard Petty and Ned Jarrett would spend hours with their followers. Once the bond was formed, it could never be broken.
Even as recently as five years ago, fans still had the opportunity to at least get close to the heroes. Now that ticket to starland usually comes with a hefty price or a corporate connection. There are various reasons, including safety, why the disconnect grows larger by the day.
Drivers cannot be expected to always stop and greet fans, especially just before a tense qualifying session. However, a little smile for the camera or a quick scribble on a sheet of paper while zooming by on a golf cart can create a lifetime memory for somes.
And heck, just imagine how much it would mean if a driver made a surprise visit on a chartered bus full of NASCAR fans. Want devotion? Check out the bus lot someday.
Any gesture sure would have made one young lad happy Friday afternoon at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Here’s an idea for NASCAR officials worried about lackluster attendance and television ratings.
Let’s declare a year of the fan. And make a sign, as simple as distributing free souvenirs to every ticket buyer, to the folks who actually fuel the sport.
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