Jarrett sticks up for motor racing

Since Dale Earnhardt's death in the Daytona 500 on February 18, racing has come under fire from the general interest, mainstream media in the USA. Some have questioned why racing should be allowed, especially after four NASCAR drivers have been killed in the past year.

"That's just people that don't understand our sport," Jarrett said. "Our sport isn't for everyone, but don't condemn us unless you know something about it. If you are going to talk about it, learn something about it first.

"To some people, it doesn't make sense what we do. We could make a case for almost any athletic event, what sense does it really make? Let's go beat a little white golf ball around a course and try to knock it in a hole, or grown men putting on pads and beating on each other, or a boxing match.

"But, it's a competition, it is entertainment and this is what we like to do. Again, if it is not something you enjoy, fine. But don't totally condemn us unless you know how passionate we are as competitors and the fans. There are
millions of people who do enjoy what we do and we will continue on in that. We know there is a risk involved. Sure, what we do adds more risk to our life, but nobody holds a gun to our head and makes us get in these things. This is what we choose to do."