Maybe “Crazy Al” isn’t so crazy after all
Even if you have known a person for a very long time it certainly doesn’t mean you know everything about him or her.
They just might do something downright unusual – something you think is completely nuts. But in the end, it’s something you greatly admire.
Consider Al Pearce. He is a long-time motorsports writer from Newport News, Va., who has written for Autoweek, among other publications, for years.
I have known Pearce throughout my career. A long time ago he was one of a handful of us guys who covered NASCAR regularly. We traversed the country like a bunch of vagabonds, congregated in garage areas, press boxes and bars and got to know each other. Of course, I was the youngest by far.
Some of us were real, uh, characters. I knew Pearce was a hard worker and a good writer, but I also thought he was, well, a bit eccentric. He certainly did things in his own way.
I’ve always called Pearce “Crazy Al” and he calls me “Nutsy.” Sort of gives you an idea of how we regard each other – fondly, of course.
You may have read where Pearce has traveled around the world over the last 13 months for a charitable cause.
He has covered 67,000 miles to obtain the signatures of 20 Formula One champions on a racing helmet he plans to auction in support of the Victory Junction Gang Camp and the Kyle Petty Charity Ride.
He made two trips this month to London and Brazil to get the signatures of Lewis Hamilton and Nelson Piquet. He has all the autographs he sought, even that of Phil Hill, the American champ who died in August.
Pearce told me about his efforts more than once. I even saw the helmet a couple of times. I’m ashamed to say that I didn’t pay much attention. Ol’ “Crazy Al” was off on another of his whacky tangents.
Turns out there was nothing whacky about it.
Pearce has spent a small fortune in his unique charitable effort but won’t take any reimbursement.
You know, a guy who spends over a year traveling around the world on his own nickel just so he can get 20 signatures on a helmet could well be called crazy.
But he can be called something else – a creative, determined person with a sincere appreciation for the needs of others.
Attaboy, “Crazy Al.” You have earned my utmost respect. And I daresay that of many, many others, as well.
