NASCAR offers a glimpse into lives of both drivers and celebrities

By Kris Johnson - Assistant Managing Editor

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Hendrick Motorsports' Jeff Gordon scored his lone victory of the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup season at Texas Motor Speedway in April.

David Griffin
NASCAR Scene

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The business of writing comes with many blessings, not the least of which is conversing with interesting people and having them talk about things both professional and, on occasion, private. When you have the chance to drill deeper – with respect and appreciation for the person sitting across from you – it helps humanize them.

One of the great divides in America lies between celebrity and, well, the rest of us. In the minds of many, that gulf between themselves and “stars” can appear impassable. Part of our job is to bridge that gap while featuring some of the sport’s major players and others who are drawn into the NASCAR fray. Most times, you come away realizing that people are people, no matter their standing in life.

Here is a look back at the most memorable interview subjects encountered by one editor in 2009. They all must be thanked again – along with their publicists and/or marketing folks – for the time they shared with NASCAR Scene, NASCAR Illustrated and SceneDaily.com:

Jeff Gordon: In the back of Gordon’s No. 24 hauler at Michigan International Speedway – and with crew chief Steve Letarte working alongside for much of it – the four-time Cup champion discussed where he was in terms of both his life and career. Gordon was candid in assessing the adversity he faced during his rise to stardom. “I don’t think there’s ever been a more challenging or difficult time in my life than going through the divorce. … It took me a little while to get over the bitterness of the whole thing.”

Greg Biffle: At Biffle’s personal race shop in suburban Charlotte, the soon-to-be 40-year-old driver discussed chasing that elusive Sprint Cup championship and how growing older changed his perspective. “Ten years from now when I’m not racing, you and I are going to be sitting here talking about what it was like. Oh yeah, I used to have an airplane. I flew on it every week. I’m not going to have that. That’s going to be a thing of the past, a piece of history that’s gone. I take it for granted every day because it’s something I’ve got to do [sponsor and media appearances]. Well, more this year, I’ve enjoyed the experience a little bit more.”

Bobby Labonte: Highlight included a tour of Bobby Labonte Enterprises in Archdale, N.C., with Labonte serving as guide for much of it. The sit-down portion of the interview, which was intended to get to the heart of why a former Cup champion keeps on competing with lesser teams after reaching the pinnacle of his sport, took place arm’s length away from Labonte’s 2000 Cup trophy. Labonte admits not having appreciated it as much as he should have in the moment. “I usually wear my ‘Life is Good’ shirts. I love those shirts. Sometimes you don’t sit back and realize that life is pretty good. In today’s world, we’re all running 100 mph. How can you stop and enjoy it – but you can’t breathe? Because nobody can breathe. I know it’s difficult for me.”

Michael Waltrip: Phone interview with NASCAR’s reigning clown prince, who was gracious enough to do it despite being under the weather. He was coming off an appearance in “My Name is Earl” and discussed how his acting ability and self-deprecation help him as an owner/driver. “A couple years ago, when our team wasn’t doing so well out of the gate, NAPA for the first time came in April or May, and we made some commercials that were pretty popular and pretty funny about the fan mail that I got. As painful as it was for me to stand there and make fun of myself, it was important to be able to try to show people, ‘We’re down, we understand we’re down, but we’re not out. And we’re going to be back, so keep the fan mail coming!’ One day we’ll get some fan mail that will be fun to read.”

Jarit Johnson: Jimmie Johnson’s younger brother is still trying to make it in the sport. He’s understandably proud of Jimmie, but human nature being what it is, you wonder if he is also envious of his success at times. “No. I’m very proud of him; I’m not jealous by no means. It was just the luck of the draw and the time line of where he got back here and got going [with his career]. This sport doesn’t rely on talent no more. I’ll just be completely honest: It relies on money. Which driver can market a sponsor the best they possibly can. There’s thousands and thousands of kids out here that have the talent to be at that level and they can’t get it because they don’t have the money.”

Steve Hallam: Michael Waltrip Racing’s new competition director was still making the transition from Formula One early in the year at Phoenix International Raceway. Hallam speaks softly with an air of sophistication and humility. He appeared tickled by the various local traditions to be found on the circuit – from Martinsville hot dogs to trophies at other venues. “Please don’t take this the wrong way, but only in Texas could they give you a gun for pole position. … I can’t wait to go to Nashville. Hopefully, we will win a guitar.”

Brian Williams: “NBC Nightly News” anchor detailed some personal experiences with his fallen friend, Dale Earnhardt Sr. He genuinely loves racing albeit a little bit less now that Earnhardt is gone.

Billy Ray Cyrus: In a suite overlooking the frontstretch at Auto Club Speedway, Cyrus also shared stories of Earnhardt. There was one rule going into the interview, and that was no mention of Miley Cyrus be made. Luckily, though, Cyrus offered up his thoughts unbidden and appeared misty-eyed when talking about the need to let go as his daughter grows into womanhood.

Hugh Laurie: Disjointed interview conducted while TV’s “House” fiddled with a pack of cigarettes and then walked from Auto Club Speedway frontstretch suite, down the red carpet and to the stage area for driver introductions. NASCAR neophyte didn’t pretend to know much about the sport, and that was greatly appreciated. Obviously a highly intelligent and funny guy, Laurie knows much about F1 and regularly travels at perilous speeds on his motorcycle.

Dierks Bentley: Phone interview with rising country star came in advance of his appearance to begin the year at Daytona. Bentley wasn’t on the line with a huge country music enthusiast. But here’s where an interview such as this can be helpful to both recording artist and interviewer – afterward, and more out of curiosity than anything, the album he was pumping heading into Daytona was purchased by someone who favors alternative rock, hip-hop and jazz. It was worth it.