Dear NASCAR

I have put a very prominent name in the title for a reason. I'm hoping that search engines will find this so that many will see it.

Dear NASCAR and Fans,

I watch your racing goodness every time you roll. My husband enjoys the fast pace and spin outs on a Sunday (and some times Saturday) afternoon. He visits many race tracks located throughout our great nation through your miles logged in on many tracks.

I also think we can safely surmise that this sport is no longer the country boy sport. This is evident in your boxes where catered meals abound. This is also evident in the maxed out R.V.s that rest in your infields. Many walks of life are enjoying the business empire called NASCAR.

Because I truly believe that a person should enjoy the chance to relax and if you so choose to watch this in order to do so, then so be it. I have (and will continue) to enjoy many afternoons lulled to sleep on my couch by the sound of tires on asphalt. The sounds of air guns changing tires will echo in my dreams.

I do have one issue to take up with you, NASCAR, and your fans.

At the beginning of every race, you are prayed over and our National Anthem is sung by various people.

Tell me this, if you can.

Why can't you respect the song when sung?

Each time we watch this, we stop whatever we are doing out of respect. Our children must place their right hand over their hearts. No talking, please. Sing if you want....that's perfectly acceptable. We are in our homes. Accountable to no one but ourselves.

You, on the other hand, are being viewed by millions of people. I see pit team members in their brightly colored suits standing there. No hand over the heart. Chewing gum or tobacco with all their might. I see driver's with an arm propped on the car. I see their ladies standing there in their 200 dollar shades with arms crossed or hand on hip. I see fans on top of 250K R.V.s with beer in hand spitting over the side and shuffling around waiting on the race to begin.

You, NASCAR, have become one of America's top viewed sports, on par with baseball.

Can you not then be an example to those watching and stand with respect and with your hand over your heart when our National Anthem is being sung?

Choose not to bow your head when the invocation is delivered, but be rest assured we know who you will be calling on should a bad wreck occur that proves to be fatal or near abouts.

I am saddened and disheartened that such a blatant show of disrespect is shown on my television.

I am proud that military members who are in attendance will stand at attention and salute our flag gladly. I am proud of fan and pit crew members who do the same.

If you have a leg in a cast or your are confined to a wheelchair, we understand your issue. If you got a right arm? Put it over your heart.

Michael Waltrip, Sir? You touched me today as you stood there with full respect and sang along. My hat is off to you, Sir, and I appreciate the example you set for our viewing country.

I will not apologize for this letter and hope that you will see the impact you are having on our country.

If you feel you don't need to show respect? We have borders located to the North, East, South, and West. Please exit the one closest to you and send us a post card from your new home. I can promise you it won't be Land of the Free, Home of the Brave.

I thank you for your time and look forward to seeing more respect for our flag and our song in the future.

Sincerely,

Miss Hope