What part of the race weekend were you trying to get autographs. If it was right before or right after (or even during) practice, the drivers are pre-occupied with their race cars and race teams during that time. If it was right before the qualifying or the race, same deal.
A lot of the drivers are very accommodating about signing autographs so long as the time is right. Jeff Gordon among others are well-known for signing up a storm. Conversely, my favorite driver Tony Stewart is notoriously not the most autograph-friendly person in the world when it comes to being at the track. It depends on the driver and the point during the race weekend that you catch them. Danica in particular is probably very hard to catch at a right time because if she's not in the car she's being pulled in 500 directions for media and other obligations.
Keep in mind that if they signed for you, they would have had to have signed for everyone else and with their schedules being so tight in terms of opportunity to debrief with their race team and obligations with sponsors and media, they can't take the time to do it if they are running right up against one of those deals which, and I mean no offense here, take priority over scrawling their name on a piece of paper or a diecast car. It doesn't necessarily mean they are jerks (though Kurt Busch and Juan Pablo Montoya often give reason to think of them in such a way). Demand is just so high it is impossible for supply to meet it in today's NASCAR.
The next time the Cup Series is in Kentucky or anywhere else close to you, look up some local autograph signings. I know Tony does one at a Bass Pro Shops every week that BPS is the primary sponsor of his car for that weekend, and other drivers show up at various other retailers and what have you. Lines might be very long but it would probably be well worth it if you are a big autograph seeker. I personally have never attempted to get an autograph, but I'm just going by the accounts of the fans who I have seen do so.
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ARosser14
11 years ago
Furthermore, I'm not sure if the Nationwide Series does this but I know that the Camping World Truck Series has an autograph session before every one of their races where they line a lot of the drivers up at a table. These drivers might not be the big superstar names like Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, or Tony Stewart, but there are a lot of great drivers like Ron Hornaday Jr. and a lot of tomorrow's Sprint Cup superstars like Chase Elliott (Bill's son) and James Buescher. If the schedule is the same next year as it was three weeks ago, they will be racing on the Thursday before the Cup race so you could probably get some signatures then.
Hope this helps and I hope you aren't soured on the sport because of your unsuccessful attempts to get autographs in Kentucky.
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TheLordofTheHarvest
11 years ago
Most drivers are not fan friendly at all times. The Busch's and Montoya are none to be jerks all the time, and Danica barely has time to breathe. She's nice to her fans bit she's rushed by every side 24/7. If you caught them at the right time then possibly it would work out.
It's all about timing really. If you catch them when they come to see the fans at the track or at a signing then they will be sign. Most of them love their fans and will do anything to show respect.
Back in the old days it was easier. Richard Petty signed autographs for hours because he was truly a nice guy, and so did the Allisons. Davey Allison came to my hometown several times as we are near a track. As did Harry Gant and Kyle Petty. It was much easier back in the past to meet your favorites but it's still possible now, just timing.
I hope you get another chance!
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