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10/17/2002 - Updated 04:33 PM ET
Marlin can understand pain faced by Renshaw
By Larry Woody, The Tennessean
Sterling Marlin knows first-hand the ordeal Deborah Renshaw is going through.
Marlin was involved in a fatal crash at Daytona last year that took the life of racing legend Dale Earnhardt.
Marlin not only had to endure the pain of losing a close friend, he had to deal with being unfairly blamed for the crash by some fans.
Renshaw, 25, likewise is being blamed by some fans for last Wednesday's crash at Lowe's Motor Speedway that took the life of ARCA driver Eric Martin.
"It's pretty rough," Marlin said. "I know how she feels. This is something that will go with her for the rest of her life. But she has to put it out of her mind if she's going to keep racing."
Marlin's fellow drivers — including Dale Earnhardt Jr. — were quick to rush to his defense. They said Marlin was not to blame for the crash. Renshaw's fellow drivers have likewise rallied behind her.
"It's important that Deborah not beat up on herself," ARCA champion Frank Kimmel said. "She couldn't help what happened. It was just a racing accident."
An ARCA investigation concluded there was a delay in transmitting information about Martin's crashed car to Renshaw, ARCA President Ron Drager said Wednesday. Drager said Renshaw, who suffered a concussion, is unable to recall many details of the crash.
''We feel that a spotter in the spotters' stand could have prevented what happened,'' Drager said.
Meanwhile, some hate mail has been dribbling in as Renshaw recovers from her injuries at a Charlotte-area residence.
"I'd say that 99% of the mail has been very positive and supportive, but there has been a little of the other stuff, too," Dan Renshaw, Deborah's father, said yesterday. "She's dealing with it pretty well. She's been through it before."
Renshaw was the target of some fan attacks this summer after several drivers plotted to get her disqualified at Fairgrounds Speedway. The story made national news and generated widespread support for Renshaw, but it also drew some criticism and even threats.
Marlin received death threats in the wake of the Earnhardt crash. His team took the threats seriously enough to increase security for Marlin's next race. One call was traced and an arrest made.
Compounding the problem for Renshaw is the fact she is one of very few female drivers in the sport. Some of the criticism directed at her has been sexist, ranging from obscene comments to snide "woman driver" remarks.
"It's hard to believe there are people like that out there, but unfortunately there are," Marlin said. "You have to learn to ignore them."
Renshaw will have one of four metal pins removed from her broken left foot next week. Another cast will be put on her foot and remain for eight weeks.
The Bowling Green, Ky., driver, who moved to Nashville this summer to pursue her racing career, is determined to race again. Her Busch Series team owner, Rick Wilson, said her car will be waiting for her when she returns.
Marlin can understand pain faced by Renshaw
By Larry Woody, The Tennessean
Sterling Marlin knows first-hand the ordeal Deborah Renshaw is going through.
Marlin was involved in a fatal crash at Daytona last year that took the life of racing legend Dale Earnhardt.
Marlin not only had to endure the pain of losing a close friend, he had to deal with being unfairly blamed for the crash by some fans.
Renshaw, 25, likewise is being blamed by some fans for last Wednesday's crash at Lowe's Motor Speedway that took the life of ARCA driver Eric Martin.
"It's pretty rough," Marlin said. "I know how she feels. This is something that will go with her for the rest of her life. But she has to put it out of her mind if she's going to keep racing."
Marlin's fellow drivers — including Dale Earnhardt Jr. — were quick to rush to his defense. They said Marlin was not to blame for the crash. Renshaw's fellow drivers have likewise rallied behind her.
"It's important that Deborah not beat up on herself," ARCA champion Frank Kimmel said. "She couldn't help what happened. It was just a racing accident."
An ARCA investigation concluded there was a delay in transmitting information about Martin's crashed car to Renshaw, ARCA President Ron Drager said Wednesday. Drager said Renshaw, who suffered a concussion, is unable to recall many details of the crash.
''We feel that a spotter in the spotters' stand could have prevented what happened,'' Drager said.
Meanwhile, some hate mail has been dribbling in as Renshaw recovers from her injuries at a Charlotte-area residence.
"I'd say that 99% of the mail has been very positive and supportive, but there has been a little of the other stuff, too," Dan Renshaw, Deborah's father, said yesterday. "She's dealing with it pretty well. She's been through it before."
Renshaw was the target of some fan attacks this summer after several drivers plotted to get her disqualified at Fairgrounds Speedway. The story made national news and generated widespread support for Renshaw, but it also drew some criticism and even threats.
Marlin received death threats in the wake of the Earnhardt crash. His team took the threats seriously enough to increase security for Marlin's next race. One call was traced and an arrest made.
Compounding the problem for Renshaw is the fact she is one of very few female drivers in the sport. Some of the criticism directed at her has been sexist, ranging from obscene comments to snide "woman driver" remarks.
"It's hard to believe there are people like that out there, but unfortunately there are," Marlin said. "You have to learn to ignore them."
Renshaw will have one of four metal pins removed from her broken left foot next week. Another cast will be put on her foot and remain for eight weeks.
The Bowling Green, Ky., driver, who moved to Nashville this summer to pursue her racing career, is determined to race again. Her Busch Series team owner, Rick Wilson, said her car will be waiting for her when she returns.