COLUMN: Some things are more important than a stock car race

            RICHMOND, Va. - Taking the long view, realistically, there wasn't much chance of the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 being run tonight.

            That wasn't obvious until awfully late on Friday. Mainly this was because of the commonly held internal view that NASCAR is the center of the universe.

            NASCAR not being the center of the universe, of course, there are many more issues in the Commonwealth. It shouldn't be a surprise for people who live in a region known as the Tidewater that tidal surge is a concern.

            But that's 90 minutes away.

            A big storm prepared to barrel into Virginia. Incredibly, those charged with relief - policemen, medics, utilities - can't give Richmond International Raceway first priority. They have to give the edge to the prevention of human suffering over the maintenance of a sporting event.

            Meanwhile, race drivers were frolicking about on Friday, saying that their reading of the weather reports led them to believe that the weather could clear out in time to run the race.

            Sure. It could be run. The drivers are all here, safe and sound, nestled snugly in their six-figure motor coaches. They walk through a tunnel to race. The people who watch a race have to drive or come in buses. Woe be unto the thousands already camped out at the track and thereabouts.

            Fans face obstacles like downed trees and snapped electrical lines. They can't leave their homes until they try to make sure most of it's going to be left when they return.

            Racing fans love the sport, but even love has its bounds. Survival trumps love every time because love is impossible for those who don't survive.

            This storm will likely cost the track its streak of 33 consecutive sellouts. Truly that should be the least of all concerns.

            And, knowing the way this sport operates, they'll probably let the issue die down and then claim it was sold out anyway, kind of like the way they claim the race run in New Hampshire back in 2000 wasn't a restrictor-plate race even though all the engines in all the cars had plates on them.

            Sacrifice the race for 12 hours or so? No problem. Wha's really important is: Save the people.

            You can reach Monte Dutton at mdutton@gastongazette.com.