Question:
Hell! What a fantastic job to have for over 30(?) years! I don't feel
the least bit sorry for the Hat Man. I ENVY him! How many of us will
have to sweat out 20-30 years in some drudge or stressful job, if we're
even luck enough to last that long. This guy's job involved sayin' HI
to winners, passing out hats, figuring whether it's Pepsi or GatorAde on
the roof.... anyone out there who couldn't handle that for 30 years.
I'd love to try!
Answer:
Bill Brodrick, (The Hat Man) long-time publicity
and public relations specialist for
the racing division of Unocal 76 and P.R. counsel
for that division,
has been terminated from the position. Unocal, the
official racing gasoline of NASCAR, was acquired by
TOSCO Corp. earlier this year.
I am very saddened by this news about Bill Broderick. He has been a
staple in victory lane since the 60's. How hard will it be for drivers
and fans both not to look toward victory lane and see the hat man
putting out a hand of congratulations for the driver, and a friendly
slap on the back for all the crew members This is another example of
lost tradition in NASCAR. First we lost North Wilkesboro, one of the
best bullrings in NASCAR, then we lost Elmo, almost lost Bill France in
Japan, and now the Hatman. It was hard being at Charlotte and not
seeing that familiar number 17 running around the track. One must
wonder how long it is before we lose Martinsville, and Bristol. I have
season tickets to Bristol, and view it as the best racetrack in the
whole world, but the day NASCAR leaves Bristol is the day I leave NASCAR
for good. NASCAR can not abandon any more roots. How hard is it to
watch Bud Moore and Bobby Allison standing on the sidelines without a
team or a driver. As it is now NASCAR's 50th anniversary, I think it is
time that NASCAR takes a long hard look at themselves. I love the
sport, and would rather watch a Busch or a Truck Race than watch my
Tennessee Vols play Football. Its been a great 50 years, and lets hope
2000 more. The sport grows every year, and the seasons just like the
cars at Dega just seem to fly by. So heres to the hatman, may he get
another job in NASCAR doing something good.
