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Great point. I can go back a very long time and point you to drivers that worked hard to promote themselves and the sport. Ted Horn, Rex Mays, Tony Bettenhausen, Gary B., Tom Bigelow, Jan Opperman and the list goes on. Those generations knew that it was the paying customer that paid the bills and felt like it was part of the job to interact with them.
It used to be fans were welcomed to the pit area to get autographs, etc. after the races. But today, don't go down there as you might get run over by one of the rolling garages trying to get out of town. I saw a bunch of fans disappointed at a USAC race some years ago when their merry band loaded up after an event and got out, many before any fans could even get to the pit area.
Now, I get why some might be reluctant to interact or sign, with the number of idiots carrying 20 items for them to sign so they can sell them on ebay. I see that all too often.
Part of Rico's popularity is his ability and wilingness to interact. Same with a guy like Dave Darland. Others would do well to follow their examples.
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