I remember getting pelted in the head with a full beer can at ringside during a boxing card in 1970. Some say it changed my personality.

Whatever.

All I know is that it was stupid and dangerous--and it hurt.

So, to those idiots at Talladega Superspeedway who hurled cans and rubbish at Jeff Gordon's No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet after his victory in the Aaron's 499 Sunday: Get a life!

You are not true race fans, and Dale Earnhardt would be ashamed of you. In moving ahead of the Intimidator in career NASCAR Cup victories, Gordon, who now has 77, was paying tribute to the late champion, not disrespecting him.

Earnhardt, killed in the 2001 Daytona 500, was tough, rough -- even a little crude at times. But he was a real man -- not a coward taking refuge in the stands, aiming a missile at another person, or his vehicle, in the name of loyalty.

Race-car drivers are brave, focused and committed to their sport. Gordon is a champion, and one of the best drivers of all time. He might come across occasionally as arrogant. But arrogance should not be confused with confidence and determination. Gordon is a consummate professional, driven by a burning desire to win, not by ego.

Team owner Rick Hendrick, for whom Gordon has won four Cup championships, summed it up to reporters after the race: "You hate for someone to get hurt. We're going to paint the car anyway. There are dents in it. But you think about people sitting in the front row getting hit with beers cans."

If fans at Talladega can't hold their beer, stop serving it, or allowing it into the track .

That will hurt almost as much as a can to the cranium.