CONCORD, N.C. — It’s time to show more appreciation for the current stars of motorsports and appreciate their skills and achievements while they are in the primes of their careers.

Like most folks who grew up as a race fan during the 1970s and 1980s, my love affair with the sport began with the legends of the sports — A.J. Foyt, Richard Petty, Cale Yarborough, the Unsers, Mario Andretti, the Allisons and so many others.