I am very unhappy to hear that Andy Cagle will no longer be writing his NASCAR column for The Pilot.

If this is The Pilot’s doing, that only makes it worse.

Not everyone in this geographic area is enamored only of golf or horses; we have varied interests. What makes Andy unique as a NASCAR writer is that he writes as a true fan of the sport.

Unlike sports writers at larger newspapers, he is not beholden to, or afraid of, the powers-that-be in the sport he covers.

He says exactly what he really believes and, in most cases, it’s exactly what the average fan is thinking. That, my friends, is a good sports writer.

In all the years I’ve been reading his column, I can’t say I’ve agreed with everything he’s written, but darn close to it. I’ve enjoyed his passion, marveled at his knowledge, and laughed at his self-deprecating humor.

If The Pilot doesn’t attempt to retain his services, then it’s not just The Pilot that loses, but also fans of great writing. His column will indeed be missed.

Thank you, Andy.

Larry Yates

Seven Lakes