Dear Orlando Sentinel:

You have gone too far this time. I understand and applaud your investigative piece prior to the Daytona 500 regarding NASCAR and its approach to the issue of safety. But to sue for the right to view Dale Earnhardt's autopsy photos?

When Teresa sought to stop Volusia County from releasing photos of her dead husband, you should have folded your tent and went away. Instead, through one of your writers, you submitted a public records request under Florida's "Sunshine Laws."

Why? Do you suspect foul play? Your attorney, David Bralow says "if these photos will help elucidate the nature of what exactly went wrong or what happened to Dale Earnhardt, then the public is served."

How? Is it not NASCAR's role to determine, as best as possible, the causes of Dale's death? If the County Coroner suspected foul play or negligence, is it not his responsibility to investigate?

How many members of NASCAR subscribe to your paper? Is it more than one percent? Has your readership demanded you step into some sort of breech left by others to solve this terrible tragedy?

Your actions are at the basest level in poor taste and smack of sensationalism. I understand you have no stated intention of publishing Earnhardt's photos. Why then would it not be sufficient to interview the doctor who performed the autopsy?

The racing family in general, and the Earnhardts in particular, have suffered enough. Steve Park's win at Rockingham, N.C., started a much needed healing process. It will take a very long time -- if ever -- for Dale Jr. , Kerry, Kellie, Taylor Nicole and Teresa to erase the final lap of the Daytona 500. It will take even longer to understand why it had to happen.

I cannot fathom what is gained by your efforts.

You have publicly stated that you have no desire to cause Teresa Earnhardt any more pain. Yet you force her to engage in a negotiated settlement that will allow you to view the photos.

I said a while back that NASCAR's mainstreaming would bring with it a seemier side; that the racing community would be subjected to unparalleled scrutiny. I worried that placing the sport under a microscope would subject it to an assortment of issues that would portray NASCAR to be something that it was not.

My worries centered on social issues and their policies. I never thought it would result in this sort of activity. I'm sure the legislators that passed Florida's "Sunshine Laws" didn't think so either.

Jack Arute