Tune-In Alert: Tim Richmond Documentary Tuesday Night On ESPN

If you've seen any of ESPN's "30 For 30" short films, you know about the high quality and riveting stories that define the series.

That alone would be enough motivation to watch the only NASCAR-related "30 For 30" film, which airs Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN (and 11 p.m. ET on ESPN2).

But Tim Richmond: To The Limit is exceptional enough to stand on its own – just like Richmond was. Produced by NASCAR Media Group, the documentary will appeal to all NASCAR fans, whether they followed racing during Richmond's era or not.

It's likely there's a large percentage of fans who have only heard of Richmond – but never actually saw him race (myself included). After watching this entertaining and insightful film, they'll wish they had.

Richmond had a truly unique spirit and ability, sort of like a wilder version of Scott Speed combined with the raw talent of Kyle Busch. He loved to go fast and reap the spoils that came with it – money, women, fame.

Unfortunately, that free-wheeling lifestyle ultimately killed him. Fans know the end of the story: His career was cut short when he contracted the AIDS virus, which was never confirmed publicly until his death.

And the film shows the dark side of Richmond's life, warts and all. It's an honest look at a driver – and a character – who could have won championships and become one of NASCAR's all-time legends.

Instead, that potential was never fulfilled.

"He was always ahead of his time in everything he did," says his sister, Sandy Welsh, who appears in the film. "We're telling the truth."

Those who watch the film and are only familiar with the corporate pitchman model of drivers in today's NASCAR will enjoy Richmond's wide-open personality – and long for someone to follow in his footsteps.

But after his death, Richmond wasn't talked about in positive terms – or mentioned much at all – because of the association with AIDS, which carried a major stigma during that time.

"For so many years, it was like Tim didn't even exist," Welsh says. "That was very sad."

Thanks to this film, Richmond has been brought to life for a whole new generation of fans.

Make sure you don't miss it.