Dale Earnhardt - 4 Years Ago Today.....

[Goodwrench3]

February 18, 2001. Triumph and tragedy for Dale Earnhardt Incorporated.
Just as Micheal Waltrip took the chequered flag to win the Big One, the Daytona 500, his boss crashed in turn 4, and the life of the greatest NASCAR driver of them all was taken.

I'll never ever forget the feeling of total and utter shock when the news came through. You always got the feeling that while that sort of thing could happen to anyone, it just would not happen to Earnhardt. The Intimidator. The Man of Iron.
He had walked away from so many enormous accidents.

He was 49, a seven time Winston Cup Champion. He was in the twilight of his career.
But, he had finished second in the 2000 series and had been running third in the 500, aggressively defending his two team cars in the lead, when the end came. He was also interviewed relaxing in front of his motor home before the race. He looked completely peaceful and content. So I don't second-guess his reasons for racing on having already won and won and won.

He'll never be forgotten. There are so many memories, and the deeds of his son and namesake will just add to the legend.

RIP The Intimidator.

[Nick Short]

I can't believe it's been 4 years! It seemed such a trivial accident, a gentle bump against the wall, and just because of the angle and him not wearing the head restraint it became tragic.

[wayno]

Originally posted by Nick Short
I can't believe it's been 4 years! It seemed such a trivial accident, a gentle bump against the wall, and just because of the angle and him not wearing the head restraint it became tragic.

I'm with you Nick. It didn't look like much did it. A tragedy beyond words. Nothing else needs to be said.

[timbo333]

Hi Brett,

You are the biggest fan i know of Dale Earnhardt....

It must be a hard day for you and other NASCAR fans. I guess when tragic events occur in motorsport it reinforces the notion that it is indeed a dangerous but exciting sport.

At the very least Dale died doing what he loved and what he was obviously good at. I hope that brings a measure of comfort to you and other fans.....

Timbo.

[Jack71]

I really miss Big E, more than I can describe really. For me he WAS NASCAR.
His influence was profound. I've often found myself thinking how things at Richard Childress Racing and Dale Earnhardt Inc would have turned out had he being alive today.
I'll write someting more fitting in the next day or so.

Long live The Intimidator

[Goodwrench3]

Originally posted by timbo333
Hi Brett,



It must be a hard day for you and other NASCAR fans. I guess when tragic events occur in motorsport it reinforces the notion that it is indeed a dangerous but exciting sport.

At the very least Dale died doing what he loved and what he was obviously good at. I hope that brings a measure of comfort to you and other fans.....

Timbo.

Thanks for your kind words Timbo. All you say is true.
Earnhardt often said when he was in his 30's that if he died in a race car that there should be no tears, that he was doing something that he loved.
But there were plenty of tears, mainly through obvious reasons but also because at the time of his death he had all his ducks in a row.
He had completely set up his life for the (fast approaching) time when he retired as a driver - he had esablished a 3 car team as an owner, his son was proving to be a success as a driver and he had the complete respect of the NASCAR community, including NASCAR itself. He was ready to sit back and smell the roses because he had worked like a demon his whole life to get to that point.
He never got that opportunity of course - Rusty Wallace spoke about that in an interview with Darrell Waltrip before this years 500.
But his story is an amazing one, and anyone who's looking for some motivation to kick start their own personal dream could do worse than to read it for themselves.

[Goodwrench3]

I thought the following might be of some interest to those who missed this thread at the time it was originally posted.

Dale Earnhardt, by Dale Earnhardt Jr

Here is the short story written by Dale Jr in 2000 about his father, who of course was killed in Feb 2001.
It was on numorous websites at that time, but it was printed in a NASCAR book called 'The Heart or Racing' published in 2000. I bought it in America in 2001.

"I Know a Man"

I know a man whose hands are so callused that gloves aren't necessary. Once, while cutting down a tree, he cut the back of his hand to the bone with a chainsaw. He didn't even stop to look until the job was done.
I've seen him get thrown from a tractor. The tractor, as large as a small home, was flipped by the trunk of a stubborn oak tree. His first thought was not fear, but how quickly he could get the tractor back on it's tracks to complete the task. He has suffered broken bones and never had one complaint. Not to anyone, not even to himself.
This man could lead the worlds finest army. He has wisdom that knows no bounds. No fire could burn his character, no stone could break it. He maintains a private existance, one that shelters his most coveted thoughts from the world.
His upbringing was no controlled creation. His hard-working family was like many from that era. He gained his knowledge in hard dirt and second-hand tools, from his toys as a child to the trucks he drove in his 20's. From that natural upbringing, he has an incredible sense of good and bad. He sees it before it sees him, in people, in anything imaginable. Where did he learn this? How does he know so many things?
I've seen this man create many things. With no blueprints, he has carved and produced wonders upon wonders. His resume shows he has created major companies. He has hammered out deal upon deal - always being as fair as God would have it. He has taken land with thick shrubs and deep valleys and molded them into a frontier fit for heaven.He has built homes that Kings couldn't fathom.
Solving problems is as easy as breathing for him. They are thrown his way like the morning paper. People surround him daily, wanting solutions. He hands them out with pride and passion. Each solution is a battle won. He calculates his every action, demanding the same from everyone else. He is honest in letting you know your end of the bargain.
His friendship is the greatest gift you could ever obtain. Out of all his attributes, it is the most impressive. He trusts only a few with this gift. If you ever break that trust - it is over. He accepts few apologies. Many have crossed him and they leave with only regret for their actions. In every result, he stands as an example of what hard work and dedication will achieve. Even his enemies know this.
I have had the pleasure of joining him on the battlefield. I have experienced his intimidating wrath. That may sound strong, but I know what I am talking about. He roams like a lion, king of his jungle. His jungle is his and his alone. Every step he takes has purpose. Every walk has reason.
He praises God, loves his family and enjoys his friends.
I wonder what his future holds. He has so much to be proud of. To this point, he's only barely satisfied. His eyes see much more than my imagination could produce.
He is Dale Earnhardt. Dad, the worlds finest army awaits.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr


__________________

[Kenseth17]

Another late entry from me too but I had a quiet drink with my brother on his anniversary.NASCAR has been the poorer without him and I can't help but feel the issues that the sport is facing would be sorted out quicker with The Intimidator still around.Apart from the occasional replay I never got to see the best of Earnhardt, as this was before my time but seem to see a lot of him in the number 8 Bud car.Hopefully I will see more.

[Jack71]

Have any of you Dudes seen the film '3' made about Big E last year? I'm thinkin of buying the DVD on ebay and from what I've read on the net in various websites in the States it's quite a good account of the mans life.
PS - Great to see the Goodwrench Chevvy back in victory lane at Bristol a couple of weeks ago.

[tonynz]

I have the "3" DVD
It is OK if you take it as a movie, and not take it as a complete story of Dales life.

Also out is Dale winning the 1998 Daytona on DVD

Another good DVD is one on Dale jr that has been out for over a year.

[Kenseth17]

Originally posted by Jack71
Have any of you Dudes seen the film '3' made about Big E last year? I'm thinkin of buying the DVD on ebay and from what I've read on the net in various websites in the States it's quite a good account of the mans life.
PS - Great to see the Goodwrench Chevvy back in victory lane at Bristol a couple of weeks ago.

I bought the film from the states a couple of weeks back and my brother and some friends watched it.I was never a huge fan of The Intimidator but always had the greatest respect for his achievements.I was really impressed with the way the film was made and it sheds a whole new light on Dale Earnhardt the man, his upbringing and the challenges he faced and went through.It was not glorified in any way and was fascinating in that it showed some confrontations with his nemesis, Daryl Waltrip, business dealings, his relationship with his kids and wife and also his great friendship with Neil Bonnet.It made great use of real footage too.I also loved the extras on the DVD with more races, tributes to himself and other fallen heroes and interviews.It is well worth the $30 odd dollars (including postage) to get hold of this film.
Outstanding.

[TBVX05]

Kenseth17 wrote:

I was never a huge fan of The Intimidator but always had the greatest respect for his achievements.


Thats because your a Ford man! :D

Ive only recently discovered what an icon he was in the US and what he had achieved in motor racing. :cool:

[Kenseth17]

Well he did drive for two years in 1982 and 1983 under the Blue Oval banner....but not with much success. :(
I used to think he went over the top sometimes in trying to win but over time have realised he just wanted it more than anybody else.The fact that he was a self made man and had his fair share of life problems has made me realise what he has achieved both on and off the track and for NASCAR is incredibly impressive.Unfortunately I have seen this 'after' his career is over, which happens a lot in our lives.
Definately a great man.Just ask his loving kids.

[Kenseth17]

Well he did drive for two years in 1982 and 1983 under the Blue Oval banner....but not with much success. :(
I used to think he went over the top sometimes in trying to win but over time have realised he just wanted it more than anybody else.The fact that he was a self made man and had his fair share of life problems has made me realise what he has achieved both on and off the track and for NASCAR is incredibly impressive.Unfortunately I have seen this 'after' his career is over, which happens a lot in our lives.
Definately a great man.Just ask his loving kids.

[Kenseth17]

Well he did drive for two years in 1982 and 1983 under the Blue Oval banner....but not with much success. :(
I used to think he went over the top sometimes in trying to win but over time have realised he just wanted it more than anybody else.The fact that he was a self made man and had his fair share of life problems has made me realise what he has achieved both on and off the track and for NASCAR is incredibly impressive.Unfortunately I have seen this 'after' his career is over, which happens a lot in our lives.
Definately a great man.Just ask his loving kids.

[Goodwrench3]

April 29 is Dale Earnhardt Day in Kannapolis, North Carolina.
DEI keep sending me emails about it so I should remember!
He would have been 54. And retired from the wheel I'd have hoped!

[Jack71]

I recieved my copy of '3' this week and was delighted with the film.
True, it glossed over a lot of stuff. but how much of 49 years can you fit into 100 minutes? Especially 49 years of grabbing life by the throat at every opportunity.
Loved the extras and am now looking for more Earnhardt races on DVD.
Very much recommended to any motorsport fan.

[BILLFORD1]

Have to say I was actually first & foremost a Bill Elliot follower since about 1981. However I would never disagree that Dale Snr to me was certainly the greatest nascar driver to strap a car on without a doubt. (I'll probably incur some-ones wrath for putting him ahead of King Richard, but that's the way I personally see it). I still cannot believe, even now knowing the exact circumstances of the Daytona accident, that he didn't just climb out and wave to the crowd!! Especially after some of his previous prangs, the one at Talladega a few years before was downright terrifying just watching it !!!! (Which I still have on VHS). He certainly will never be forgotten by anyone who knows anything about NASCAR.

[Kenseth17]

I started to really follow NASCAR after Dale Snr was gone.I knew of his achievements but did not really take full notice as I was not really into this form of racing.
It has only been through the education of this great mans achievements by my brother, who seems like the biggest Earnhardt fan around, that I have come to see the absolute brilliance and guts of this driver.
It's such a shame he is still not around for many different reasons.
Now with the Mark Martin's and Rusty Wallace's of this world retiring at seasons end, the face of NASCAR is really changing.

[Jack71]

Originally posted by BILLFORD1
Have to say I was actually first & foremost a Bill Elliot follower since about 1981. However I would never disagree that Dale Snr to me was certainly the greatest nascar driver to strap a car on without a doubt. (I'll probably incur some-ones wrath for putting him ahead of King Richard, but that's the way I personally see it). I still cannot believe, even now knowing the exact circumstances of the Daytona accident, that he didn't just climb out and wave to the crowd!! Especially after some of his previous prangs, the one at Talladega a few years before was downright terrifying just watching it !!!! (Which I still have on VHS). He certainly will never be forgotten by anyone who knows anything about NASCAR.

Bill, I couldn't have said it any better.
To be honest, it just makes me sick to think back to what happened to the man, and that NASCAR would be so much better off with him around.
I often imagine him in a red shirt above Junior's pit barking instructions.
The whole of the NASCAR pitlane feel it too, but they don't comment on such things.