my tribute to a fallen hero
The Daytona 500 is without a doubt THE biggest race in the NASCAR season each year. 2001 was surely to be no different. One thing that year however, will live in infamy with all fans of the sport, the passing of a LEGEND in motorsports!! Dale Earnhardt SR. was most likely the most recognized figure, excluding maybe Richard Petty, that NASCAR has had the pleasure of being associated with. Whether you saw him on the track behind the wheel of his also famous #3 Monte Carlo or in the rearview mirror of his next victim or on a Coke Machine at Wal Mart, everyone knew "The Intimidator!"
Although the first instinct is to place blame in order to justify such a tragic loss, after reviewing the accident, anyone with good sense can tell that there IS NO BLAME to be placed! As Dale himself would have said about such an accident, "THAT'S RACING!!" You either loved Dale Sr. or you hated him for his contribution to NASCAR racing. Either way, his accomplishments cannot be denied!! 76 career Victories, 3 IROC Championships, and 7 Winston Cup Championships just can't be ignored!! His aggressive driving style has shaped many new drivers over the years and has made NASCAR Racing as exciting to watch on TV as it is in the stands. He added so much to the sport that it will be very strange not to see the familiar #3 on the track from now on. In short, Dale Earnhardt Sr. will be sorely missed by all true fans of Stock Car Racing.
The Earnhardt Family helped build Stock Car Racing (NASCAR) into the HUGE phenomenon that it is today! Joining the likes of Bonnet, Petty, Bodine, Jarret, and Baker (just name a few) as some of the founding families of this most exciting sport, Earnhardt's legacy will continue in Dale Jr. One thing though, Dale died doing something he loved to do!! That holds some comfort for myself and I hope it does for all other #3 fans and of course the Earnhardt Family.
Take a couple Victory Laps for us Dale, we know you are winning the "Heavens Gate 500!!
Although the first instinct is to place blame in order to justify such a tragic loss, after reviewing the accident, anyone with good sense can tell that there IS NO BLAME to be placed! As Dale himself would have said about such an accident, "THAT'S RACING!!" You either loved Dale Sr. or you hated him for his contribution to NASCAR racing. Either way, his accomplishments cannot be denied!! 76 career Victories, 3 IROC Championships, and 7 Winston Cup Championships just can't be ignored!! His aggressive driving style has shaped many new drivers over the years and has made NASCAR Racing as exciting to watch on TV as it is in the stands. He added so much to the sport that it will be very strange not to see the familiar #3 on the track from now on. In short, Dale Earnhardt Sr. will be sorely missed by all true fans of Stock Car Racing.
The Earnhardt Family helped build Stock Car Racing (NASCAR) into the HUGE phenomenon that it is today! Joining the likes of Bonnet, Petty, Bodine, Jarret, and Baker (just name a few) as some of the founding families of this most exciting sport, Earnhardt's legacy will continue in Dale Jr. One thing though, Dale died doing something he loved to do!! That holds some comfort for myself and I hope it does for all other #3 fans and of course the Earnhardt Family.
Take a couple Victory Laps for us Dale, we know you are winning the "Heavens Gate 500!!