At the suggestion of one of our posters, I have opened this thread for a memorial to Dale Earnhardt. Please leave your memories thoughts and wishes for his family here, and discuss issues surrounding the accident in the threads which are already open.
R.I.P. Dale, there won't be another like you anytime soon.
Memorial for Dale Earnhardt and Thoughts and Condolences for His Family Here
Started by
Williams
, Feb 19 2001 02:08
38 replies to this topic
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#2
MichiganF1
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 02:13
Rosemeyer
Ascari
Clark
Gilles
Senna
Earnhardt
Ascari
Clark
Gilles
Senna
Earnhardt
#3
Joe Fan
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 02:21
Although Dale was a rough and tough driver on the track, beneath that bad boy image exterior was one really nice guy. I waited in line for hours at a shopping mall a few years ago where Dale Earnhardt was going to sign autographs. When he finally arrived (on time), he had anyone who was handicapped come up to the head of the line first so that he could spend extra time with them. I thought this was a real class move on his part and when I finally got up to get my autograph, I asked him to sign a die cast car on the windshield and he replied jokeingly with a grin, "On the windshield, you sure you don't want it on the hood?" I said "nope" and so he signed it on the windshield just like I had asked and very legibly I might add too. It is something that I will always cherish.
I hope the world realizes that we have lost one of the greatest drivers of all-time today. I have absolutely no doubt that he was world class talent and easily one of the 10 drivers of all-time.
RIP Dale. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You will be missed terribly.
I hope the world realizes that we have lost one of the greatest drivers of all-time today. I have absolutely no doubt that he was world class talent and easily one of the 10 drivers of all-time.
RIP Dale. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You will be missed terribly.
#4
Pacific
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 02:22
While Ross' response may have been harsh, I knew as soon as I saw the replay it was probably Dale's last race. The incident reminded me a lot Stan Smith's heavy impact in 1993 head-on. That was before I understood wreck physics, as Ross mentioned. After Stan's crash, I learned. Anyway, Dale's impact looked harder than Stan's, which ended Stan's career more or less.
It's a very sad and ironic day. Bittersweet. Michael Waltrip is one of my favorites. He won, driving Dale's new 3rd car...
I can't imagine NASCAR without Dale Earnhardt. He's ALWAYS been there. I used to dislike him in the 80's for winning so much, but I'd come to highly respect Dale and like him because he had a very distinct personality. I'm going to miss Dale Earnhardt a lot. Just this morning they interviewed Dale from outside his motorcoach and he plays off like he's sleeping and gives his humorous simple answers about basically going up front and staying there, which he always does.
It's going to be stranger without Dale than my all-time favorite Richard Petty, because Richard went out on his terms really. (Sure, Richard would have loved to win that Atlanta Journal 500, but...)
My condolences with the Earnhardts, and I hope the great teams Dale has put together in the 1, 8, and 15 cars can live on though. Those three drivers...I just feel so bad for Teresa, Dale Earnhardt Jr, Kerry, the whole family, but those are the three racing fans see a lot of though since Teresa is at the track with Dale, Dale Jr is already an accomplished racer, and Kerry is getting things together, or was last year. And I don't know what Richard Childress will do without Dale. There's no way anybody ever uses the 3 again. Perhaps Wally Dallenbach, perhaps Kevin Harvick gets the call, I don't know.
It's a sad time, and right now I'm watching "Behind the Glory: The Petty Familty." Dale had a few comments and it hurts every time I see or hear Adam on the TV or whatever. The one good thing about Dale, for me personally, is I have SO MANY memories of Dale Earnhardt. I think Dale would have eventually gotten up there with Cale, Bobby, and Darrell in victories, maybe even passed them with 85 or something, but...he might have even won an 8th, 9th, who knows how many championships.
Tony Roper was the truck driver.
Lastly, Dale Earnhardt wore an open-faced helmet. I haven't read yet what his specific injuries were, maybe they were like Adam's wear a full-faced wouldn't have helped. (But a HANS device might have saved Adam. I noticed Kyle is using one. It looked like it before the race. Brett Bodine was the first driver to use the HANS device. Brett had it before all the carnage if I recall.)
Hopefully Dale's fishing and hunting with Neil Bonnett. Maybe Davey and J.D. are joining them. The list of NASCAR drivers I've read about dying, the few I've seen on TV...it's not fun.
RIP Dale. We're going to miss you. Thanks for the memories Dale.
I see you guys got to the open-faced helmet thing while I typed my post between commercials during the Petty storty. "Victory Lane" on Fox Sports is a lot tougher, because they showed Dale relaxing again and right before he got into his car, he pulled Dale Jr. and Teresa in for a groud photo/hug. Then after that, he and Teresa hugged and kissed...for the final time.
That hurt a lot worse.
We'll miss you Dale.
A lot of this won't make sense, but I basically copied down from the other thread in this one. Hopefully that won't be frowned upon.
It's a very sad and ironic day. Bittersweet. Michael Waltrip is one of my favorites. He won, driving Dale's new 3rd car...
I can't imagine NASCAR without Dale Earnhardt. He's ALWAYS been there. I used to dislike him in the 80's for winning so much, but I'd come to highly respect Dale and like him because he had a very distinct personality. I'm going to miss Dale Earnhardt a lot. Just this morning they interviewed Dale from outside his motorcoach and he plays off like he's sleeping and gives his humorous simple answers about basically going up front and staying there, which he always does.
It's going to be stranger without Dale than my all-time favorite Richard Petty, because Richard went out on his terms really. (Sure, Richard would have loved to win that Atlanta Journal 500, but...)
My condolences with the Earnhardts, and I hope the great teams Dale has put together in the 1, 8, and 15 cars can live on though. Those three drivers...I just feel so bad for Teresa, Dale Earnhardt Jr, Kerry, the whole family, but those are the three racing fans see a lot of though since Teresa is at the track with Dale, Dale Jr is already an accomplished racer, and Kerry is getting things together, or was last year. And I don't know what Richard Childress will do without Dale. There's no way anybody ever uses the 3 again. Perhaps Wally Dallenbach, perhaps Kevin Harvick gets the call, I don't know.
It's a sad time, and right now I'm watching "Behind the Glory: The Petty Familty." Dale had a few comments and it hurts every time I see or hear Adam on the TV or whatever. The one good thing about Dale, for me personally, is I have SO MANY memories of Dale Earnhardt. I think Dale would have eventually gotten up there with Cale, Bobby, and Darrell in victories, maybe even passed them with 85 or something, but...he might have even won an 8th, 9th, who knows how many championships.
Tony Roper was the truck driver.
Lastly, Dale Earnhardt wore an open-faced helmet. I haven't read yet what his specific injuries were, maybe they were like Adam's wear a full-faced wouldn't have helped. (But a HANS device might have saved Adam. I noticed Kyle is using one. It looked like it before the race. Brett Bodine was the first driver to use the HANS device. Brett had it before all the carnage if I recall.)
Hopefully Dale's fishing and hunting with Neil Bonnett. Maybe Davey and J.D. are joining them. The list of NASCAR drivers I've read about dying, the few I've seen on TV...it's not fun.
RIP Dale. We're going to miss you. Thanks for the memories Dale.
I see you guys got to the open-faced helmet thing while I typed my post between commercials during the Petty storty. "Victory Lane" on Fox Sports is a lot tougher, because they showed Dale relaxing again and right before he got into his car, he pulled Dale Jr. and Teresa in for a groud photo/hug. Then after that, he and Teresa hugged and kissed...for the final time.
That hurt a lot worse.
We'll miss you Dale.
A lot of this won't make sense, but I basically copied down from the other thread in this one. Hopefully that won't be frowned upon.
#5
Horse
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 02:41
Whenever any loss of life occurs on any track, I believe all race fans come together ... no matter what class one enjoys most. While I'm not really a NASCAR fan, I am a race fan and was blown away when I plugged in to see if Earnhardt was ok. Sadly, we all now know the tragic truth. I did manage to catch the last 20 laps or so and there he was, racing down to the wire behind his son ... when in a blink of an eye everything changes. Condolences to the entire family!!!
#6
George Bailey
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 02:46
http://espn.go.com/r...18/1093851.html
Some of the racing losses the past 20 years. I'm speechless.[p][Edited by George Bailey on 02-19-2001]
Some of the racing losses the past 20 years. I'm speechless.[p][Edited by George Bailey on 02-19-2001]
#7
Dennis David
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 03:09
I saw the beginning of the race on TV but had to leave for my son's birthday party. When I came home I logged onto ESPN to see how he did. There were the headlines I could barely comprehend and we are left empty by his loss.
A sad day for racing fans the world over. He was a "racer" to the end.
A sad day for racing fans the world over. He was a "racer" to the end.
#8
Option1
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 03:31
Before I'd ever watched any NASCAR races I had heard of Dale Earnhardt.
Then having watched his uncompromising style and his strategic and tactical brilliance I became a fan of him, although not necessarily of NASCAR. Then two weeks ago I watched his first effort in a sports car at the Rolex 24 hour and that admiration increased further.
He was a great driver whatever style of motorsport you may follow. Car racing can sorely afford to lose yet another of its greats. He will be missed.
RIP Dale Earnhardt Snr.
Then having watched his uncompromising style and his strategic and tactical brilliance I became a fan of him, although not necessarily of NASCAR. Then two weeks ago I watched his first effort in a sports car at the Rolex 24 hour and that admiration increased further.
He was a great driver whatever style of motorsport you may follow. Car racing can sorely afford to lose yet another of its greats. He will be missed.
RIP Dale Earnhardt Snr.
#10
snow
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 03:36
Earnhardt was one of the greats. Tragedies like this are a loss to the racing community no matter what type of racing you follow. My heart breaks for his son and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Rest in peace Dale. We'll miss you.
#11
LB
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 04:13
Again my thoughts go out to Dales family, his wife his children , Richard Childress and his family , the entire team ,NASCAR and all the legions of intimidator fans. Motor sport will be poorer without Dale Earnhardt.
'Nascar has lost its greatest ever driver'
Motor Sport has lost another icon.
'Nascar has lost its greatest ever driver'
Motor Sport has lost another icon.
#12
SKL
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 04:20
Leave to ESPN above, listed the track of Gille's accident as Spa, when we know it was Zolder. God only hopes Speedvision keeps F1 coverage in the USA.
#13
SKL
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 04:24
Sorry, (been on the computer too long tonight) I did want to express my sympathy to the Ernhardt family. My memory (have to admit as not a real NASCAR fan) was his big smile driving the 'vette at the Rolex 24 a couple weeks ago. Also, his moves today, just before the accident, to help his son and teammate finish in front of him. RIP Dale, enjoy comparing racing stories with Aryton, who you mentioned in victory circle the day of his untimely death.
#14
bleakuzs
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 04:49
I never really was an Earnhardt fan, yet now that I know I will never see him race again, it kind of takes a part of me away knowing that I can't root against that black #3.
As a person who enjoys all forms of motor racing, yes NASCAR included, I can't yet understand what this will mean in terms of racing safety or how it will affect teh rest of the world of motorsport.
Yet I know that Dale Sr. was a man who knew and enjoyed all types of motr racing. He often joked about Shumacher letting him drive around Monaco, his dedication of his win the day Senna died, his participation at the Rolex 24 this year, showed that he was a man of many talents and intrests in all forms of racing.
May Dale Earnhardt Sr. be remembered as one of motor racing finest people.
As a person who enjoys all forms of motor racing, yes NASCAR included, I can't yet understand what this will mean in terms of racing safety or how it will affect teh rest of the world of motorsport.
Yet I know that Dale Sr. was a man who knew and enjoyed all types of motr racing. He often joked about Shumacher letting him drive around Monaco, his dedication of his win the day Senna died, his participation at the Rolex 24 this year, showed that he was a man of many talents and intrests in all forms of racing.
May Dale Earnhardt Sr. be remembered as one of motor racing finest people.
#15
Schumi Fan
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 04:59
May he rest in peace! 
It's really ironic that I only watched 2 speedway races in my life, CART's Fontana 99 and today's race. Both had fatalities...
It's really ironic that I only watched 2 speedway races in my life, CART's Fontana 99 and today's race. Both had fatalities...
#16
Jackie
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 05:11
I've nothing to add but just feel the need to make some small gesture in appreciation of a life dedicated to racing.
A truly horrible day....
A truly horrible day....
#17
Mat
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 05:57
I watched the pre-race action not logn ago, and it was so sad watching FOX interview Dale out the front of his motorhome. He looked so calm and happy. I felt so bad watching it, only if things had panned out a little differently. It shouldnt happen this way.
You'll be missed Dale.
Rest in Peace
You'll be missed Dale.
Rest in Peace
#18
JPMCrew
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 06:01
I´m not and never have been a NASCAR fan. I´ve probably never watched a full race; but even I knew of Earnhardt´s accomplishments. He was a real icon and will be greatly missed by motorsport.
#19
RiverRunner
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 06:06
RIP #3
Thanks for the memories.
Thanks for the memories.
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#20
Jhope
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 06:37
There's been this debate about NASCAR and how talentless these drivers are. I have to agree to a certain point, but on the other hand, when you see drivers like Robby Gordon, Darryl Waltrip, Kenny Irwin, Mark Martin and of course Dale, you know you are seeing class acts. They may run around in circles all day, but it's what they do while they are on these circle all day that makes these drivers who they are. Sure, anyone of those 40 or so guys can get in and race, but the above mentioned drivers have that something that surpasses the others, raw talent and the ability to drive these seeminly similar cars faster and harder than anyone else. Dale was the reason i followed NASCAR to a certain degree. I remember when I was a little kid in the 80's, i used to turn the TV on and watch for Dale on Sundays. I'd root for him and no one else because i could care less about the rest. I was glad to see that Dale Jr. got into NASCAR, as he shows similar traits to his late father.
RIP Dale. Hope the good ole' #3 is retired by NASCAR soon enough.
RIP Dale. Hope the good ole' #3 is retired by NASCAR soon enough.
#21
Pikachu Racing
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 06:40
Dale Earnhardt was an ICON, a GOD, a hero to the fans. When I first watched racing other than remembering no. 9 Coors Light car of Bill Elliot, the other car I can remember was the no. 3 Wranglers car driven by Earnhardt. Later through the years, the car evolved to the black Goodwrench Chevy. Even to this day, the car is not recognizable but one of the meanest-looking one ever. I will miss Dale and will remember his memories.
RIP Intimidator Dale Earnhardt
RIP Intimidator Dale Earnhardt
#22
John B
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 06:42
Sincere condolences to the Earnhardt family.
Perhaps the biggest indicator of his stature is that the story is the lead on all news shows I've seen since 10:30 this evening. He was a central figure to racing since I became a fan. Right now I'm thinking of an ad that ran in early 1980s racing magazines for Wrangler jeans which showed him relaxed with his children, including Dale Jr.
Perhaps the biggest indicator of his stature is that the story is the lead on all news shows I've seen since 10:30 this evening. He was a central figure to racing since I became a fan. Right now I'm thinking of an ad that ran in early 1980s racing magazines for Wrangler jeans which showed him relaxed with his children, including Dale Jr.
#23
JJ
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 07:31
May God bless your soul, and may you rest in peace.
You've left us with so much of good memories...
Well, now you can race with Fangio, Ayrton Senna, Gille Villenueve, Jimmy Clark, Greg Moore, and James Dean.
Show them how to race in heaven.
Show them what the great Intimidator is made out of.
The Intimidator Forever...
Chevy No.3 will be cranking in our hearts.
You've left us with so much of good memories...
Well, now you can race with Fangio, Ayrton Senna, Gille Villenueve, Jimmy Clark, Greg Moore, and James Dean.
Show them how to race in heaven.
Show them what the great Intimidator is made out of.
The Intimidator Forever...
Chevy No.3 will be cranking in our hearts.
#24
GasPed
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 07:31
Truly a legend, a motorsports icon. And he will be missed. RIP, Dale.
There are a number of other thoughts I would like to post about him, but this would not be the appropriate time, so I'll leave it at that.
Gas
There are a number of other thoughts I would like to post about him, but this would not be the appropriate time, so I'll leave it at that.
Gas
#25
Gudrun
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 09:53
I watch the race.
I'm sad and my heart goes out to his family.
R.I.P. Dale
Gudrun
I'm sad and my heart goes out to his family.
R.I.P. Dale
Gudrun
#26
FordPrefect
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 10:13
Nothing more I can add, I'll miss Number 3, he simply can't be replaced.
thoughts go out to his family and friends.
thoughts go out to his family and friends.
#27
Megatron
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 10:20
Even though I bash NASCAR a lot, I won't mind admitting that this is easily the biggest loss in autoracing since Senna in 1994, and rivals any loss ever, in my opinion.
Everyone knows Dale Earnhardt. Everyone knew what he was about.
His last victory was incredible, coming from 18th with just a few laps to go to win.
I never liked him. I cheered against him for several years. But I never denied that he was good.
Its going to take a while for the racing world to adjust to this. Hopefully, NASCAR will wake up and improve saftey but that is another discussion for another time.
Dale was a great driver, a legend, an American hero, but most of all, he truelly defined the word "racer".
Everyone knows Dale Earnhardt. Everyone knew what he was about.
His last victory was incredible, coming from 18th with just a few laps to go to win.
I never liked him. I cheered against him for several years. But I never denied that he was good.
Its going to take a while for the racing world to adjust to this. Hopefully, NASCAR will wake up and improve saftey but that is another discussion for another time.
Dale was a great driver, a legend, an American hero, but most of all, he truelly defined the word "racer".
#28
jmcgavin
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 11:06
terrible news, don't follow NASCAR but the Senna comparision really rang brought up some bad memories, I feel for all the NASCAR fans, this must feel like Giles or Senna died, horrible, horrible news
my deepest sympathies to Dale's family and friends
my deepest sympathies to Dale's family and friends
#30
minardi
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 12:20
This is a really sad day. I've seen Dale race at Daytona back in '99 The only NASCAR race I've attended.
RIP
RIP
#31
TNSFH
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 13:19
I was stunned and upset when I heard the news of Dale while watching the Drag Racing from Firebird.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Earnhardt family.
Motorsports has lost a great personality.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Earnhardt family.
Motorsports has lost a great personality.
#32
The Kanisteri
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 14:11
As JJ Lehto said when Senna was gone:
Show must go on, we miss you!
Show must go on, we miss you!
#33
paulb
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 14:25
My condolences to the Earnhardt family.
The death of a great driver is always a great tragedy.
The death of a great driver is always a great tragedy.
#34
TNSFH
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 16:55
Seems that every person that owns and Earnhardt shirt is wearing it today.
Again, A tragic loss for the racing community.
Again, A tragic loss for the racing community.
#35
Sphinx
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 17:18
Prayers and peace to his wife, children, family and friends.
Respect to his fans and followers.
Respect to his fans and followers.
#36
tony
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 17:30
Hi all,
I grew up in the Charlotte NC, the heart of NASCAR territory. I am not a huge fan of the sport but do watch Daytona, Watkins Glenn and Sears Point. Dale Earnhardt to me and to all people who live in and around Charlotte was a hometown hero. I could not believe the news when I heard it. I watched the last 40 of laps of the race...saw the big 18 car crash. I watched the winner cross the line and turned off the TV. Two hours later, I heard the news...I am still in disbelief.
I haven't read all the posts here, but someone did mention the open face helment issue. The medical inspector on CNN who examined Dale said having a closed faced helmet would have made no differnece.
Finally I might add a bit of interesting trivia. Earnhardt was racing on the day Senna died. He won the race that day...and the first thing he said was that his sympathies and condolences were with the family of Aryton Senna...someone had told him during the race that Senna had died. Also Earnhardt raced in the 24hours of Daytona this year....rumor has it that he was turning times in the rain better than the other corvette team(the team that went on to win)....so Dale was indeed a great driver not just on the ovals.....
I grew up in the Charlotte NC, the heart of NASCAR territory. I am not a huge fan of the sport but do watch Daytona, Watkins Glenn and Sears Point. Dale Earnhardt to me and to all people who live in and around Charlotte was a hometown hero. I could not believe the news when I heard it. I watched the last 40 of laps of the race...saw the big 18 car crash. I watched the winner cross the line and turned off the TV. Two hours later, I heard the news...I am still in disbelief.
I haven't read all the posts here, but someone did mention the open face helment issue. The medical inspector on CNN who examined Dale said having a closed faced helmet would have made no differnece.
Finally I might add a bit of interesting trivia. Earnhardt was racing on the day Senna died. He won the race that day...and the first thing he said was that his sympathies and condolences were with the family of Aryton Senna...someone had told him during the race that Senna had died. Also Earnhardt raced in the 24hours of Daytona this year....rumor has it that he was turning times in the rain better than the other corvette team(the team that went on to win)....so Dale was indeed a great driver not just on the ovals.....
#37
Mary
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Posted 19 February 2001 - 17:47
RIP, Dale. My condolences to his friends & family.
Mary
Mary
#38
Psychoman
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Posted 20 February 2001 - 01:12
Adios to the Man in Black
#39
Andy
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Posted 20 February 2001 - 15:30
I have to say I have never been a fan of NASCAR, however I have heard of Dale Earnhardt since I was a kid. Dale was to NASCAR what Senna and Fangio were to F1, a legend. In his capacity of 'legend' his name will live on forever, as it should. Auto racing lost one of it's best on Sunday and this is very sad. Regardless of our personal opinions of the "type" of racing he did (NASCAR vs. Open-wheel) he was doing what he loved most and through this added multitudes to Motorsport in general.
R.I.P. Dale, that final checkered flag is yours man, you raced for it, you worked hard for it and you earned it 100%! God be with your family in these hard times...
R.I.P. Dale, that final checkered flag is yours man, you raced for it, you worked hard for it and you earned it 100%! God be with your family in these hard times...
