Dale Earnhardt Sr., who earned the nickname “The Intimidator for his aggressive on-track driving style, is being remembered after 24 years. Earnhardt met an untimely death on turn 4 of the last lap at the Daytona 500 on Feb. 18, 2001, after colliding with Ken Schrader and Sterling Marlin.
This left a gaping hole in the NASCAR community, but he’s remembered for his outstanding accomplishments. Starting in 1979, the No. 3 driver for Richard Childress Racing has amassed 76 victories and 7 cup victories. Earnhardt is ranked among the best with drivers like 200-time winner Richard Petty and 7-time champ Jimmie Johnson.
Though fierce on the track, Dale Earnhardt Sr. is remembered for his kindness, selflessness, and compassionate demeanor. Many, including daughter Kelley Earnhardt-Miller and Kevin Harvick, have taken to various social media platforms to honor the legend and capitalize on his legacy.
Dale Earnhardt Sr. From His Daughter’s Eyes
Kelley Earnhardt-Miller has recently spoken about her Father’s legacy via the social media platform Instagram. She shared a holiday photo of herself, Dale Sr., and her two-month-old daughter, Karsyn Elledge. She mentioned that each time she looks at the photo, she’s reminded that he passed just two months later.
“I’m writing this to remind you of relationships that matter to you, and it’s cliche, but keep the lines of communication open even when it’s hard, even when you think you think you are right and they are wrong, even when are mad, discouraged, think it’s impossible to be on the same page, communicate anyway,” she said.
Miller adored her Father, though they didn’t always see eye-to-eye. She mentioned that stubbornness and life circumstances led to pitfalls in their relationship. She capitalized on the importance of family and why it’s important to stay on good terms no matter the circumstances.
The impact her father’s death still has on her after 24 years.”Life was messy back then, and we weren’t living on the best terms seeing Earnhardt to Earnhardt,” Miller said. “Stubbornness is a trait of ours. I don’t always post about his death. “But life is still messy. “Everyone’s is.” “Life is just that way,” she added. That’s why it’s still hard for her to come to terms with her Father’s death.
How Kevin Harvick Remembers Him
Kevin Harvick remembers Dale Earnhardt Sr. from a different perspective. He recalls the moment he learned he would be replacing the No. 3 driver for Richard Childress Racing. Owner Richard Childress remained in Daytona after Dale Earnhardt’s death to reflect.
After struggling to grapple with the initial shock, he approached 25-year-0ld project driver Harvick with an offer he couldn’t refuse. He would run in the No. 3 for RCR for the remaining 35 cup races in 2001 following Dale’s death at Daytona. Harvick ran a successful Craftsman Truck and Xfinity stint for Childress, so naturally, he was the preferred choice.
Therefore, Harvick unexpectedly ran his first cup race in Rockingham after several conversations with Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s team executive, Bobby Hutchens, and Crew Chief Kevin Hamlin. This put Harvick’s career on the map, eventually earning him 60 cup wins, but he remembers Dale for a very different reason.
Earnhardt had raw talent, which can’t be beaten no matter how you cut it. Harvick used this as an example for his own career and it’s very well what pushed him to the forefront of legendary. Moreover, Dale Earnhardt continues inspiring generations of young and old drivers.
Final Thoughts
7-time champion Dale Earnhardt Sr. had a heart of gold. Millions of people loved him for the culture and excitement he brought to racing. Many fans feel that fateful day at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 18 when he died that NASCAR died with him. However, he’ll remain remembered as one of the greatest in history, and his legacy will never be extinguished.
