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April 29, 1951
The greatest race car driver in NASCAR history, Dale Earnhardt was born on this date.
By SCOTT DODD
The Charlotte Observer
If you see a whole lot of the number 3 around North Carolina today, don't be intimidated.
Note that it would have been Dale Earnhardt's 52nd birthday, and that
Gov. Mike Easley has
proclaimed it Dale Earnhardt Day to honor the racing great from Kannapolis.
True, more than 12,000 people showed up last April 29 to celebrate his memory at the Dale Earnhardt Inc. race shop in Mooresville, but this time the governor has made it official. It's a rare tribute Easley has bestowed on the driver. His office said people have been honored by proclamation before, but rarely, if ever, to mark a birthday.
"It is appropriate to pay tribute to the life of this extraordinary North Carolinian who meant so much to the people of this state," Easley said, citing Earnhardt's accomplishments on and off the track. But if you're a fan who can't make it to Earnhardt headquarters -- where a pilgrimage of Dale lovers is expected again today, like Elvis fans at Graceland -- you might wonder about the best way to memorialize the No. 3-car driver.
Make
your co-workers race you from the copy machine to the water cooler?
Wear your sunglasses all day, indoors and out? Instead of waving, flash
three fingers as a greeting?
"I was going to eat three pancakes and three eggs and drink three glasses of milk to start the day," said Lowe's Motor Speedway spokesman Jerry Gappens. His boss, speedway president Humpy Wheeler, suggested buying three tickets to the upcoming Winston all-star race on May 17 at the Concord track. Like the Coca-Cola 600, Earnhardt won The Winston three times.
Dialing up three friends or family members you haven't spoken with in a while would be appropriate, too, Wheeler said, "because he used to do that. When he had time, he'd always call you."
And taking three minutes to think about the three things Wheeler says Earnhardt stood for off the racetrack -- integrity, loyalty and respect for others -- would be fitting, as well. Just don't stop for three minutes in the middle of N.C. 3 through Kannapolis, which was renamed in Earnhardt's memory in a ceremony March 3. (That would be 3/3/03 for anyone who hasn't caught on.)
The Observer asked readers for suggestions, as well. Not everyone, of course, was into the idea of celebrating a race car driver. And Chris Romano of Huntersville thinks racing fans should use the opportunity to do something serious: demand changes that would make NASCAR safer. "Why is Indianapolis the only track with 'soft walls?' “he wrote, referring to padding designed to reduce the impact of crashes.
Other readers shared touching memories and thoughts about their favorite driver. "I think cooking out and watching old races would suit my old hero just fine," said Kelly Smith of Albertson in Eastern North Carolina.
Running other drivers off the interstate should be avoided, but Jay Campbell of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., had an idea that won't get you arrested: "Drive safely and turn left every chance you get." Racing fans will understand.
Dale's Day
The celebration at Dale Earnhardt Inc. in Mooresville begins at 8 a.m. and lasts until 9 p.m., with bands and live radio broadcasts all day long.
Fans can go inside Earnhardt's race shop and see his classic cars.
His son Kerry Earnhardt will be there in the morning, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. will appear at 2 p.m. Wife Teresa Earnhardt will also appear. Details and directions: Call (704) 662-8000, press 1; www.daleearnhardtinc.com .
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ONE QUARTER MILE FROM HEAVEN
Like a guardian angel from four cars back,
Watching Michael & Dale Jr. as they
circled the track.
No intention of winning, just holding his place,
So proud of his "boys" now winning the race.
We thought it was over, the end was so near.
No time for pain; no time for fear.
We did not know, as there was no sign,
Dale was only one-quarter mile
from his final finish line.
Within an instant,
NASCAR fans would be facing,
An eternal change
in their world of racing.
He was one of the greatest;
beloved in his sport,
With a grand career now sadly cut short.
All the crowd noticed
was excitement and debris,
But a miracle was happening,
we could not see.
Dale said goodbye
through shining metal and chrome,
As God gave "NUMBER 3"
the checkered flag "home".
But forever in our hearts,
and in the scheme of things,
We'll picture him circling heaven
with black and silver wings.
Grinning; telling angels...
and even the Creator,
"Look out over there...
here comes the "INTIMIDATOR".
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A Goodbye Letter
by Ted Baxter
I was all ready to write an article on what an AWESOME 2 weeks I had down in Florida. The Great Racing, the Great weather, the Short Tracks, everything that goes along with February in Daytona. That all changed in one horrible moment that unfortunately, is permanently etched in my memory. As we left the track on Sunday starting our 1100 mile journey home, I was pretty concerned about Dale. There were so many ambulances and rescue workers by his car, that it had to be pretty bad. But then, I said to myself "C'mon, that's Earnhardt, nothing can happen to him", and we left the speedway.
At 6:15 PM, the local radio station was taking calls on what a great race it was, and how happy for Michael Waltrip they all were, when they broke the story that Dale was in Critical Condition. I still thought it myself "it's Dale, he'll make it" At 6:33 pm the radio station said that some bad news had been posted on Nascar.com. They said that Dale had been pronounced Dead. I had to pull the car over. I couldn't drive, I could barely breath. I didn't know what to do. I was in shock, and I felt like Dale's car shot right through the wall and landed on my heart. No, I don't know these race drivers, but they are still a very important part of my family. I just can't believe it!!!!
After about a half hour of tears and disbelief, I started homeward again. This trip home was not going to be very tough. As I passed many cars with messages of thanks and prayers written in soap on the windows, the power of this event truly set my mind to thinking. I wonder what Dale would be thinking looking down on all this. This is my impression of what his thoughts are.
---------------
Dear Loved Ones,
I'm sorry to put you all through this. It wasn't my intention, believe me. Please stop all this fuss about me though, I died doing what I loved, at the place I loved the most. As we were going through 3 and 4, I knew my 2 cars were gonna finish 1st and 2nd in the Daytona 500. I was thinking about how much fun the victory lane celebration was gonna be. That was my last thought on earth.
I want Michael Waltrip to be able to feel good about his win. I hate that what happened overshadowed what should have been the biggest moment of his racing career. Go ahead and smile Michael, you earned it!!!! It feels good to win the Daytona 500 doesn't it?
Now people, please stop saying that I was trying to block so Michael and Dale Jr could fight it out for 1st. I was blocking the cars behind me so I could stay in 3rd and have a chance to win going down to the wire. I love Dale Jr and Michael, but please, this was the DAYTONA 500 and I'd have done anything to win it again. Now Mikey's won it, and Dale Jr will win it soon. That makes me smile.
Please don't give any grief to Sterling on this. It was just good hard racing. Give the boy a big round of applause at The Rock, he's going through a very hard time right now. I feel bad for Kenny too, as he came over to check on me. "Kenny, I wasn't in the car, I was with my Dad. What you saw was just my body." Now I never felt any pain. I never even felt the wall, as I went straight up to Heaven. My Dad was there to welcome me with open arms. It was a very happy moment. You all know how I felt when my Dad left me. It's GREAT to have him back.
For the loved ones and friends I left behind, rest assured that you made my time on earth a better place, and I'll miss you until I see you again. My advice to you is make the world yours, just as I've done. I didn't get cheated on a single thing in life. I've always done things in a big way, and my death was from a Hollywood script. The last lap of the Daytona 500, a track that I am most known for, with my cars running 1st and 2nd, and the checkered flag in sight. Well, I guess I just took a different checkered flag.
Now, sorry to be so short on this. I know this is a pretty big deal
down there, but I'm just not a man of many words. I have to go now; Neil
and I are going fishing this afternoon. Enjoy life till we meet again.
Dale Earnhardt
---------------
Thanks for the Great Memories!!!
Rest in Peace, Dale.
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By Dale Earnhardt Jr., Special to Turner Sports Interactive
February 21, 2001
The following column originally was published Oct. 18, 2000.
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 its 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 world's finest army. He has wisdom that knows no bounds. No fire could burn his character, no stone could break it. He maintains a private existence. 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 20s. 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 shrub 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, 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 world's finest army awaits.
A Tribute To The Man In Black
The Heaven 500, was just getting started,
an All-Star race, for the racing departed.
Heroes of the track, with nerves like steel,
and sitting on the pole, was a cat named Neil.
Adam Petty was there, with his beautiful smile,
Kenny Irwin determined, to finish in style.
Lee Petty was glowing, with that Grandfather pride,
with Davey & Clifford, both in a new ride.
Fireball Roberts, floated in on a cloud,
while Tony Roper waved, to the Heavenly crowd.
Morrosso & Nemechek, then Tim Richmond appeared,
Al Kulwicki strapped in, while the racing fans cheered.
The honorary starter, for this Heavenly race,
Ralph Earnhardt was chosen, a tear on his face.
But the red flag flew, just before it had begun,
and every eye, was open wide, and looking to the SON.
A last minute entry, was the cause of delay,
while the fans were instructed, to kneel and to pray.
The Heavens turned black, and the clouds turned dark,
the lightning was brilliant, the thunder did bark.
Then out of the rumble, for all there to see,
the clouds formed a number, a black number three.
The Heavenly fans, then erupted with pride,
and welcomed this star, who had recently died.
With a bolt of lightning, Dale Earnhardt arrived,
as he stood before Jesus, his spirit revived.
Jesus hugged his precious child, then revealed his perfect
plan, "I brought you home, to let you know,
that I'm your biggest fan!"
"The Intimidator was needed, for this Heavenly race,
leaving all of your earthly fans, with honor & with grace."
Ralph Earnhardt then stepped forward, embracing his son,
then whispered in the ear of Dale, "Let's go and have some fun!"
As Ralph stood proud, the green flag flew,
the crowd went wild and the tension grew.
And just like Salvation, the admission was free,
as every eye focused, on the black number three.
When the checkered flag dropped, no dry eye remained,
it was a photo finish, as Jesus explained.
He said, "There are no losers, on this Heavenly track,
this was a welcome home party, for The Man In Black!
Your
Momma
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