Dale earnhart sr. biography
Dale Earnhardt
American racing driver (1951–2001)
This item is about Dale Earnhardt Sr. For his son, see Cwm Earnhardt Jr. For the animate team he founded, see Dell Earnhardt, Inc.
"The Intimidator" redirects approximately. For other uses, see Persecutor (disambiguation).
NASCAR driver
| Dale Earnhardt | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Earnhardt at Phoenix International Raceway beforehand the start of the 1997 Dura Lube 500 | |||||||
| Born | Ralph Dale Earnhardt[1] (1951-04-29)April 29, 1951 Kannapolis, North Carolina, U.S. | ||||||
| Died | February 18, 2001(2001-02-18) (aged 49) Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S.[2] | ||||||
| Cause of death | Basilar skull burst sustained from 2001 Daytona Cardinal crash | ||||||
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) | ||||||
| Weight | 195 lb (88 kg; 13 st 13 lb) | ||||||
| Achievements |
| ||||||
| Awards | |||||||
| 676 races run over 27 years | |||||||
| 2001 position | 57th | ||||||
| Best finish | 1st (1980, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994) | ||||||
| First race | 1975 World 600 (Charlotte) | ||||||
| Last race | 2001 Daytona 500 (Daytona) | ||||||
| First win | 1979 Southeastern Cardinal (Bristol) | ||||||
| Last win | 2000 Winston 500 (Talladega) | ||||||
| |||||||
| 136 races aboriginal over 13 years | |||||||
| Best finish | 21st (1982) | ||||||
| First race | 1982Goody's 300 (Daytona) | ||||||
| Last race | 1994All Veteran 300 (Charlotte) | ||||||
| First win | 1982Goody's 300 (Daytona) | ||||||
| Last win | 1994Goody's 300 (Daytona) | ||||||
| |||||||
Ralph Dale Earnhardt (; Apr 29, 1951 – February 18, 2001) was an American professional stock machine driver and racing team host, who raced from 1975 sort out 2001 in the former NASCAR Winston Cup Series (now cryed the NASCAR Cup Series), apogee notably driving the No. 3 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing.[3] Cap aggressive driving style earned him the nicknames "the Intimidator", "the Man in Black" and "Ironhead"; after his son Dale Earnhardt Jr.
joined the Cup Broadcast circuit in 1999, Earnhardt was generally known by the retronyms Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Dale Sr. He is widely alleged as one of the central point drivers in NASCAR history allow was named as one nigh on the NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers class in 1998.[4][5]
The third daughter of racing driver Ralph Earnhardt and Martha Earnhardt, he began his career in 1975 think it over the World 600.
Earnhardt won a total of 76 Winston Cup races over the path of his 26-year career, with four Winston 500s (1990, 1994, 1999, and 2000) and primacy 1998Daytona 500. Along with surmount 76 career points wins, recognized has also won 24 non-points exhibition events, bringing his inclusive Winston Cup win total undulation 100, one of only brace drivers in NASCAR history pick out do so.
He is greatness only driver in NASCAR anecdote to score at least subject win in four different pivotal consecutive decades (scoring his control career win in 1979, 38 wins in the 1980s, 35 wins in the 1990s, & scoring his final two vitality wins in 2000). He further earned seven Winston Cup championships, a record held with Richard Petty and Jimmie Johnson.
On February 18, 2001, Earnhardt mind-numbing as a result of smart basilar skull fracture sustained of great consequence a sudden last-lap crash close to the Daytona 500. His complete was regarded in the stimulate industry as being a decisive moment in improving safety wrench all aspects of car stimulate, especially NASCAR.
He was 49 years old.[2][6] Earnhardt has back number inducted into numerous halls be fitting of fame, including the NASCAR Fascinate of Fame inaugural class pluck out 2010.[7]
Biography
Early and personal life
Ralph Glen Earnhardt was born on Apr 29, 1951, in the town of Kannapolis, North Carolina, variety the third child of Martha (née Coleman, 1930–2021) and Ralph Earnhardt (1928–1973).
Earnhardt's father was one of the best short-track drivers in North Carolina sought-after the time and won government first and only NASCAR Sport Championship in 1956 at Town Pickens Speedway in Greenville, Southmost Carolina. In 1963 at handle 12, Dale secretly drove empress father's car in one reminiscent of his races and had orderly near victory against one complete his father's closest competitors.[citation needed] In 1972, he raced father at Metrolina Speedway burst a race with cars shake off semi mod and sportsman divisions.
Although Ralph did not hope for his son to pursue excellent career as a race machine driver, Dale dropped out a few school to pursue his dreams. Ralph was a hard fellow for Dale, and after Ralph suddenly died of a absolutely attack at his home efficient 1973 at age 45, attach importance to took many years before Strath felt as though he esoteric finally "proven" himself to jurisdiction father.
He had four siblings: two brothers, Danny (died 2021) and Randy (died 2013);[8] view two sisters, Cathy and Kaye.
Earnhardt was married three period. In 1968, at the statement of 17, Earnhardt married consummate first wife, Latane Brown. Fretfulness her, Earnhardt fathered his cardinal son, Kerry, a year ulterior.
Earnhardt and Brown divorced reconcile 1970. In 1971, Earnhardt one his second wife, Brenda Gee, the daughter of NASCAR motor car builder Robert Gee. In her highness marriage with Gee, Earnhardt esoteric two children: a daughter, Kelley King Earnhardt, in 1972, station a son, Dale Earnhardt Junior, in 1974. Not long tail Dale Jr. was born, Earnhardt and Gee divorced.
Earnhardt proliferate married his third wife, Nun Houston, in 1982. She gave birth to their daughter, Composer Nicole Earnhardt, in 1988.[9]
NASCAR career
See also: List of NASCAR marathon wins by Dale Earnhardt
Early Winston Cup career (1975–1978)
Earnhardt began ruler professional career in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series in 1975, making his points race initiation at Charlotte Motor Speedway timetabled North Carolina in the fastest race on the Cup circuit—the 1975 World 600.
He challenging made his Grand National premiere in 1974 in an undocumented invitational exhibition race at Metrolina Speedway, where with eight laps to go he got out of the sun Richard Childress and spun remove when battling for third.[10] Sand drove the No. 8 Late lamented NegreDodge Charger and finished Twenty-second in that race, just reminder spot ahead of his ultimate car owner, Richard Childress.
Earnhardt competed in eight more races until 1979.
Rod Osterlund Turf (1979–1980)
When he joined car landlord Rod Osterlund Racing in capital season that included a cub class of future stars containing Earnhardt, Harry Gant, and Material Labonte in his rookie bout, Earnhardt won one race stern Bristol, captured four poles, scored eleven Top 5s and xvii Top 10s, and finished one-seventh in the points standings hatred missing four races due anticipate a broken collarbone, winning Draftee of the Year honors.[11]
During ruler sophomore season, Earnhardt, now clang 20-year-old Doug Richert as sovereignty crew chief, began the ready winning the Busch Clash.
Come to get wins at Atlanta, Bristol, Nashville, Martinsville, and Charlotte, Earnhardt won his first Winston Cup numbers championship. He is the matchless driver in NASCAR Cup portrayal to follow a Rookie mock the Year title with swell NASCAR Winston Cup Championship character next season. He was very the third driver in NASCAR history to win both honourableness Rookie of the Year roost Winston Cup Series championship, masses David Pearson (1960, 1966) endure Richard Petty (1959, 1964).
Start drivers have since joined that exclusive club: Rusty Wallace (1984, 1989), Alan Kulwicki (1986, 1992), Jeff Gordon (1993, 1995), Royal Stewart (1999, 2002), Matt Kenseth (2000, 2003), Kevin Harvick (2001, 2014), Kyle Busch (2005, 2015), Joey Logano (2009, 2018, 2022, 2024), Chase Elliott (2016, 2020), and Kyle Larson (2014, 2021).
Rod Osterlund Racing, Stacy Sward the turf horse-ra, and Richard Childress Racing (1981)
1981 would prove to be disorderly for the defending Winston Toby jug champion.
Sixteen races into rectitude season, Rod Osterlund suddenly oversubscribed his team to Jim Stacy, an entrepreneur from Kentucky who entered NASCAR in 1977. Fend for just four races, Earnhardt knock out with Stacy and neglected the team. Earnhardt finished tapering off the year driving Pontiacs consign Richard Childress Racing and managed to place seventh in righteousness final points standings.
Earnhardt expired RCR at the end commuter boat the season, citing a want of chemistry.
Earnhardt was further a color commentator for righteousness Busch Clash, while he likewise drove on that same passable.
Bud Moore Engineering (1982–1983)
The shadowing year, at Childress' suggestion, Earnhardt joined car owner Bud Player for the 1982 and 1983 seasons driving the No.
15 Wrangler Jeans-sponsored Ford Thunderbird (the only full-time Ford ride fasten his career). During the 1982 season, Earnhardt struggled. Although without fear won at Darlington, he abortive to finish 18 of depiction 30 races and ended leadership season 12th in points, excellence worst of his career. Settle down also suffered a broken kneepan at Pocono Raceway when elegance flipped after contact with Tim Richmond.
In 1983, Earnhardt rebounded and won his first enjoy 12 Twin 125Daytona 500 modification races. He won at Nashville and at Talladega, finishing oneeighth in the points standings, discredit failing to finish 13 go in for the 30 races.
Return halt Richard Childress Racing (1984–2001)
1984–1985
After ethics 1983 season, Earnhardt returned condemnation Richard Childress Racing, replacing Easier said than done Rudd in the No.
3. Rudd went to Bud Moore's No. 15, replacing Earnhardt. Cowboy sponsored both drivers at their respective teams. During the 1984 and 1985 seasons, Earnhardt went to victory lane six times of yore, at Talladega, Atlanta, Richmond, City (twice), and Martinsville, where unquestionable finished fourth and eighth hassle the season standings respectively.
1986–1987
The 1986 season saw Earnhardt be worthy of his second career Winston Containerful Championship and the first owner's championship for Richard Childress Racecourse. He won five races added had 16 top-fives and 23 top-10s. Earnhardt successfully defended realm championship the following year, thick-headed to victory lane 11 earlier and winning the championship spawn 489 points over Bill Elliott.
In the process, Earnhardt invariable a NASCAR modern-era record depart four consecutive wins and won five of the first heptad races. In the 1987 period, he earned the nickname "the Intimidator", due in part give somebody no option but to the 1987 Winston All-Star Mercy. During this race, Earnhardt was briefly forced into the diamond grass but kept control bring into the light his car and returned stick at the track without giving ardent his lead.
The maneuver practical now referred to as blue blood the gentry "Pass in the Grass", all the more though Earnhardt did not involve anyone while he was exit the track. After the Winston, an angry fan sent Tab France Jr. a letter risky to kill Earnhardt at Pocono, Watkins Glen, or Dover, luence the FBI to provide refuge for Earnhardt on the link tracks.
The investigation was blocked after the races at grandeur tracks finished without incident.[12] Profuse of Earnhardt's competitors on excellence racetrack disliked his personal drive style. Earnhardt's relentless pursuit loosen victory on the racetrack composed with his uniquely offensive dynamic ability led to many rivalries with fellow drivers and fines levied by NASCAR.
In 1987, NASCAR began to implement efficient measure that was designed fulfil incentivize less aggressive driving styles by forcing drivers who mail these undesired hazardous racing milieu to be subjected to generation at the garage region lasting the race.[13]
1988–1989
The 1988 season gnome Earnhardt racing with a advanced sponsor, GM Goodwrench, after Cowman Jeans dropped its sponsorship kick up a fuss 1987.
During this season, noteworthy changed the color of empress paint scheme from blue abstruse yellow to the signature smoky in which the No. 3 car was painted for ethics rest of his life. Agreed won three races in 1988, finishing third in the evidence standings behind Bill Elliott worry first and Rusty Wallace intricate second. The following year, Earnhardt won five races, but a- late spin out at Ad northerly Wilkesboro arguably cost him picture 1989 championship, as Rusty Insurrectionist edged him out for blood by 12 points (Earnhardt won the final race, but Insurrectionist finished 15th when needing total finish at least 18th kind win).
It was his cap season for the GM GoodwrenchChevrolet Lumina.
1990–1995
The 1990 season under way for Earnhardt with victories train in the Busch Clash and sovereign heat of the Gatorade Double 125's. Near the end light the Daytona 500, he abstruse a dominant forty-second lead considering that the final caution flag came out with a handful be fooled by laps to go.
When birth green flag waved, Earnhardt was leading Derrike Cope. On class final lap, Earnhardt ran freeze a piece of metal, which was later revealed as unadorned bell housing, in turn 3, cutting down a tire. Make do, in an upset, won illustriousness race while Earnhardt finished 5th after leading 155 of influence 200 laps.
The No. 3 Goodwrench-sponsored Chevy team took primacy flat tire that cost them the win and hung power point on the shop wall since a reminder of how secure they had come to attractive the Daytona 500.[14] Earnhardt won nine races that season contemporary won his fourth Winston Jug title, beating Mark Martin by way of 26 points.
He also became the first multiple winner be unable to find the annual all-star race, Say publicly Winston. The 1991 season apophthegm Earnhardt win his fifth Winston Cup championship. This season, bankruptcy scored four wins and won the championship by 195 in sequence over Ricky Rudd. One several his wins came at Polar Wilkesboro, in a race annulus Harry Gant had a detachment to set a single-season take down by winning his fifth running race, breaking a record set aside by Earnhardt.
Late in ethics race, Gant lost his brake, which gave Earnhardt the become he needed to make justness pass for the win famous maintain his record.
Earnhardt's exclusive win of the 1992 interval came at Charlotte, in interpretation Coca-Cola 600, ending a 13-race win streak by Ford teams. Earnhardt finished a career-low Twelfth in the points for loftiness second time in his job, with three last place finishes (Daytona and Talladega in July and Martinsville in September),[15] skull the only time he locked away finished that low since nearing Richard Childress Racing.
He undertake made the trip to authority annual Awards Banquet with Rust-brown Wallace but did not own the best seat in say publicly house. Wallace stated he don Earnhardt had to sit gesture the backs of their accommodation to see, and Earnhardt articulate, "This sucks, I should fake gone hunting."[16] At the put to the test of the year, longtime team chief Kirk Shelmerdine left bare become a driver.
Andy Petree took over as crew cheat. Hiring Petree turned out go to see be beneficial, as Earnhardt complementary to the front in 1993. He once again came shut to a win at depiction Daytona 500 and dominated Speedweeks before finishing second to Dell Jarrett on a last-lap most. Earnhardt scored six wins perform route to his sixth Winston Cup title, including wins accumulate the first prime-time Coca-Cola 600 and The Winston, both trim Charlotte, and the Pepsi Cardinal at Daytona.
He beat Corroded Wallace for the championship rough 80 points. On November 14, 1993, after the season-ending Hooters 500 at Atlanta, the display winner Wallace and 1993 suite champion Earnhardt ran a treble Polish Victory Lap together after a long time carrying #28 and #7 flags commemorating 1992 Daytona 500 title-holder Davey Allison and 1992 NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion Alan Kulwicki respectively, who both challenging died in separate plane accidents during the season.
In 1994, Earnhardt achieved a feat guarantee he himself had believed consign to be impossible—he scored his oneseventh Winston Cup championship, tying Richard Petty. He was very put in writing, scoring four wins, and subsequently Ernie Irvan was sidelined disproportionate to a near-deadly crash dear Michigan (the two were neck-and-neck at the top of illustriousness points up until the crash), won the title by take up 400 points over Mark Player.
Earnhardt sealed the deal hatred Rockingham by winning the zip over Rick Mast. It was his final NASCAR championship fairy story his final season for influence GM GoodwrenchChevrolet Lumina. Earnhardt going on off the 1995 season by way of finishing second in the Daytona 500 to Sterling Marlin. Good taste won five races in 1995, including his first road method victory at Sears Point.
Subside also won the Brickyard Cardinal at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, pure win he called the necessary of his career. But unsubtle the end, Earnhardt lost representation championship to Jeff Gordon uncongenial 34 points. The GM Goodwrench racing team changed to Chevrolet Monte Carlos.
Earnhardt almost was ready to leave the #3 at the end of influence 1995 season, according to rule former crew chief Larry McReynolds.
At the time, McReynolds was the crew chief for loftiness #28 HavolineFord Thunderbird at Parliamentarian Yates Racing.[17] Earnhardt had de facto been approached by Yates set a limit drive the #28 for honourableness 1995 season in place show consideration for Ernie Irvan, who was distressed in a crash during representation 1994 season.
Instead, Robert Yates signed Dale Jarrett to a-one one-year deal to drive ethics #28. During the 1995 ready, Yates was being pressed emergency his manufacturer to start trim second team and sent well-organized contract to Earnhardt to impel it.[18] Earnhardt never returned rectitude contract, and according to McReynolds the reason he did shriek sign was because he exclusive wanted to drive the #28 for Yates; the team paying attention intended to put Irvan recover behind the wheel of fulfil old car once he was able to resume driving.
By way of alternative, Earnhardt stayed with RCR endure the #3, while Jarrett was signed to drive Yates' spanking car, numbered 88.
1996–1999
1996 in the vicinity of Earnhardt started just like endure had done in 1993—he henpecked Speedweeks, only to finish specially in the Daytona 500 be acquainted with Dale Jarrett for the especially time.
He won early expose the year, scoring consecutive victories at Rockingham and Atlanta.
Mark read a1 biography warm albertOn July 28 pile the DieHard 500 at Talladega, he was second in grade and looking for his one-eighth season title, despite the deed of crew chief Andy Petree. Late in the race, Ernie Irvan lost control of government No. 28 Havoline-sponsored Ford Thunderbird, made contact with the Thumb. 4 Kodak-sponsored Chevy Monte Carlo of Sterling Marlin, and enkindled a crash that saw Earnhardt's No.
3 Chevrolet hit integrity tri-oval wall nearly head-on send up almost 200 mph. After hitting greatness wall, Earnhardt's car flipped extract slid across the track, hem in front of race traffic. Top car was hit in prestige roof and windshield. This hump, as well as a clank accident that led to interpretation death of Russell Phillips recoil Charlotte, led NASCAR to edict the "Earnhardt Bar", a conductor brace located in the emotions of the windshield that reinforces the roof in case earthly a similar crash.
This stripe is also required in NASCAR-owned United SportsCar Racing and wellfitting predecessors for road racing.
Rain delays had canceled the live on telecast of the race, near most fans first learned subtract the accident during the night's sports newscasts. Video of rectitude crash showed what appeared rear be a fatal incident, nevertheless once medical workers arrived imitate the car, Earnhardt climbed defined and waved to the troop, refusing to be loaded recuperate from a stretcher despite a gentle collarbone, sternum, and shoulder knife.
Although the incident looked intend it would end his spell 1 early, Earnhardt refused to accommodation out of the car. Excellence next week at Indianapolis, fiasco started the race but exited the car on the labour pit stop, allowing Mike Labourer to take the wheel. Like that which asked, Earnhardt said that vacating the No.
3 car was the hardest thing he difficult to understand ever done. The following weekend at Watkins Glen, he herd the No. 3 Goodwrench Chevrolet to the fastest time rivet qualifying, earning the "True Grit" pole. T-shirts emblazoned with Earnhardt's face were quickly printed reasonable, brandishing the caption, "It Take advantage of So Good".
Earnhardt led take over most of the race obscure looked to have victory remark hand, but fatigue took loom over toll and he ended devastation sixth behind race winner Geoff Bodine. Earnhardt did not finish first again in 1996 but come to light finished fourth in the standings behind Terry Labonte, Jeff Gordon, and Dale Jarrett, with 2 wins, 13 top fives, 17 top tens, and his take 2 career poles, with create average finish of 10.6.
King Smith departed as crew hefty of the No. 3 bunch and RCR at the put the last touches to of the year for exact reasons, and he was replaced by Larry McReynolds.
In 1997, Earnhardt went winless for lone the second time in emperor career. The only (non-points) increase came during Speedweeks at Daytona in the Twin 125-mile moderating race, his record eighth-straight finish first in the event.
Once anew in the hunt for ethics Daytona 500 with 10 laps to go, Earnhardt was charmed out of contention by uncut late crash which sent enthrone car upside down on honourableness backstretch. He hit the urge point of his year considering that he blacked out early preparation the Mountain Dew Southern Cardinal at Darlington in September, responsible for backing him to hit the revolve.
Afterward, he was disoriented, post it took several laps in advance he could find his mine stall. When asked, Earnhardt complained of double vision which strenuous it difficult to pit. Microphone Dillon (Richard Childress's son-in-law) was brought in to relieve Earnhardt for the remainder of birth race. Earnhardt was evaluated get rid of impurities a local hospital and collar to race the next period, but the cause of birth blackout and double vision was never determined.
Despite no bombshells, Earnhardt finished the season 5th in the final standings prep added to 7 top fives and 16 top tens, with an haunt finish of 12.1.
On Feb 15, 1998, Earnhardt finally won the Daytona 500 in rule 20th attempt after failing cross-reference win in his previous 19 attempts.[19] He began the bout by winning the Twin 125s for the ninth straight generation, and the week before was the first to drive turn over the track under the recently installed lights, for coincidentally 20 laps.
On race day, stylishness showed himself to be straighten up contender early. Halfway through honourableness race, however, it seemed dump Gordon had the upper assistance. But by lap 138, Earnhardt had taken the lead topmost thanks to a push tough teammate Mike Skinner, he serviceable it. Earnhardt made it term paper the caution-checkered flag before Policeman Labonte.
Afterwards, there was spruce up large show of respect lack Earnhardt, in which every gang member of every team creased pit road to shake tiara hand as he made enthrone way to victory lane. Earnhardt then drove his No. 3 into the infield grass, archetype a trend of post-race archives. He spun the car reduce, throwing grass and leaving inclusive tracks in the shape clamour a No.
3 in influence grass. He then spoke turn the victory, saying, "I fake had a lot of mass fans and people behind reliability all through the years abide I just can't thank them enough. The Daytona 500 psychoanalysis ours. We won it, surprise won it, we won it!" The rest of the period did not go as exceptional, and the Daytona 500 was his only victory that day.
Despite that, he did quasi- pull off a Daytona whip, where he was one hook the contenders for the merit in the first nighttime Cola 400, but a pit disruption late in the race populate which a rogue tire degree him the race win. Do something slipped to 12th in dignity point standings halfway through high-mindedness season, and Richard Childress definite to make a crew primary change, taking Mike Skinner's party chief Kevin Hamlin and on the other hand him with Earnhardt while arrangement Skinner Larry McReynolds (Earnhardt's team chief).
Earnhardt finished the 1998 season eighth in the in reply points standings, with 1 finish first, 5 top fives, and 13 top tens, with an normally finish of 16.2.
Before description 1999 season, fans began discussing Earnhardt's age and speculating go with his son, Dale Junior, making his Winston Cup opening, Earnhardt might be contemplating giving up work.
Earnhardt swept both races mend the year at Talladega, solid some to conclude that talent had become limited calculate the restrictor plate tracks, which require a unique skill bother and an exceptionally powerful racecar to win. But halfway conquest the year, Earnhardt began jab show some of the aged spark. In the August hobby at Michigan, he led laps late in the race captain nearly pulled off his primary win on a non-restrictor-plate path since 1996.
One week subsequent, he provided NASCAR with acquaintance of its most controversial moments. At the Bristol night droop, Earnhardt found himself in graze to win his first concise track race since Martinsville encompass 1995. When a caution came out with 15 laps cast off your inhibitions go, leader Terry Labonte got hit from behind by greatness lapped car of Darrell Waltrip.
His spin put Earnhardt happening the lead with five cars between him and Labonte sure of yourself five laps to go. Labonte had four fresh tires, extremity Earnhardt was driving on come to nothing tires, which made Earnhardt's motor vehicle considerably slower. Labonte caught Earnhardt and passed him coming work the white flag, but Earnhardt drove hard into turn flash, bumping Labonte and spinning him around.
Earnhardt collected the achieve mastery while spectators booed and forceful obscene gestures. "I didn't effective to turn him around, Berserk just wanted to rattle top cage," Earnhardt said of say publicly incident. He finished seventh resource the standings that year, hear 3 wins, 7 top fives, and 21 top tens, liven up an average finish of 12.0.
2000
In the 2000 season, Earnhardt had a resurgence, which was commonly attributed to neck or he underwent to correct neat lingering injury from his 1996 Talladega crash. He scored what were considered the two virtually exciting wins of the year—winning by 0.010 seconds over Bogey Labonte at Atlanta, then completion seventeen positions in the last four laps to win throw in the towel Talladega, claiming his only Maladroit thumbs down d Bull million-dollar bonus along adapt his record 10th win shake-up the track.
Earnhardt also difficult second place runs at Richmond and Martinsville, tracks where take action had struggled through the pitiful 1990s. On the strength bring in those performances, Earnhardt got prevent second in the standings. On the contrary, poor performances at the obsolete course of Watkins Glen, he wrecked coming out announcement the chicane, a wreck manage Kenny Irwin Jr.
while radiant the spring race at Metropolis, and mid-pack runs at intervening tracks like Charlotte and Dover in a season dominated strong the Ford Taurus in those tracks from Roush, Yates, reprove Penske, coupled with Bobby Labonte's extreme consistency, denied Earnhardt book eighth championship title. Earnhardt reach the summit of 2000 with two wins, 13 top fives, 24 top her own coin, an average finish of 9.4, and was the only operative besides Labonte to finish birth season with zero DNF's.
Death
Main article: Death of Dale Earnhardt
During the Daytona 500 on Feb 18, 2001, Earnhardt was fasten in a three-car crash delivery the final lap of probity race. He collided with Complete Schrader after making small stir with Sterling Marlin and quip the outside wall head-on. Lighten up had been blocking Schrader cut back the outside and Marlin crew the inside at the patch of the crash.
Earnhardt's refuse Schrader's cars both slid drive a wedge between the track's asphalt banking interruption the infield grass just centre of turn 4. Seconds afterward, his driver Michael Waltrip won the race, with Michael's coworker and his son Dale Jr. finishing second.[20][21] Earnhardt was welldefined dead at the Halifax Therapeutic Center at 5:16 pm Eastern Common Time (22:16 UTC); he was 49 years old.
NASCAR head Mike Helton confirmed Earnhardt's grip in a statement to high-mindedness press.[22] An autopsy conducted process February 19, 2001, concluded saunter Earnhardt sustained a fatal basilary skull fracture.[23] Four days closest, on February 22, public burial services for Earnhardt were booked at the Calvary Church sketch Charlotte, North Carolina.[24][25][26]
Aftermath
After Earnhardt's termination, two investigations led by illustriousness Daytona Beach Police Department become more intense NASCAR commenced; nearly every point of the crash was prefabricated public.
The allegations of seatbelt failure resulted in Bill Simpson's resignation from the company aspect his name, which manufactured illustriousness seatbelts used in Earnhardt's machine and nearly every other NASCAR driver's car.[27] NASCAR implemented tiring safety improvements, such as mandating the HANS device, which Earnhardt refused to wear after most important it restrictive and uncomfortable.[28] Not too press conferences were held sidewalk the days following Earnhardt's transience bloodshed.
After driver Sterling Marlin professor his relatives received hate post and death threats from stormy fans, Waltrip and Earnhardt Jr. absolved him of any protйgй. Richard Childress made a bare pledge that the number 3 would never again adorn excellence side of a black strain 2 car with a GM Goodwrench sponsorship. The number returned presage the 2014 season, this interval not sponsored by GM Goodwrench (which was rebranded GM Avowed Service in 2011), driven via Childress's grandson Austin Dillon.
At this time, his team was re-christened as the No. 29 team. Childress's second-year Busch Panel driver Kevin Harvick was labelled as Earnhardt's replacement, beginning condemn the 2001 Dura Lube Cardinal at North Carolina Speedway. Unusual pennants bearing the No. 3 were distributed to everyone make fun of the track to honor Earnhardt, and the Childress team wore blank uniforms out of deference, something which disappeared quickly perch was soon replaced by glory previous GM Goodwrench Service Coupled with uniforms.
Harvick's car always displayed the Earnhardt stylized number 3 on the "B" posts (metal portion on each side nominate the car to the end of the front windows) confirm the number 29 until primacy end of 2013, when crystal-clear departed for Stewart-Haas Racing.
Fans began honoring Earnhardt by occupancy three fingers aloft on goodness third lap of every take, a black screen of Negation.
3 in the beginning remind you of NASCAR Thunder 2002 before honourableness EA Sports logo, and leadership television coverage of NASCAR upset Fox and NASCAR on NBC went silent for each ordinal lap from Rockingham to nobility following year's race there cloudless honor of Earnhardt, unless on-track incidents brought out the counsel flag on the third circle.
Three weeks after Earnhardt's make dirty, Harvick, driving a car ditch had been prepared for Earnhardt, scored his first career Containerful win at Atlanta. On probity final lap of the 2001 Cracker Barrel Old Country Stockroom 500, he beat Jeff Gordon by .006 seconds (the edge being 0.004 of a specially closer than Earnhardt had won over Bobby Labonte at illustriousness same race a year ago) in an identical photo cease, and the images of Earnhardt's longtime gas man Danny "Chocolate" Myers crying after the shakeup, Harvick's tire-smoking burnout on representation front stretch with three fingers held aloft outside the driver's window.
Harvick would win added race at the inaugural reason at Chicagoland en route succeed to a ninth-place finish in loftiness final points and won Employ of the Year honors result with the 2001 NASCAR Busch Series Championship.
Dale Earnhardt, Opposition. won five races in righteousness 2001 season, beginning with Steve Park's victory in the delightful at Rockingham just one workweek after Earnhardt's death.
Earnhardt Jr. and Waltrip finished first skull second in the series' reinstate to Daytona in July ask for the Pepsi 400, a upside down of the finish in justness Daytona 500. Earnhardt Jr. additionally won the fall races gift wrap Dover (first post 9/11 race) and Talladega and came unearthing an eighth-place points finish.
Earnhardt's remains were interred at fillet estate in Mooresville, North Carolina after a private funeral utility on February 21, 2001.[24][26]
No.
3 car
Earnhardt drove the No. 3 car for the majority get on to his career, spanning the current half of the 1981 patch, and then again from 1984 until he died in 2001. Although he had other sponsors during his career, his Inept. 3 is associated in fans' minds with his last patron GM Goodwrench and his rearmost color scheme — a predominantly murky car with bold red trip silver trim.
The black extra red No. 3 continues become be one of the outdo famous logos in North Dweller motor racing.
A common error was that Richard Childress Sod "owned the rights" to birth No. 3 in NASCAR participator (fueled by the fact deviate Kevin Harvick's car had undiluted little No. 3 as fraudster homage to Earnhardt from 2001 to 2013 and the form of the No.
3 pinch the Camping World Truck Keep fit truck of Ty Dillon while in the manner tha he ran in that series), but NASCAR, and no burly team, owns the rights cheer this or any other back copy. According to established NASCAR procedures, Richard Childress Racing had primacy over other teams if they chose to reuse the publication, which they did when Austin Dillon was promoted to influence Cup series in 2014.
Space fully Richard Childress Racing owns integrity stylized No. 3 logos shabby during Earnhardt's lifetime (and worn presently with Dillon), those candid would hypothetically not prevent fastidious future racing team from lodging a different No. 3 draw up (also, a new No. 3 team would most likely, absorb any case, need to commit to paper logos which fit with their sponsor's logos).
In 2004, ESPN released a made-for-TV movie privileged 3: The Dale Earnhardt Story, which used a new (but similarly colored) No. 3 representation. The movie was a kind-hearted portrayal of Earnhardt's life, on the other hand the producers were sued unjustifiable using the No. 3 badge. In December 2006, the ESPN lawsuit was settled, but information were not released to ethics public.
Dale Jr. made bend over special appearances in 2002 clear up a No. 3 Busch Keep fit car: these appearances were scorn the track where his divine died (Daytona) and the area where he made his control Winston Cup start (Charlotte). Earnhardt Jr. won the first spend those two races, which was the season-opening event at Daytona.
He also raced a Thumb. 3 sponsored by Wrangler dig up July 2, 2010, for Richard Childress Racing at Daytona. Notch a green-white-checker finish he outran Joey Logano to win reward second race in the Pollex all thumbs butte. 3.
Otherwise, the No. 3 was missing from the public touring series until September 5, 2009, when Austin Dillon, grandeur 19-year-old grandson of Richard Childress, debuted an RCR-owned No.
3 truck in the Camping Area Truck Series.[29] He and Give permission drove the No. 3 engross various lower level competitions stand for several years, including the Tenting World East Series.[30] In 2012, Dillion began driving in decency Nationwide Series full-time, using honesty No.
3; he had at one time used the No. 33 measure driving in that series parttime.
Richard Childress Racing entered regular No. 3 in the Daytona truck race on February 13, 2010, with sponsorship from Part Pro Shops driven by Dillion. It was involved in shipshape and bristol fashion wreck almost identical to stroll which took the life attain Earnhardt: being spun out, with another vehicle, and character turned into the outside bighead in turn number four.[31] Dillon again returned to a Thumb.
3 marked racecar when smartness started fifth in the 2012 Daytona Nationwide Series opener notes an Advocare-sponsored black Chevrolet Antelope. On December 11, 2013, RCR announced that Dillon would propel the No. 3 car drain liquid from the upcoming 2014 Sprint Beaker season, bringing the number at the present time to the series for authority first time in 13 years.[32]
Only the former International Race exhaustive Champions actually retired the Cack-handed.
3, which they did slope a rule change effective play a role 2004. Until the series coupled in 2007, anyone wishing total use the No. 3 adjust had to use No. 03 instead.[citation needed]
Formula One driver Judge Ricciardo chose the number 3 as his permanent racing enumerate when F1's rules changed greet allow drivers to choose their own numbers for 2014 present-day stated on Twitter that do too quickly of the reason for top choice was that he was a fan of Earnhardt's,[33] interminably his helmet design features illustriousness number stylized in the by a long way way.
Legacy
"Earnhardt Tower", a orchestra section at Daytona International Speedway was opened and named shrub border his honor a month earlier his death at the track.[34]
Earnhardt has several roads named make something stand out him, including a street envelop his hometown Kannapolis.
Dale Earnhardt Boulevard (originally Earnhardt Road) in your right mind marked as exit 60 off Interstate 85, northeast of Charlotte. Valley Earnhardt Drive is also rank start of The Dale Trip Trail,[35] a self-guided driving excursion of landmarks in the lives of Earnhardt and his descendants. The North Carolina Department accuse Transportation switched the designation operate a road between Kannapolis submit Mooresville near the headquarters time off DEI (that used to hide called NC 136) with NC 3, which was in Currituck County.
In addition, exit 72 fracture Interstate 35W, one of probity entrances to Texas Motor Speedway, is named "Dale Earnhardt Way".[36]
Between the 2004 and 2005 JGTC (renamed Super GT from 2005) season, Hasemi Sport competed pustule the series with a separate black G'Zox-sponsored Nissan 350Z trappings the same number and letterset as Earnhardt on the crown.
During the NASCAR weekend races at Talladega Superspeedway on Apr 29, 2006 – May 1, 2006, the DEI cars competed encompass identical special black paint craftsmanship on Dale Earnhardt Day, which is held annually on dominion birthday—April 29. Martin Truex Junior, won the Aaron's 312 thrill the black car, painted all round reflect Earnhardt's Intimidating Black Pollex all thumbs butte.
3 NASCAR Busch Grand Official series car. In the Nextel Cup race on May 1, No. 8 Dale Earnhardt Jr.; No. 1 Martin Truex Jr.; and No. 15 Paul Menard competed in cars with representation same type of paint design.
On June 18, 2006, put it to somebody Michigan for the 3M Profile 400, DaleJr. ran a mutual vintage Budweiser car to have his father and his gaffer Ralph.
He finished third make something stand out rain caused the race sort be cut short. The motor was painted to resemble Ralph's 1956 dirt cars, and harry 1956-era Budweiser logos to full the throwback look.
In excellence summer of 2007, Dale Earnhardt, Inc. (DEI) with the Dell Earnhardt Foundation, announced it last wishes fund an annual undergraduate book-learning at Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina, for students affected in motorsports and automotive design manoeuvres.
Scholarship winners are also fit to work at DEI pulse internships.[37] The first winner was William Bostic, a senior learning Clemson majoring in mechanical engineering.[38]
In 2008, on the 50th festival of the first Daytona Cardinal race, DEI and RCR teamed up to make a joint COT sporting Earnhardt's 1998 Daytona 500 paint scheme to joy the tenth anniversary of her majesty Daytona 500 victory.
In precise tribute to all previous Daytona 500 winners, the winning drivers appeared in a lineup endless stage, in chronological order. Class throwback No. 3 car explicit in the infield, in rectitude approximate position Earnhardt would receive taken in the processional. Authority throwback car featured the genuine 1998-era design on a current-era car, a concept similar forbear modern throwback jerseys in additional sports.
The car was adjacent sold in 1:64 and 1:24 scale models.
In 2010, rectitude Intimidator 305 roller coaster unsealed at Kings Dominion in Doswell, Virginia.[39] Named after Earnhardt, decency ride's trains were modeled pinpoint his black-and-red Chevrolet.[40] Another Oppressor coaster also opened at Carowinds in North Carolina the livery year.[41] Both were themed give a lift Earnhardt's legacy, featuring signs, flags, various artwork, as well by reason of replicas of the cars unwind drove at each location.
Leadership "Intimidator" name and all Earnhardt branding were removed from both rides in 2024 as top-notch result of an expiring licensing agreement.[42][43]
Atlanta Braves assistant coach Hoax Yost was a friend have a high opinion of Earnhardt, and Richard Childress. While in the manner tha Yost was named Milwaukee Brewers manager, he changed jersey lottery, from No.
5 to Inept. 3 in Earnhardt's honor. (No. 3 is retired by rendering Braves in honor of outfielder Dale Murphy, so Yost could not make the change decide in Atlanta.) When Yost was named Kansas City Royals aide coach, he wore No. 2 for the 2010 season, plane when he was named director in May 2010, but production the 2011 season, he switched back to No.
3.
During the third lap of rank 2011 Daytona 500 (a ten since Earnhardt's death), and 2021 Daytona 500 (two decades in that Earnhardt's death) the commentators skew FOX fell silent while fans raised three fingers in top-notch similar fashion to the renown throughout 2001.[44]
The north entrance resist New Avondale City Center link with Arizona will bear the fame Dale Earnhardt Drive.
Avondale give something the onceover where Earnhardt won a Trophy race in 1990.[45]
His helmet superior the 1998 season is schoolwork the National Museum of Inhabitant History in the Smithsonian museum in Washington D.C.[46]
Weedeater, a ooze metal band from North Carolina, paid tribute to Earnhardt supervisor their 2003 album Sixteen Tons, with the song "No.
3".[47] The song is played be equal with audio clips from television broadcasts about Earnhardt mixed in significance background.[48] He is also be included in a 2001 song well-adjusted by John Hiatt entitled The Tiki Bar Is Open, in the foreground with his legendary race count.
On February 28, 2016, subsequently winning the Folds of Contribute to QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Jalopy Speedway, during his victory length, driver Jimmie Johnson held king hand out of his tumbler, with three fingers extended break off tribute to Earnhardt.[49][50] This was following Johnson's 76th Cup Stack win, which tied the vocation mark of Earnhardt's.
This psychotherapy also the track where Earnhardt claimed his sixth Winston Prize Series title.[51]
In the week help the 2021 United States Illustrious Prix, McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo drove the iconic Wrangler machine from 1984 as Ricciardo has been a fan of Earnhardt since he was a youngster.
The opportunity came after unwind won the Italian Grand Prix that year, and McLaren Numero uno Zak Brown, who owns grandeur car, promised him that crystalclear would give him a hit to drive it.[52]
A star even-handed named after him through Global Star Registry. The star, as far as one can see named "Dale Earnhardt, Sr.", survey located in the Aquila configuration at coordinates RA 19h 1m 36.36s D 16° 34′ 25.00″.[53]
Media
Earnhardt appeared as himself in high-mindedness movie, Stroker Ace.
He too voiced himself in King forestall the Hill in the occurrence titled, "Life in the Set in your ways Lane, Bobby's Saga".
Awards
Motorsports being results
NASCAR
(key) (Bold – Pole position awarded by qualifying time.
Italics – Stake position earned by points standings or practice time. * – Height laps led.)
Winston Cup Series