Dale Earnhardt
1951-2001
"Legends Live Forever"

"The Intimidator"

A true legend, Dale Earnhardt painted the track with his take no prisoners driving style and unique personality. Dale started with very little, and built a racing dynasty envied by the best in the sport.  Along the way Dale was quick to help out other racers that were less fortunate. Drivers like Dave Marcis and the late J.D.McDuffie were often at the receiving end of the kinder side of the "Man In Black". Many times Dale would see to it that these independent drivers were able to compete in the sport that he loved so much, by lending an engine or buying some tires. Other more formidable competitors, saw a tough challenger  that would not give an inch.

We were all blessed to have shared the special moments that Dale enjoyed, and although we are saddened by the untimely and unexpected loss of a champion, we should all be as lucky as to die doing what we love.
To have died in a traffic accident, or plane crash would have been truly tragic, but to Dale, turn four at Daytona was "just racing".

God speed Dale....until we meet again

Stevie Waltrip, wife of Darrell, would put a Bible verse on the dash of Dales car before each race.
At the Daytona 500 the scripture was from Proverbs 18:10

God is a strong tower,
and the righteous shall run into it,
and be safe.

A fine Daytona afternoon, the season just begun.
My boys were running one and two, and I was having fun.
I probably could have won the thing, but something held me back.
I was busy watching Dale and Mike -- and holding off the pack.
I was looking toward the front and not really to the rear.
Something tapped me on my bumper, but still I had no fear.
I thought it might be Sterling - I knew he was nearby.
When Sterling smells the checkered flag, I'll tell you, he ain't shy.
I slipped a bit. I turned the wheel. I sensed something very odd.
It wasn't Sterling's tap I'd felt. It was the tap of God.
"Not now," I said. "I'm racing hard. There's work still here to do."
"You're time is up," He whispered low, "So say a quick adieu."
I wasn't really ready, but I didn't have a choice.
He'd tapped me on the bumper and I'd heard His hallowed voice.
So I did as He instructed. I just packed it in and left.
I guess it can't be helped that I left some of you bereft.
Did you see those birds upon the wall as they scattered in the breeze?
Will it make it any easier to know that one of them was me?
There was also Davey, Dad and Neil and some other guys I've known.
And they all came to Daytona just to escort me on home.
Hey - congratulations, Mikey! You made a worthy run.
I wish you many, many more. You're wins have just begun.
All that fun you had in Victory Lane, I was proud as proud can be.
Did you see a seagull flying low? Yeah, Mikey, that was me.
So, friends and fans and family, don't mourn me for too long.
Get on with life - take care of things - be brave and proud and strong
I'll surely miss you every one. About that I will not lie.
But as long as you remember me - I didn't really die
unknown author


Dale,Teresa and Taylor Nicole at Rockingham 1998
T-Tops Racing Photo


The Heaven 500

 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.
 Moroso & Nemecheck, then Tim Richmond appreared,
 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 Heavely race,
 leaving all of your earthly fans, with honor & 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 eyes 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!"

a FAN
(thanks to "timbo" for sending it in)
 


Dale working that ol' Black Magic
thanks to Dean Overman for this photo


No Bull at Indy 2000
thanks to Jeanne Shorter for this photo

Dale at Rockingham - watching Dale,Jr race the  BGN car
T-Tops Racing photo

Preaching to the chior
Dale in conversation with Darrell Waltrip, Stevie Waltrip, Steve Park and others
T-Tops Racing Photo


 


a personal tribute by a long time fan


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