Origins of Love & Loyalty: Dale Earnhardt 20 Years Later

Dale Earnhardt has been gone twenty years, but his life and legacy live on as do his diehard fans.

For many, losing Earnhardt was the end of NASCAR. For others, it was a natural transition from father to son. For so many he is still an icon, a legend, a god.

But how did this second-generation wheelman garner such passionate fandom? How did a guy with mediocre luck at the start of his career, catapult himself to stardom?

With 7 championships that tied him with the King of NASCAR, Richard Petty, and 76 race wins that put him 8^th on the all-time wins list, Earnhardt was an unstoppable winning machine.

Even when a trophy from the Daytona 500, the Great American Race, eluded him for two decades, Earnhardt finally made it to Victory Lane in 1998. Every team member of every NASCAR Cup team lined up to high five and congratulate Earnhardt on such an auspicious win.

Earnhardt teased, played practical jokes, worked hard away from the track, and worked even harder on it. He was a damn great friend, mentor, husband, and father.

He was a Hero.

So how did his self-proclaimed Super Fans discover him and maintain their loyalty to his memory?

Here’s a random sampling of stories from fans I've met throughout the years:

Ira Coleman Jr.:

“He was having an autograph session at West Chevrolet Alcoa Tennessee and everybody was lined out the door waiting on him to show up. When him and Richard showed up Richard talked first and said folks I apologize for being late, Dale had scared us to death driving us over from the airport, he has drove like he was racing @ Bristol, I saw speeds over 100 a few times and he passed traffic by going up on the curb and every which way. lol The Folks were lined up for a hundred yards outside and after a hour his manager can't come in and tell on him that it was time to go, that they had to kiss to pine and fly on to Bristol Motor Speedway. Dale said I ain't leaving till I see everyone and he probably didn't because a man I work with had his autograph signed around 11 o'clock at night.”

 

Cathy Ann Brock Manchester remembers, “the time he came to Orlando, Fla, at K92, and I got his autograph! I never will forget that day when I seen him!”

 

Mindy Reno said, “My favorite memory is when I got to meet Dale Sr on June 22, 2000!”

 

David Foytlin:

“It was at an open house at RCR '89. I had an Earnhardt cap signed by the crew. I saw Richard sitting off to the side. Took him the hat for his signature. Told him that I had a spot on it for Dale to sign. He said wait a minute, took the hat and came back a few minutes later with Dale’s signature. I cherish that cap so much.”

 

Joey Cassady:

“When Dale came to Bowling Green, KY for an autograph session. It was cold and there was a pregnant woman that could not afford a ticket to get in and was waiting outside in the very cold weather. Dale saw her and asked her why she was waiting outside and she said she did not have a enough money for a ticket and it was her wedding anniversary and she wanted an autograph for her husband. Dale said let’s take a ride to the airport and he gave her his jacket off his back and some other stuff and ask if she had a name for the baby yet and she said no and he said Dale is a good name. He was a warrior on the track and a classy guy off the track.”

 

Brian Scott Gregory:

“The ultimate was when I was at the MI track in August of '98 and got to meet him, shake his hand and sat down with him and had a drink. Now that as awesome.  He didn’t treat me any different then he would have anyone else, and I didn’t treat him different. We sat and had a few drinks and talked about the weather and fishing and hunting. Not one word was mentioned about racing other then he did say about Jr. (I just don’t know what I'm gonna do with that boy, he just won’t listen to anyone). Gotta love it!”

 

Michael McHone:

“I also met Dale and Richard. They came to a grand opening for a Chevy dealer in Alaska. I have both their autographs on my copy of the 1994 Winston cup yearbook, the year of his last championship. What great people they were.  NASCAR took a big loss when Dale passed away.”

 

John Flock:

“He made an appearance at Fulton Speedway on one Watkins Glen weekend. After more than an hour of signing autographs, I had a private meeting with him in the office. All went well, talking of his dad's exploits in the 50's. When that first race hit the track, he stood up and said, ‘I gotta go. Can't stand to watch races when I'm not in a car.’”

 

Mark L. Bardin:

“Years ago, after a race in NH a friend of mine stopped at a restaurant. The place was packed. They sat my friend and his wife at a table for 6. They ordered there meals and as they we’re waiting in walked Dale Sr, Jr, Dale’s wife and (not sure)Jeffery. There was no place for them to eat so my friend noticed them and walked over and offered to have them sit with them. Dale accepted and was very kind, pleasant. Dry down to earth for such a famous man and family. My friend has since passed and lived in Pawlet, VT. I’m from Granville, NY right over the border from Pawlet, VT. Hearing the story and the the passing of Dale which I saw on TV was devastating . My father died in my arms at a basketball game up in the stands at 51 yearrs old . We worked together every day. Went to Dirt track racing together. We were very close. So, I relate to JR when his dad passed. I always wanted to meet them.  Jr. and I have red hair.”

 

Daniel Pascale:

 

“I watched him in 1979. He was rookie of the year. I couldn't stop watching him. My mom knew where I was every Sunday. He was my hero.”

 

Mary Elizabeth Gibson Peace

 

“Love Dale for The Kindness He Showed To Others & Never Wanted Any Recognition For It... He Put on This Hard Core But Really Had A Heart Of Gold....”

 

Dennis Baker

 

“Dale Earnhardt was one hell of a driver. I started liking him in the 80’s. I was and am a huge Chevy guy. The day he passed Bill Elliot in the grass he was my guy from then on. I’ve watched him go between two cars in turn one at Atlanta to pass them both. Come from 18 to win in 5 laps at ‘dega . I saw him win his last race at ‘dega and run his last at Daytona. I even named a dog I had after him.”

 

Greeta Burbage

 

“I loved the man he was and always will be the best ever, if I had to work on a weekend I would record the race and every break I’d be in my car listening to it on the radio!! He was the MAN!!”

 

Brian Blevins

 

“I became a fan based on his sheer determination and will to win… his driving ability was unmatched…”

 

Gerry Hamelton

 

“I remember one time after a race that he won on the last lap. Someone asked Dale why he had taken the leader out.

His answer was, ‘I wanted to win the race.’”

 

Lorie White

 

“I love watching Dale Sr. and Dale Jr. racing together. But after Dale Sr. passed away Dale Jr. became my favorite driver.”

 

Donna Lama Larson

 

“He was my favorite driver, I met him a few times, nice guy. Was at the race when he was killed, broke my heart. Cried For days. NASCAR died when we lost him.”

 

Keith Cox

 

“Dale was a real deal... raced you hard whether for the win or just to get back/put you a lap back!!!!”

 

Zack Ireland

 

“I was at my friend’s daughter’s birthday party. They had the race on TV. I had no idea who Earnhardt was. They asked what car I liked, it was the black number 3. It’s the coolest car on the track. The rest is history. Forever a fan, followed him ever since.”

 

Joyce Domini

 

“I became a fan when he was rookie of the year, when I was in Daytona watching the race when he drove the yellow and green Chevy. He was bumper to bumper on everybody in his way. I could not take my eyes off him. That was the first time we went to all races after that in states next to us. Alabama, Atlanta, Daytona, Darlington. Two a year at each place, then I got to meet him in Daytona, he was staying in the same hotel I was in.  I was so excited. I saw the mark key that said welcome Dale Earnhardt. I first thought it was just to Daytona, but it was to the hotel. Someone said he was at the beach with his family. I sat by the pool until he came up. I had my picture taken with him. My husband started talking to him, because had won lots of trophies in drag racing and could talk on his level. He visited with us a while, he was the nicest man. I also meet Richard Childress, he was so nice also.”

 

Ray E. Shelton

 

“I started watching Dale after reading an article about he and the death of his father. He drew my attention and his struggle to race in the NASCAR series was something that I felt drawn to. He was a no mess with driver that put his all into his racing. From his first full time season (‘79 ) to the beginning of an amazing career. Many hated him including drivers, but deep down it was like I was him. He worked hard away from the racetrack. When he had a bad race, I felt awful and grumpy then had a bad week myself. He was someone I looked up to and I couldn’t wait for the next race. The more I found out about him the more I followed him. The day we lost him my heart broke and I never hid the fact that I cried like was my best friend.”

 

There are as many stories as there are fans. There are as many “3” Flags that fly at races as any other number. New generations learn from others about “The Man In Black” and “The Intimidator”.

 

Dale Earnhardt lives on forever and continues to leave an indelible mark on his fans that will never go away.

 

 

 

 

 

The Four C's of Dale Earnhardt By: Candice Smith

Twenty years after Dale Earnhardt died I still remember him fondly daily, but especially on his birthday.

For those who never saw Earnhardt drive or be interviewed in their lifetime I’d like to explain, if possible, why Earnhardt’s mystique remains so potent so long after his departure.

As I pondered the question myself I came up with the Four C’s of Earnhardt, just like the 4 C’s of buying a diamond!

Because that’s what Earnhardt was, a diamond. Sometimes he was one in the rough, but in the later years Earnhardt was dazzling, rare, unique, and most precious.

And now, without further ado, are the Four C’s of Dale Earnhardt.

Charisma. A few definitions of the word charisma come from www.dictionary.com and are the following:

1. Theology. a divinely conferred gift or power.
2. a spiritual power or personal quality that gives an individual influence or authority over large numbers of people.
3. the special virtue of an office, function, position, etc., that confers or is thought to confer on the person holding it an unusual ability for leadership, worthiness of veneration, or the like.

Earnhardt most certainly exuded charisma and definitely seemed to have been conferred a gift or power. His influence is so strong it has long outlasted his life on Earth. He was a leader and was and still is revered among a great many.

In addition, Earnhardt was a marketer’s dream. Tall, statuesque, strong physique, and with that ever-present signature mustache and twinkle in his eye, Earnhardt had that special something that led people to not only trust him but to like him, really like him.

People wanted to stand in a room with Earnhardt, be at his side when he was telling a story, and be the one he was hunting, fishing, boating, or partying. They wanted to wear what he wore, drive what he drove, fly his flag, and wear something with his colors, number, and signature.

Clever. In the world of NASCAR or racing of any kind, you have to be most clever to make a career. Earnhardt not only made a career but created an Empire for the Earnhardts.

Whether it was owning his signature and marketing it on everything from playing cards to nice jackets and everything in between, or grooming his son Dale Jr. to be in the same business, Earnhardt showed he was the cleverest in the garage.

Calculating. No doubt about it, Earnhardt was always figuring out how to use his racecar to win. That was the goal each and every week. I never remember Earnhardt talking about points unless his team was fixing the car in the garage and he was telling a reporter they were trying to get it back on the track to make up some points.

Earnhardt was about winning and doing anything and everything in his power to do so. He would scheme to find a way to use his car and his intimidation to his benefit.

Winning was important to Earnhardt. Winning poles, winning races, and, of course, winning championships, drove Earnhardt to stay focused and determined.

He finally won at the Daytona 500.

And, on the last day of his life, Earnhardt was calculating how to put his DEI drivers into Victory Lane at the Great American Race.

Character.  Earnhardt was, without a doubt, a character in the NASCAR community, in the world of sports, and simply in the universe. He was well-known, respected, feared, loved, and cherished by his family, friends, competitors, and fans.

There are some who still might malign the man’s actions on the track, but usually that’s because they rooted for the driver Earnhardt beat that week.

But the fact that Earnhardt’s memory is so palpable to so many, his claim on their hearts so strong and pure, proves that his character was and is immeasurable.

Many who knew him say that when Earnhardt put his arm around your shoulder you knew you were in for something – counseling, advice, constructive criticism, or maybe a joke or a good word.

If Earnhardt was mad at you, you were certain to make it right as soon as possible. The only thing more intimidating than The Intimidator was when The Intimidator had a beef with you.

But Earnhardt had a huge capacity for love, a reputation for true friendship, and modeled hard work paying off in spades.

Earnhardt’s character was unquestionably the reason folks from all around, from all walks of life, looked up to and cheered Earnhardt’s No. 3.

And Still We Remember By: Candice Smith

Time stood still.

No one moved or breathed.

No one believed that The Intimidator was mortal.

Certainly he’d walk away from what looked initially like an innocuous hit into the wall.

This was Daytona, the track that Earnhardt won consistently at and even had captured a 500 victory three years previously.

A collective gasp was heard.

Hearts sunk.

Mourning began.

A line was drawn – events that happened before February 18, 2001 and after.

The day Dale Earnhardt died.

Accidents happen, but he’d always walked away able to race the next time.

Lives forever changed that fateful day.

Healing began.

Dale Earnhardt will never be forgotten.

His indelible mark is as palpable today as it was then.

Perhaps more.

Then Earnhardt had as many detractors as fans. Fans would boo, jeer, and argue what a terrible competitor he was. A cheat, some would say, or a thug on the race track. Fans of Mark Martin, Rusty Wallace, Darrell Waltrip, and many other drivers couldn’t stand Earnhardt.

But when he was gone the enormity of Earnhardt’s death reverberated across NASCAR Nation and beyond.

Flags still fly proudly with the “No. 3” and Dale Earnhardt signature. His fans – ardent, loyal, passionate – still remember.

Always.

He was so much more than a NASCAR star.

Earnhardt was a sports icon, a business entrepreneur, a  farmer, a sponsor’s dream, a winning driver, a champion who tied King Richard Petty’s seven championships.

Earnhardt was a jokester, a fierce competitor, and a loyal friend.

He was a husband, business partner, hunter, and a father.

His legacy has made him immortal.

The name Earnhardt will forever be associated with racing – NASCAR –  and a host of positive things in the world as his family’s reach is constantly expanding.

Seventeen years later and the landscape has changed immensely.

The one thing that has not changed is the allegiance shown by Earnhardt fans. There are endless stories of how Earnhardt touched their lives.

Others have entire rooms filled with Earnhardt memorabilia.

What every one of those fans has in common is their love, admiration, and adulation of Dale Earnhardt.

Seventeen years on, as much that has changed, the Earnhardt fans stay the same.

Happy Birthday, Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver adds another candle to his birthday cake today; he turns 43 years old.

As an outsider looking in who has observed Dale Earnhardt Jr. for many years, it is an exciting time for him.

Introduced to the public as a boy – Dale Earnhardt’s boy – Dale Jr. was living in the shadow of his famous father.

Growing into a young man with driving talent, we watched as Dale Jr. raced hard and well and carved a name for himself with two NASCAR Busch Series championships and then with wins in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

His father’s strong arms were never far away. His influence was ever-present.

And then the unthinkable happened and Dale Jr. was left to live life without his father.

There were ups and downs. Successes and failures. High hopes and dashed dreams. A parting of the ways between Dale Jr. and Dale Earnhardt Incorporated was the start of a new chapter in Dale Jr.’s life.

More time elapsed with still more failures on the track than successes.

Finally a turning point occurred.

Solid finishes, consistency, a driver with focus, determination, and optimism.

Personally, Dale Jr. seemed happier than ever before. His smile was genuine, his shoulders not slumped in despair.

And then the 2014 season dawned at Daytona. Dale Jr. won the Great American race for the second time in his career – a feat even his father could never claim.

The win took enormous pressure off of the driver and team under the brand new Chase format as they had secured a spot after the first race of the season.

But Dale Jr. and his No. 88 team continued to work hard.

Two more wins followed, both at Pocono Raceway. I was fortunate to be at both races.

My vantage point in Victory Lane allowed me to see up close and personally the complete and utter joy that flowed from Dale Jr.

In June Dale Jr. shook hands with every crew member, took endless pictures, and conducted countless television and radio interviews. He was then escorted into the media center at Pocono Raceway and sat patiently and unhurriedly answering every question hurled at him.

Dale Jr. answered thoughtfully, spoke eloquently, and was so in the moment.  At the same time he was calm, present, and so very happy.

In his return to Pocono Raceway in August there was a zest and confidence that Dale Jr. exuded. Perhaps it was bravado or simply a guy having fun, but it was different than I’d seen him in the past.

A sweep of Pocono capped Dale Jr.’s summer and showed the other drivers in the series and Dale Jr.’s fans and detractors that he was, indeed, a true competitor and, in fact, the real deal.

Of course, the unfailingly loyal fans of Dale Jr. – Junior Nation – have always known that to be true.

I asked Dale Jr. a question in August 2014 that made him reveal a bit about his personal life. I asked him what his Simple Joys were.

Dale Jr. mentioned Amy first.

Amy Reimann has been Dale Jr.’s companion for several years and seems to truly make him happy and content. On New Year's Eve 2016 they officially wed. 

He also mentioned beer and Redskin football.

For a week following Pocono and my question, any time Dale Jr. was interviewed the Simple Joy question was re-asked. He changed his answer slightly, but it was the response he gave me on the spot that shows how deeply happy – joyful – Dale Jr. is in life.

The 2015 season saw Dale Jr. take home three more wins. But luck hasn't been on the side of the No. 88 team. Winless in both 2016 and currently in 2017, Dale Jr. will have to be satisfied with whatever circumstances ends his 19 years in NASCAR's top series. He has a long list of accomplishments, wins, and Favorite Driver honors to bolster his ego.

Regardless, Dale Jr. is on top of the world. With personal life, career, family fulfilling him, Dale Jr. needn’t win a Cup to be successful.

Now Dale Jr. looks ahead to a new chapter in his ever-evolving life.

Dale Jr. will become a NASCAR broadcaster on NBC.
This is footage of Dale Jr. guest-broadcasting for Fox.

At 43 Dale Jr. seems to have figured out what's important in his life, how to re-invent himself, and continue to be the unparalleled ambassador for the sport in which he's lived his entire life.

Happy Birthday, Dale Jr.