What can break the heart and bring tears to the eyes of any diehard NASCAR fan?
It's the loss of a legend.
In the final laps of the Daytona 500, Feb. 18, 2001, Dale Earnhardt, 49, hit the wall. I will admit I cheered. My not so favorite driver was out of the race. Cool. This would give Ricky Rudd a chance. But the racing gods were not with Rudd. Michael Waltrip crossed the finish line, winning the coveted Daytona 500. While Earnhardt and Ken Schrader were tangled up in the infield, Waltrip celebrated his victory in the winner's circle, unknowing of the tragedy that had taken place.
A few hours later the announcement was made, "Earnhardt dies in a fatal crash at the Daytona 500." How heart breaking it was. I didn't know him and many other NASCAR fans didn't either. But my heart broke and tears came to my eyes. How could this happen? Why did this happen? A man that was at once thought washed up, but had made a come back and was probably on his way to another NASCAR Winston Cup Series title. To a man, that watched his son, Dale Jr., race in front of him, not feeling jealousy but pride. To the husband of Teresa and father to Kerry, Dale Jr., Kelly King and Taylor. A man that was loved and hated by NASCAR fans all over the world. A legend.
My heart goes out to his family.
But we all know, Earnhardt died doing what he loved and what he did best, racing.
It happened and though we don't want it to happen again, it probably will. Like the drivers that went before him, we try to figure out the cause. Ways to make racing safer for all those concerned, the drivers, the pit crews, and the fans sitting in the grandstands. We learn from the mistakes. We make improvements and pray for the best.
"The Intimidator" was a legend in his own time, with seven NASCAR Winston Cup Series titles that offer all the proof needed to those who question his place in history. His aggressiveness on the track has helped define a generation of drivers, those who run hard on Sunday then shake hands and exchange congratulations when all is said and done.
Earnhardt was the first driver in the history of the sport to win the rookie of the year award and the series title at the Winston Cup level. He was the first three-time winner of the Winston Select (1987, 1990 and 1993) and has won three IROC championships (1990, 1995 and 2000).
He proved the fire still burns for the man who has diversified his business interests beyond even the ownership of three Winston Cup teams for son Dale Jr., Steve Park and Michael Waltrip as well as a part-time operation for oldest son Kerry Earnhardt.
There is neither rhyme nor reason to Earnhardt's death, we will never fully understand. He will be missed.
You loved him, you hated him, but we all will mourn him.