Growing up a Jeff Gordon fan I wish I could've appreciated Dale Jr. more when he was active. Obviously the Gordon/Earnhardt rivalry impacted how I viewed him during that time. I miss him.
3 for ever man just the story's from hear about this man....... The pass in the grass comming back from 2 3 4 laps to win the race the pass in the grass it just blows my mind
I honestly wish I was more of a Sr. fan when he was here. It wasn't until he finally won the 500 I started appreciating him as a driver, and man, what a driver he was. Jr. I always liked, but I wasn't really a fan of any one driver back then. I didn't become a true Jr. fan until his concussion issues arose and I started listening to his podcast. Just an incredible human being, humble and down to earth, who happened to be one of the greatest race car drivers I've ever witnessed.
LoL I was a Jeff Gordon fan when I was younger as well and felt a very similar feeling. I thought it was fun when Dale Jr didn't win Daytona or Talladega in the Gen 4 era. When he came to Hendrick I literally had no major excitement but would've been interesting to see him in the 18 JGR Car.
Being as young as I was, Dale Sr's accident was a hard thing to process. All I saw was my driver Kenny Schrader involved and people telling me the guy in the black car was dead. I didn't understand anything about what happened and that led to me blaming Ken Schrader of all people. Fast forward to July, I was there as a kid for that Pepsi 400 win.. Everyone's excitement was so contagious and therefore on that day, I became a Dale Jr fan. Before then, I already had this odd hatred for Jeff Gordon, so it all just added up. I got older and began to appreciate Gordon a lot more, so I was so stoked in '08 when I learned Jr and Gordon would be teammates. Hell, the year after was even better! Mine and my dad's fav driver in Jr, my grandmother's in Jimmy, and my younger brother's in Mark Martin, rounded off with Jeff Gordon whom my grandfather liked. What a dream team that was
Mailed two autograph requests to Jr. in 2007, was told by Jr. club, he’s 3 million requests behind. Received both in Feb. 2020. Yes, 13 years, but worth the wait. Thank you Jr. for the person you are!
@@stevennewman8276 I think he’s got more moral fiber then to fake it that’s why it took 13 years and doing something like that could really ruin someone’s reputation cause technology has made it so easy to authenticate autograph seen so many times. Also devalues autograph when there’s millions of them unfortunately.
@@philipdawson7800imagine that’s just fans why know about being able to request and then even smaller the ones who actually make them. Most of his fans probably don’t fall in either category.
Just the fact that you were still in his system after 13 years....wow! I'd have lost your request like....idk...5-10,000 autographs into that 3 mil....lol. Apparently he's just a tad more organized than me!
This is fantastic. Junior doesn't get the credit he deserves because he's not his dad. He's a talented driver and, by all accounts, a thoroughly decent guy. I can't imagine the last 20 years of the sport without him.
Jr. was a very different driver from his father, because he has a very different temperament from his father. And some fans never really understood that. But honestly, I don't think anyone could have carried the weight that was thrust onto his shoulders when his father died any better than he did. And this is speaking as someone who had been a fan of the 3 since the days when it was blue and yellow instead of black. It's a shame that Teresa destroyed DEI, because that should have been Jr.'s inheritance. I remember when all of that went down, my hope was that when Jr. left DEI that he would race for Childress like his father had. But I can't fault him for choosing Hendrick, and it was good that they did finally make it work in 2014 after all their struggles up to that point. The fact that he managed to go through everything - through all the tragedy, all the expectations, all the legal shenanigans he was forced to go through because of Teresa's greed, all the on-track struggles, all the concussions, *everything* - with his head held high is a truly remarkable thing and speaks to the strength and courage that he had in equal measure to his father... he just expressed those that strength and courage in different ways than his father did. And I have every bit as much respect for Dale Earnhardt, Jr. as I do for his Dale Earnhardt, Sr., and maybe even *more*. And that's saying a whole lot.
There were a few times where he showed that he was his daddy's kid but those were few and far between. See the feud between him and Kyle Busch for instance.
@@wildwind4456 Perfectly said. And I agree 💯. This is just my opinion but I think Dale Jr. is one of the best people in this world. Every single time I have watched or listened to him or read his books I come away shaking my head because of something precious he has just said or done. Kelley Earnhardt Miller said it right "I think with my head. Dale thinks with his heart". I have healthy obsession with Dale Jr. & so does my husband. We watched him grow up to be the most amazing, loving, caring, & humble man. Just absolutely adore Dale Jr. Always will.
Dale jr was top tier early in his career. Unfortunately injuries and the downfall of DEI put a huge negative impact on him. It’s a shame. Would’ve at least won the 2004 championship had it not been for the fire.
I'm only 14 minutes in, and I thought I'd be good about this while I watched it, but I literally can't watch that 2001 Pepsi 400 without getting emotional. That 8 car was baaaad fast that night, and he made all the right moves. There's no greater redemption moment that I've ever seen in any sport than watching him work that night. Just reminds us, you can't make the #8 without a #3, Sr. was in that car with him that night. I just wanted to share that.
@@hacksawjimthuggin7411 No, a lot of people think turn 4 is funny and that little Dale jr can't drive. He was horrible for nascar and only got famous because of his dad. Y'all so stupid and in "love" with him and he hasn't done shit. He was "given" the races at Daytona and how many races did he win?? Before he got too scared to race anymore?? Just saw it... Only 26 wins, omg that sucks... he couldn't win more on daddy's money?? He's not even as good as Rusty Wallace's boy Steve Wallace... Did Dale Jr ever find himself a life partner? If so, what is his name?
@@purpracer such a weird flex hating on Jr. for what reason?🤷♂️ Also love the homophobia 🤦♂️. Gay jokes really stopped being funny in middle school my dude.
@@DroMeetsPhoto Oh, I wasn't joking. I find it funny that you thought it was a joke so quickly... must say something about you, rainbow warrior. You seem to be in middle school, or you must be out of school now helping your mom pay the bill of her trailer with an old Oldsmobile with a faded #3 and #88... lmao, they both sucked. Sr couldn't win without wrecking people, and jr couldn't win without daddy's help... heck, the Dillon is much better than Sr, never mind how bad Jr was. He only won 26 races and he got into the hall of fame? For what? Getting lucky? You're a big dummy. Fool.
@@bobsagget823 Nope absolutely correct. June Bug was and is the authority on racing during this era. Keep in mind I have at least 70 autographed hats/tickets/die casts from my 28 years of die-hard fandom. Been to hundreds of races including NHRA, USAC, CART, IndyCar and mostly NASCAR. Two All-Star races in Texas, garage passes every time from Vegas to Bristol to Dega and Daytona. Earnhardt and June are still the most driving force. Got to interview Dale Jarrett a few times, and Rutledge and Kenny conspired to steal my soda one time. Junior was the best that never won it all. And his awful step-mother and Hendrick MS ruined every chance he had left.
I don’t know how this video popped up in my feed. But I am glad it did. Back in June of 2001, my 45 year old mother laid down for a nap on my baby brother’s 10th birthday. She never woke up. She had an undetected infection. I had only recently moved out into my first apartment (I was 20) and was mostly focused on having fun with my friends. Suddenly, I was dealing with these deeply sad and heavy emotions and couldn’t relate to anyone around me. One day, I saw a magazine on the newsstands and Dale Jr. was on the cover. I was never a racing fan, but of course I knew who Dale Earnhardt was and how sad his passing was, so I bought it and took it home. I cried on every page. I couldn’t understand how in those moments I felt so close to someone I’d never met. This interview was so candid, the obvious reverence he had for his father, and his determination to carry on racing and being his best inspired me. Dale Earnhardt Jr of all people, actually gave me the guts to get through my grief and appreciate my young life and future even though I’d lost my mom. I’ve never told anyone about this. But you all love him too, so I guess my secret is safe LOL
I like this poem at the beginning. I bawled like a baby when DW said, "I sure hope Dale's okay. He's okay isn't he?" and I shut it off because he knew and I knew. And Jr did a good job and carries that name well today.
Those last 6 laps at the 2001 Pepsi 400 and Junior's win was undoubtedly the best moment in NASCAR. Junior continues to be NASCAR's best asset. Every week when I listen to the Dale Jr. Download Podcast at some point I think of how beyond proud Dale Sr. must be of his boy.
I've never been a huge NASCAR fan, but I've always been a huge Dale Jr. fan. Just the way he carries himself. It's been a privilege to watch him go on to become a great husband and father. NASCAR needs to seriously consider bringing him in to the fold as an executive. He could do a lot for the sport. Great video.
@@tropicalpalmtree heck that's the least of Nascars problem now. They have an identity problem more than anything. Bunch of Vanilla drivers who want to act like reporters and hide the southern accent they have to please sponsors. The day all the drivers started to act the same is when Nascar began to die
I was only 7 when Dale died, and I still get tears in my eyes everything I see Jr's win. Poor Michael never got to celebrate winning the 500 that year, and I though it was so cool that Jr wanted to share that moment with him.
I've met Dale jr. On many occasions. And every time I've had an encounter with him, he is always so friendly and social and down to Earth. Definitely one of the Nicest drivers anyone'll Ever meet.
I met his dad and him up in Kannapolis, North Carolina. Me and Jr were both just teenagers back then. Nicest family you'd ever want to meet. I even got driving tips from Sr. 30 years to date and counting, I've never wrecked a vehicle.
To nice on the track,I wish sometimes he was as agressive as his dad,would have won a few more races.I was tuned in every time he raced,can't really watch nascar after his retirement,just not the same.I was not a big E fan.
@Ernest George why was he the most popular driver? Cuz is name is Earnhardt and his fans our most likely his dad's fans after he died. I'm not saying he doesn't deserve the HOF cuz what he's done for the sport on and off love the guy. But he only won 26 races in the cup series and was only truly good at the speedways. Why do you think chase Elliott is the most popular driver cuz his dad is an Bill and that's my driver
@Ernest George Dale Jr only has 26 cup wins, and he went 5 years without winning a race, driving the best top tier car on the planet (Hendricks)!!! There are dozens of retired drivers that were way better than Dale Jr that should be in the Hall Of Fame before him. But their last name is not Earnhardt and we all know that!!
I definitely agree there will never be another. He was/is truly a gift for the fans. I can't imagine the weight he had to carry, and he never cracked. Just goes to show you how tough he really is. Most would have buckled under the weight of expectations, especially after we lost his dad. But, he is a true racer.
Loved Dale Jr., his career went by too fast. The ovation when he would take the lead on the backstretch at Daytona was crazy. Every Dale Sr. Fan was a Jr, fan and it was crazy the popularity. I was lucky enough to meet him at Taledega and he was so humble, will never forget that, wished him luck and he said “thank you sir”. All great memories.
I feel the same way, long live the greatest driver in modern NASCAR history, Dale Earnhardt Jr!!!!!! God bless you Jr and God bless you person I'm replying to
This is a great depiction of how great of a man Jr. was and his father would be so proud. I was watching that fateful race when we lost one of the greatest racers of all time; and after I was rallying behind Jr. and couldn’t wait to see where he would take his career. Great job Jr. what a ride
Dale Jr.’s steel-eyed return to - and win at - Daytona, is truly one of the most remarkable and exhilarating moments in the history of professional sports. Very, very few stories come close.
Ironic isn’t it. Wonder what the chances of that are? Wonder if nascar gave Jr just a little more horsepower so he’d win and Jrs win at Daytona would give nascar headlines.
@@RollerCoasterLineProductions i watched the race a few times and i'm not sure about the big engine stuff. i see the other drivers letting him win and tbh i respect them for it.
Why would NASCAR need headlines for his second win of the 500. They already had all those headlines for the first one. Look how many failed attempts before and after his wins. A big engine means what? His speed is literally recorded and recording live via tv. We get it you think only big engines win races until you need to win a race then you figure out the driver skills behind driving with or without a big engine. @@RollerCoasterLineProductions
It’s funny when they bring up how easy the drivers make it look going 200 mph in a circle. It’s like... have you actually tried going over just 100 mph on the highway? That adrenaline rush alone is crazy and tests my focus so much.
Lol right! Every time I watch a race I think to myself “ I want to win the Daytona 500!!! I can do it!” And then my brain remembers “oh yeah I don’t like driving straight over 80 😂
You know for me who is always down to go fast I think the hardest part would be just going a full race I can do sprint races but marathons like nascar are something else. Forget speed try driving 500 miles
Jesus Christ, man.. I don't think I've ever cried so damn much.. Been a Jr lifer since I was 7 back in 1998... This made me bawl like a little baby. Well done, sir.
@@nascarandbowlingfan3888 if I don't have brain cells how are you even alive. Because I am a 100 times smarter then you . so if I had no brain cells how are you even remembering to breath?
When I was a kid, Cale Yarbrough was my favorite driver. When he retired, Dale sr. became my favorite. When he died, I couldn't bring myself to follow the sport like I used to. I kinda kept track of boyer since he's my home town favorite. But this year I have been following every race, and enjoying the changes and new tracks a lot. Don't really have a favorite driver though. Just enjoying the sport again.
As I watch this I hate to think about all the years Jr took off his life chasing his dad's legacy, he's had more concussions than most football players, just really glad he's happy and healthy now!
@@michaelarcher8142 you just need to be quite, obviously you have no idea what your talkin about! Amy did not make him quit he quit because of his concossions and Dr's advice!!! Purely his decision!! If you haven't been paying attention, witch we all have gathered u haven't, he races once a year in the xfinity series! And he's plenty happy with that. Oh wait and now at the track that just reopened Wilkesboro !! Can't stand when someone runs their mouth and they don't have a clue what they talkin about! Amy is very supportive in his racin and career so back off!!
That Pepsi 400 win will forever be the greatest win in NASCAR history and im a diehard Gordon fan. Nothing will top that night, the 1-2 finish, the absolute dominance, the call, everything. what a race
Man it was so nice to hear those old announcers and the excitement they put into the races. They knew how to make and build the excitement. Too bad that's gone these days. Nascar was awesome back in the day!
Thank you for doing this video...one of the best I've ever watched of all the channels on this platform. Very thought provoking and really took me back in reliving these moments. Definitely showing he deserved his HOF nod. Considering he dealt with concussion issues virtually from the start...imagine what he would've done without all the injuries. As someone who has suffered several concussions myself...they definitely have a lasting effect that affects your abilities for years. The ones that gave it a 👎 must've been watching something else...or blind. Top-notch once again...still waiting for that Pearson video, though. 👍
Bro at the end of the poem at the start, when you said “lookin for 3 comin out of 4” instant cold chills and I felt the my eyes start to tear up. That was a great tribute for Sr.
@@runrafarunthebestintheworld its not an excuse at all. listen to his pod casts, read his book. there were days where he hardly knew where he was at. There are lots of nascar greats that never won a championship. but technically he did.. 2x busch champ
Dale is stilling giving back to the sport. Sam Mayer getting a ride with jr motorsports once he turns 18 is dale giving another shot to a young driver with a ton of potential. Not to mention the other current hendrick guys dale helped along the way.
I was a Junior fan since his rookie year and sr as well . I remember when he broke Buddy Bakers record at talledega with 4 consecutive wins at talledega and won a fifth soon after . Him and Mike Waltrip dominated with DEI at restrictor plate races
I laughed I cried I had lots if awesome memories. Good Job telling the story of Jr. I remember dales death and Jrs victory like it was yesterday. I miss them both racing so badly. I can't even watch NASCAR anymore. It's So different now.
Great video. For those critical of Dale Jrs driving career, it is important to know, that damage from brain concussions is cumulative. The brain scaring from multiple concussions would have not only have affected his driving, another accident and head injury could have ended his life. I think it was a smart choice to move on to announcing. It is easy to see that he loves the sport as much as he ever did.
One of the best ‘career’ videos about Junior I’ve ever seen. Very well done! I wasn’t a huge NASCAR far really, but happened to be watching the 2001 Daytona 500… three days after burying my father. When I saw that Dale Sr had been killed, and then saw the look on Dale Jr’s face, I immediately felt as if I knew exactly how he felt. From that day on he was my guy. For better or worse, I don’t know that anyone could’ve handled the cards they were dealt any better than Dale Earnhardt Jr did. Really proud of the man he’s turned out to be. Very well done indeed. 👍🏼
I got into the sport recently and i never knew Dale and Michael ran 1-2 at the next Daytona race. Flipping the way they ran when Sr defended for them. And how Michael helped hold the field back for Jr like Sr did for them. I broke down sobbing at least ten times and i was yelling at my screen and biting my nails the last few laps because I had no idea what was going to happen. I’m still crying. Wallride eat your heart out, that is so much more beautiful than anything I’ll ever see in sports again.
Watching just the first 20 minutes brings back so many memories watching races with my dad growing up. To re-watch him win the Pepsi 400 brought tears to my eyes knowing The Intimidator was in that car with him that night. Sr. and Jr. fan for life. Thank you for this, I'm a year late but man this is stellar, good job man
EXCELLENT WORK!!! Actually, ALL of your nascar cup racing documentaries are excellent. You have some of the best narrations I've ever enjoyed. Dale Earnhardt Jr carried such a heavy load, and he did it with such dignity & success. He was truly the centerpiece of nascar cup racing after his father was killed. His Pepsi 400 win at Daytona in 2001 has got to be the most emotional victory in all nascar history..........barr none. Like some kind of Cinderella story, only THIS story IS TRUE.
His Daddy is happily looking down from Heaven watching his boy! Dale Sr one of the best! Our family miss Sr so much and we loved him and his racing! We always will love Dale Earnhardt Sr. Jr will make his own way with help from his Daddy above! We can hear Dale Sr saying "That's my boy!"
This video is 2 years old and I'm only a minute in, and I'm already tearing up. I'm not even a Nascar fan -- I just wanna give that little redheaded freckled kid a hug.
Nascar was and is how my friends and dad and grand father became so close. Dad and grand dad was sr fans and I was too. But I also was and still am a die hard jr fan. Did t matter what he was racing I cheered. The pepsi race in 2001 to final year to his annual xfinty races. He is a leader on and off the track. Say what you want but as a 24 year old, he had 2 fan bases, his and dad. I believe he delivered as best as he could. We knew that he wasn’t going to be as good as his father. That would just simply be asking too much. Jr to this day carries this sport on his back and continues to make the sport better.
I don’t watch nascar at all but I somehow ever since I was little knew about Earnhardt, Jr, Gordon, and all the main figures, it has been nice watching these videos, good god damn job with this work you put into these videos, I’m waiting for a Jimmy Johnson one after seeing the Jeff Gordon videos, keep it up!
I just love the part from the 2001 july race on the infield after the win. Jr is starting to get back in the car and eury jr is on the other side. Dale sees him and reaches over to celebrate with him. At the time (hopefully still) that was his brother!
Jr played a huge role in my childhood. Went through a lot losing my mom and some other hard times but he helped me through it. I feel like he is my family. Isn’t it weird he doesn’t even know who I am lol
Very beautiful and special thank you . I had the honor too meet this very special young man Mr Dale Earnhardt Jr and he will always be a very special part of my family & my heart . Forever #3 & #88
The way you put this together was flawless. No short clips and cutting in and explaining everything... Just setting the tone and letting the footage speak for itself and then adding what needed to be said afterwords. I completely agree with you on Gordon continuing for the competition aspect, but JR giving his dad's fans a feel of him still being with us and blessing the sport thru him. He literally had to carry that weight and did so with grace. .:RAISE HELL PRAISE DALE:.
My favorite driver ever. Dude carried the sport for a long time and was (still is) always there for fans. Hope we get him as a cup owner soon. Great video, it still fires me up seeing him win.
Great job, fantastic work. This was awesome. This was an absolutely fantastic watch. Broke my heart over and over. If I could like this over and over, I'd get an autoclicker.
What's incredible is that Dale Jr was popular when NASCAR actually reached the Mainstream audience and that was probably what plays into the "More focused on being a rockstar" argument.
@@killianfritz5840 In the Busch series at the time only he and Kenseth had a shot at the title. Randy Lajoie has 2 Busch series titles and even Steve Grissom has one.
It is so sad he is gone and the fan base will always keep him alive to this day I am so sorry for what your family and children had to deal with I cannot imagine
Especially since 3 drivers lost their lives from the same type of injury in the previous year, NASCAR didn't care until the biggest draw bit the dust. Ironically it was because SR didn't like the way the safety devices felt was the reason he died. NASCAR should have told him tough crap.
@@jacksonmehoff4963 Probably not. Belts don't do much to keep your head from snapping forward. A closed-face helmet might have made a difference, though, and a HANS certainly would have. But he knew the risks he was taking - and too many people still excuse NASCAR for the restrictor-plate package that created (and still creates) unsafe racing conditions - conditions which Dale hated (in spite of being better in those races than anyone else) and had predicted would get someone killed, more than once... he just didn't know it would be him. Or maybe he did. I've heard some odd stories about things he said in the days leading up to that race, as though he had some sort of premonition. Of course, whether any of those stories are actually true is anyone's guess. The one thing we do know is that he told Childress on the radio *during* that race that if something wasn't done about those cars, someone was going to get killed. And sure enough, someone did. Tragedy will *always* be a part of motorsports, though. It can never be made *completely* safe, despite everyone's best efforts. That's no reason not to keep striving to make it as safe as it can be, though, and I salute those who have innovated in safety in all forms of racing.
It's like Dale Jr's biggest fan is Darrell Waltrip. It's so awesome to hear D.W. get so excited calling the race. He sounds like how I feel watching the race.
Imagine if Dale Sr. Stayed in charge of DEI and Theresa didn't destroy what Dale Sr built. Jr would of been so much better than he was over his career, he won 2 championships in Bush series under DEI, he was winning like crazy in the cup under DEI until she started to destroy it.
Growing up a Jeff Gordon fan I wish I could've appreciated Dale Jr. more when he was active. Obviously the Gordon/Earnhardt rivalry impacted how I viewed him during that time.
I miss him.
3 for ever man just the story's from hear about this man....... The pass in the grass comming back from 2 3 4 laps to win the race the pass in the grass it just blows my mind
Btw I know this is a dale jr. Vid but I am still at the dale Sr parts
I honestly wish I was more of a Sr. fan when he was here. It wasn't until he finally won the 500 I started appreciating him as a driver, and man, what a driver he was. Jr. I always liked, but I wasn't really a fan of any one driver back then. I didn't become a true Jr. fan until his concussion issues arose and I started listening to his podcast. Just an incredible human being, humble and down to earth, who happened to be one of the greatest race car drivers I've ever witnessed.
LoL I was a Jeff Gordon fan when I was younger as well and felt a very similar feeling. I thought it was fun when Dale Jr didn't win Daytona or Talladega in the Gen 4 era. When he came to Hendrick I literally had no major excitement but would've been interesting to see him in the 18 JGR Car.
Being as young as I was, Dale Sr's accident was a hard thing to process. All I saw was my driver Kenny Schrader involved and people telling me the guy in the black car was dead. I didn't understand anything about what happened and that led to me blaming Ken Schrader of all people. Fast forward to July, I was there as a kid for that Pepsi 400 win.. Everyone's excitement was so contagious and therefore on that day, I became a Dale Jr fan. Before then, I already had this odd hatred for Jeff Gordon, so it all just added up. I got older and began to appreciate Gordon a lot more, so I was so stoked in '08 when I learned Jr and Gordon would be teammates. Hell, the year after was even better! Mine and my dad's fav driver in Jr, my grandmother's in Jimmy, and my younger brother's in Mark Martin, rounded off with Jeff Gordon whom my grandfather liked. What a dream team that was
Mailed two autograph requests to Jr. in 2007, was told by Jr. club, he’s 3 million requests behind. Received both in Feb. 2020. Yes, 13 years, but worth the wait. Thank you Jr. for the person you are!
3 million requests waiting in line?? Holy fuck, that's a lot. I don't think we appreciated how truly popular this guy was.
I wonder if he signed it or his sister or somebody else
@@stevennewman8276 I think he’s got more moral fiber then to fake it that’s why it took 13 years and doing something like that could really ruin someone’s reputation cause technology has made it so easy to authenticate autograph seen so many times. Also devalues autograph when there’s millions of them unfortunately.
@@philipdawson7800imagine that’s just fans why know about being able to request and then even smaller the ones who actually make them. Most of his fans probably don’t fall in either category.
Just the fact that you were still in his system after 13 years....wow! I'd have lost your request like....idk...5-10,000 autographs into that 3 mil....lol. Apparently he's just a tad more organized than me!
This is fantastic. Junior doesn't get the credit he deserves because he's not his dad. He's a talented driver and, by all accounts, a thoroughly decent guy. I can't imagine the last 20 years of the sport without him.
Jr. was a very different driver from his father, because he has a very different temperament from his father. And some fans never really understood that. But honestly, I don't think anyone could have carried the weight that was thrust onto his shoulders when his father died any better than he did. And this is speaking as someone who had been a fan of the 3 since the days when it was blue and yellow instead of black.
It's a shame that Teresa destroyed DEI, because that should have been Jr.'s inheritance. I remember when all of that went down, my hope was that when Jr. left DEI that he would race for Childress like his father had. But I can't fault him for choosing Hendrick, and it was good that they did finally make it work in 2014 after all their struggles up to that point.
The fact that he managed to go through everything - through all the tragedy, all the expectations, all the legal shenanigans he was forced to go through because of Teresa's greed, all the on-track struggles, all the concussions, *everything* - with his head held high is a truly remarkable thing and speaks to the strength and courage that he had in equal measure to his father... he just expressed those that strength and courage in different ways than his father did. And I have every bit as much respect for Dale Earnhardt, Jr. as I do for his Dale Earnhardt, Sr., and maybe even *more*. And that's saying a whole lot.
There were a few times where he showed that he was his daddy's kid but those were few and far between. See the feud between him and Kyle Busch for instance.
@@wildwind4456 Perfectly said. And I agree 💯. This is just my opinion but I think Dale Jr. is one of the best people in this world. Every single time I have watched or listened to him or read his books I come away shaking my head because of something precious he has just said or done. Kelley Earnhardt Miller said it right "I think with my head. Dale thinks with his heart". I have healthy obsession with Dale Jr. & so does my husband. We watched him grow up to be the most amazing, loving, caring, & humble man. Just absolutely adore Dale Jr. Always will.
@@coolmomjj48 thank you!!! I was just telling my fiancé, junior is literally one of the most kindhearted people i can think of.
Dale jr was top tier early in his career. Unfortunately injuries and the downfall of DEI put a huge negative impact on him. It’s a shame. Would’ve at least won the 2004 championship had it not been for the fire.
I'm only 14 minutes in, and I thought I'd be good about this while I watched it, but I literally can't watch that 2001 Pepsi 400 without getting emotional. That 8 car was baaaad fast that night, and he made all the right moves. There's no greater redemption moment that I've ever seen in any sport than watching him work that night. Just reminds us, you can't make the #8 without a #3, Sr. was in that car with him that night. I just wanted to share that.
@Frederick Lageschulte No, the greatest race was Smoke's race at Homestead where he had to win to get the championship. Duh
@@purpracer you're literally the only person that thinks that. Sit down kid.
@@hacksawjimthuggin7411 No, a lot of people think turn 4 is funny and that little Dale jr can't drive. He was horrible for nascar and only got famous because of his dad. Y'all so stupid and in "love" with him and he hasn't done shit. He was "given" the races at Daytona and how many races did he win?? Before he got too scared to race anymore?? Just saw it... Only 26 wins, omg that sucks... he couldn't win more on daddy's money?? He's not even as good as Rusty Wallace's boy Steve Wallace... Did Dale Jr ever find himself a life partner? If so, what is his name?
@@purpracer such a weird flex hating on Jr. for what reason?🤷♂️
Also love the homophobia 🤦♂️. Gay jokes really stopped being funny in middle school my dude.
@@DroMeetsPhoto Oh, I wasn't joking. I find it funny that you thought it was a joke so quickly... must say something about you, rainbow warrior. You seem to be in middle school, or you must be out of school now helping your mom pay the bill of her trailer with an old Oldsmobile with a faded #3 and #88... lmao, they both sucked. Sr couldn't win without wrecking people, and jr couldn't win without daddy's help... heck, the Dillon is much better than Sr, never mind how bad Jr was. He only won 26 races and he got into the hall of fame? For what? Getting lucky? You're a big dummy. Fool.
Just like there will never be another Intimidator - The Earnhardt's are a iconic name to Racing
BZZT wrong
@@bobsagget823 Nope absolutely correct. June Bug was and is the authority on racing during this era. Keep in mind I have at least 70 autographed hats/tickets/die casts from my 28 years of die-hard fandom. Been to hundreds of races including NHRA, USAC, CART, IndyCar and mostly NASCAR. Two All-Star races in Texas, garage passes every time from Vegas to Bristol to Dega and Daytona. Earnhardt and June are still the most driving force. Got to interview Dale Jarrett a few times, and Rutledge and Kenny conspired to steal my soda one time. Junior was the best that never won it all. And his awful step-mother and Hendrick MS ruined every chance he had left.
Jr. was the reason I tuned in every race for more than 15 years of my life. He’s my childhood hero so thank you for making this 👍
Says a lot about your dad .....dum dum
I liked this comment. But I’m gonna unlike it because it was sitting at 88 likes 😂😅😅 #TeamJR
They say "Old drivers can't wind back the clock. But they can wind it up again."
EPIC.....
Cars 3 quote.
I don’t know how this video popped up in my feed. But I am glad it did. Back in June of 2001, my 45 year old mother laid down for a nap on my baby brother’s 10th birthday. She never woke up. She had an undetected infection. I had only recently moved out into my first apartment (I was 20) and was mostly focused on having fun with my friends. Suddenly, I was dealing with these deeply sad and heavy emotions and couldn’t relate to anyone around me. One day, I saw a magazine on the newsstands and Dale Jr. was on the cover. I was never a racing fan, but of course I knew who Dale Earnhardt was and how sad his passing was, so I bought it and took it home. I cried on every page. I couldn’t understand how in those moments I felt so close to someone I’d never met. This interview was so candid, the obvious reverence he had for his father, and his determination to carry on racing and being his best inspired me. Dale Earnhardt Jr of all people, actually gave me the guts to get through my grief and appreciate my young life and future even though I’d lost my mom. I’ve never told anyone about this. But you all love him too, so I guess my secret is safe LOL
Thanks for sharing your story and I'm truly sorry for your loss.
@@fivewidesports right on…thank you!
Dale pouring beer out in victory lane (for his dad) is awesome
Having a beer with, Dad..
I like this poem at the beginning. I bawled like a baby when DW said, "I sure hope Dale's okay. He's okay isn't he?" and I shut it off because he knew and I knew. And Jr did a good job and carries that name well today.
His Mikey, Mikeyyyyyyy. Gets me every time
Not even 5 minutes in, I’ve got chills up my spine. This is how you do a story/documentary! CBS,FOX,ESPN, takes notes from THIS MAN
Those last 6 laps at the 2001 Pepsi 400 and Junior's win was undoubtedly the best moment in NASCAR. Junior continues to be NASCAR's best asset. Every week when I listen to the Dale Jr. Download Podcast at some point I think of how beyond proud Dale Sr. must be of his boy.
God that 2001 was the best healing moment and definitely one of the best calls ever.
I've never been a huge NASCAR fan, but I've always been a huge Dale Jr. fan. Just the way he carries himself. It's been a privilege to watch him go on to become a great husband and father. NASCAR needs to seriously consider bringing him in to the fold as an executive. He could do a lot for the sport. Great video.
bruh everyone was a huge earnhardt junior fan. thats all i ever seen was jr flags
If anyone wants to save nascar, they need to take the restrictor plates off on the superspeedways.
I liked jr until he went to Hendricks motor sports , Hendricks is a crook !
@@garybattle7805 What makes you say that?
@@tropicalpalmtree heck that's the least of Nascars problem now. They have an identity problem more than anything. Bunch of Vanilla drivers who want to act like reporters and hide the southern accent they have to please sponsors. The day all the drivers started to act the same is when Nascar began to die
Damn man whyd you have to read that poem now im all crying n shit
Dam if that don't make you cry when Michael Waltrip and Jr hugged
I lived three miles south of the track and you could hear the fans cheering. It was electric man
I was only 7 when Dale died, and I still get tears in my eyes everything I see Jr's win. Poor Michael never got to celebrate winning the 500 that year, and I though it was so cool that Jr wanted to share that moment with him.
I've met Dale jr. On many occasions. And every time I've had an encounter with him, he is always so friendly and social and down to Earth. Definitely one of the Nicest drivers anyone'll Ever meet.
I met his dad and him up in Kannapolis, North Carolina. Me and Jr were both just teenagers back then. Nicest family you'd ever want to meet. I even got driving tips from Sr. 30 years to date and counting, I've never wrecked a vehicle.
To nice on the track,I wish sometimes he was as agressive as his dad,would have won a few more races.I was tuned in every time he raced,can't really watch nascar after his retirement,just not the same.I was not a big E fan.
@@wadewilson8011what was the tip?!
On track and off track, Dale Jr is one of the greatest to have benefit NASCAR. He is definitely a one of a kind person.
If anyone is a benefit to nascar it would be his father and Richard petty
Yes best of the track guy but as far as on track he was most overrated driver. Just popular cuz of his last name.
@Ernest George why was he the most popular driver? Cuz is name is Earnhardt and his fans our most likely his dad's fans after he died. I'm not saying he doesn't deserve the HOF cuz what he's done for the sport on and off love the guy. But he only won 26 races in the cup series and was only truly good at the speedways. Why do you think chase Elliott is the most popular driver cuz his dad is an Bill and that's my driver
@@dustinbeat4058 FACTS!!
@Ernest George Dale Jr only has 26 cup wins, and he went 5 years without winning a race, driving the best top tier car on the planet (Hendricks)!!! There are dozens of retired drivers that were way better than Dale Jr that should be in the Hall Of Fame before him. But their last name is not Earnhardt and we all know that!!
5 minutes in... I'm not crying, you're crying.
We're all crying. We are all fucking crying.
Just checked the time stamp and was about to leave the same comment. ✌
Thank you for everything Junebug.you rock . Loved you and your daddy.
I definitely agree there will never be another. He was/is truly a gift for the fans. I can't imagine the weight he had to carry, and he never cracked. Just goes to show you how tough he really is. Most would have buckled under the weight of expectations, especially after we lost his dad. But, he is a true racer.
I sure hope Jr gets a chance to see this someday.
Loved Dale Jr., his career went by too fast. The ovation when he would take the lead on the backstretch at Daytona was crazy. Every Dale Sr. Fan was a Jr, fan and it was crazy the popularity. I was lucky enough to meet him at Taledega and he was so humble, will never forget that, wished him luck and he said “thank you sir”. All great memories.
side note.. those old cars sound 10x better than any of the newer cars.
No doubt
These “old cars”.... damn I’m gettin old. When I think old cars, I think Bobby Allison’s Miller Time
Gen 4 car going wide open down the back straightaway at Talladega. 🥳
Yes
Imo, the new gen 7 cars sound better than any other race car I've ever heard
Absolutely amazing. Balling my eyes out one minute, cheering out loud the next. Thanks for the trip down memory lane. Sr & Jr for life.
I feel the same way, long live the greatest driver in modern NASCAR history, Dale Earnhardt Jr!!!!!! God bless you Jr and God bless you person I'm replying to
This is a great depiction of how great of a man Jr. was and his father would be so proud. I was watching that fateful race when we lost one of the greatest racers of all time; and after I was rallying behind Jr. and couldn’t wait to see where he would take his career. Great job Jr. what a ride
Dale Jr.’s steel-eyed return to - and win at - Daytona, is truly one of the most remarkable and exhilarating moments in the history of professional sports. Very, very few stories come close.
Ironic isn’t it. Wonder what the chances of that are? Wonder if nascar gave Jr just a little more horsepower so he’d win and Jrs win at Daytona would give nascar headlines.
@@RollerCoasterLineProductions i watched the race a few times and i'm not sure about the big engine stuff. i see the other drivers letting him win and tbh i respect them for it.
@@danprotheroe that was the first win not the second win that the drivers did that for him.
Why would NASCAR need headlines for his second win of the 500. They already had all those headlines for the first one. Look how many failed attempts before and after his wins. A big engine means what? His speed is literally recorded and recording live via tv. We get it you think only big engines win races until you need to win a race then you figure out the driver skills behind driving with or without a big engine. @@RollerCoasterLineProductions
@david4man more horsepower doesn't equal a win, no matter who's behind the wheel! WAAAAY too many variables in a race.
It’s funny when they bring up how easy the drivers make it look going 200 mph in a circle. It’s like... have you actually tried going over just 100 mph on the highway? That adrenaline rush alone is crazy and tests my focus so much.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Lol right! Every time I watch a race I think to myself “ I want to win the Daytona 500!!! I can do it!” And then my brain remembers “oh yeah I don’t like driving straight over 80 😂
You know for me who is always down to go fast I think the hardest part would be just going a full race I can do sprint races but marathons like nascar are something else. Forget speed try driving 500 miles
Ufffff i can not belive how much work this was. I watched the first 5 mins and it is sooo Awesome. Thank you for the hard work. 👍
Jesus Christ, man.. I don't think I've ever cried so damn much..
Been a Jr lifer since I was 7 back in 1998...
This made me bawl like a little baby. Well done, sir.
Bro that dale Sr quote really got me
Same, bro
He was the greatest the sport has ever had period.
@@nascarandbowlingfan3888 do you have a personal life outside of the Earnhardts and debating where they should rank?
@@austinhiggins4645 do u have brain cells oh yeah u don't 😂
@@nascarandbowlingfan3888 if I don't have brain cells how are you even alive. Because I am a 100 times smarter then you . so if I had no brain cells how are you even remembering to breath?
THE EARNHARDTS ARE MY MY FAVORITES ALLTIME IN NASCAR I MISS THE INTIMADTOR MORE THAN I COULD EVER PUT INTO WORDS AND I MISS CHEERING FOR JR ON SUNDAYS
When I was a kid, Cale Yarbrough was my favorite driver. When he retired, Dale sr. became my favorite. When he died, I couldn't bring myself to follow the sport like I used to. I kinda kept track of boyer since he's my home town favorite. But this year I have been following every race, and enjoying the changes and new tracks a lot. Don't really have a favorite driver though. Just enjoying the sport again.
@@austinhiggins4645 so!
He's a Champion in my Book and I'm a Proud Dale Jr. Fan. Always Will Be!!!
Top notch job here 5 Wide. Thanks for sharing this video with us all!
Wow. Forgot how emotions soar when watching Jr. race. Sure punches home how powerful Dale's spirit was that day.
I truly enjoy your work. You put together a great video for the Earnhardt ride in Nascar. ❤
Didn't know if I'd watch the whole thing but you can't turn away from someone who has done so much for the sport. Enjoyed the video. Thanks!
Really great video. Thanks for all the info I can watch that video 10 Times
chills down my spine for the entire intro...
As I watch this I hate to think about all the years Jr took off his life chasing his dad's legacy, he's had more concussions than most football players, just really glad he's happy and healthy now!
He will forever be my favorite after his daddy!!! Earnhardt's are awesome humans would feel real lucky to meet them one day!!! GOD Bless y'all!!!
To bad his wife made him stop.
@@michaelarcher8142 you just need to be quite, obviously you have no idea what your talkin about! Amy did not make him quit he quit because of his concossions and Dr's advice!!! Purely his decision!! If you haven't been paying attention, witch we all have gathered u haven't, he races once a year in the xfinity series! And he's plenty happy with that. Oh wait and now at the track that just reopened Wilkesboro !! Can't stand when someone runs their mouth and they don't have a clue what they talkin about! Amy is very supportive in his racin and career so back off!!
That Pepsi 400 win will forever be the greatest win in NASCAR history and im a diehard Gordon fan. Nothing will top that night, the 1-2 finish, the absolute dominance, the call, everything. what a race
Man it was so nice to hear those old announcers and the excitement they put into the races. They knew how to make and build the excitement. Too bad that's gone these days. Nascar was awesome back in the day!
Because of dale Jr. I started watching because he kept on going. Do miss him on the track
Thank you for doing this video...one of the best I've ever watched of all the channels on this platform. Very thought provoking and really took me back in reliving these moments. Definitely showing he deserved his HOF nod. Considering he dealt with concussion issues virtually from the start...imagine what he would've done without all the injuries. As someone who has suffered several concussions myself...they definitely have a lasting effect that affects your abilities for years. The ones that gave it a 👎 must've been watching something else...or blind. Top-notch once again...still waiting for that Pearson video, though. 👍
Bro at the end of the poem at the start, when you said “lookin for 3 comin out of 4” instant cold chills and I felt the my eyes start to tear up. That was a great tribute for Sr.
Always been a fan. He is and was super talented. I think the concussions held him back and no one even knew, he kept it to himself.
That's seriously a sad excuse though. Everyone expected him to win a Championship in the top series.
@@runrafarunthebestintheworld its not an excuse at all. listen to his pod casts, read his book. there were days where he hardly knew where he was at. There are lots of nascar greats that never won a championship. but technically he did.. 2x busch champ
@@runrafarunthebestintheworld Yawn. That 2002 hit was fuckin' brutal and was a big reason why that season spiraled downward.
That was a beautiful tribute to Jr. and his dad.
Dale is stilling giving back to the sport. Sam Mayer getting a ride with jr motorsports once he turns 18 is dale giving another shot to a young driver with a ton of potential. Not to mention the other current hendrick guys dale helped along the way.
I was a Junior fan since his rookie year and sr as well . I remember when he broke Buddy Bakers record at talledega with 4 consecutive wins at talledega and won a fifth soon after . Him and Mike Waltrip dominated with DEI at restrictor plate races
The feeling of mike and Dale jr winning that year at daytona warms my heart
I laughed I cried I had lots if awesome memories. Good Job telling the story of Jr. I remember dales death and Jrs victory like it was yesterday. I miss them both racing so badly. I can't even watch NASCAR anymore. It's So different now.
Great video. For those critical of Dale Jrs driving career, it is important to know, that damage from brain concussions is cumulative. The brain scaring from multiple concussions would have not only have affected his driving, another accident and head injury could have ended his life. I think it was a smart choice to move on to announcing. It is easy to see that he loves the sport as much as he ever did.
One of the best ‘career’ videos about Junior I’ve ever seen. Very well done!
I wasn’t a huge NASCAR far really, but happened to be watching the 2001 Daytona 500… three days after burying my father. When I saw that Dale Sr had been killed, and then saw the look on Dale Jr’s face, I immediately felt as if I knew exactly how he felt. From that day on he was my guy. For better or worse, I don’t know that anyone could’ve handled the cards they were dealt any better than Dale Earnhardt Jr did. Really proud of the man he’s turned out to be.
Very well done indeed. 👍🏼
Great job love jr and thanks for sharing and God bless you and your family
Oh my gosh that was awesome!!! Thank you for the memories!! They will never be forgotten!! Like father like son!!♥️♥️
I went to the 2004 Daytona 500, one of the best tracks I ever went too. Getting to see him win was one of the best things I ever experienced.
I watched the 04 500 on TV but I was at the 2014 500 when jr won again
Wonderful story Dale Jr. such a great driver.Hes always so appreciated by his fans.
This is your best episode yet. Fantastic. 👏 Keep them coming. I can't get enough. 👍
I got into the sport recently and i never knew Dale and Michael ran 1-2 at the next Daytona race. Flipping the way they ran when Sr defended for them. And how Michael helped hold the field back for Jr like Sr did for them. I broke down sobbing at least ten times and i was yelling at my screen and biting my nails the last few laps because I had no idea what was going to happen. I’m still crying. Wallride eat your heart out, that is so much more beautiful than anything I’ll ever see in sports again.
2001 pepsi 400 still chokes me up almost 20 years later
I got pumped up again
Your not alone.
Fixed nascar is
Watching just the first 20 minutes brings back so many memories watching races with my dad growing up. To re-watch him win the Pepsi 400 brought tears to my eyes knowing The Intimidator was in that car with him that night. Sr. and Jr. fan for life. Thank you for this, I'm a year late but man this is stellar, good job man
I'm not even related to earnhardt in any sense yet I feel like we're family 🥺 tears in my eyes
WE LOVE YOU DALE EARNHARDT ,JR IN VIRGINIA,USA.
He definitely made his grandpa Ralph and his dad proud. Jr is awesome!!
23 minutes in and I wanted to cry
This is the most emotional video I ever saw
Junior is the greatest human being NASCAR has ever had, imo. Luv this kid, forever.
EXCELLENT WORK!!! Actually, ALL of your nascar cup racing documentaries are excellent. You have some of the best narrations I've ever enjoyed. Dale Earnhardt Jr carried such a heavy load, and he did it with such dignity & success. He was truly the centerpiece of nascar cup racing after his father was killed. His Pepsi 400 win at Daytona in 2001 has got to be the most emotional victory in all nascar history..........barr none. Like some kind of Cinderella story, only THIS story IS TRUE.
We love you Jr!!!!!
His Daddy is happily looking down from Heaven watching his boy! Dale Sr one of the best! Our family miss Sr so much and we loved him and his racing! We always will love Dale Earnhardt Sr. Jr will make his own way with help from his Daddy above! We can hear Dale Sr saying "That's my boy!"
Did anyone else notice that it seemed like Labonte was blocking for JR too? We all knew Michael was... That made me cry ngl.
I think every driver on that track wanted to see him win.
@@Angie-Pants except Jimmy Spencer.
@@hacksawjimthuggin7411 "except Jimmy Spencer" is applicable to just about anything.
Everyone knew that Jr should win that race. It was the right thing for the sport.
@@hacksawjimthuggin7411 Jimmy Spencer doesn't even want to see Jimmy Spencer do well.
This video is 2 years old and I'm only a minute in, and I'm already tearing up. I'm not even a Nascar fan -- I just wanna give that little redheaded freckled kid a hug.
Nascar was and is how my friends and dad and grand father became so close. Dad and grand dad was sr fans and I was too. But I also was and still am a die hard jr fan. Did t matter what he was racing I cheered. The pepsi race in 2001 to final year to his annual xfinty races. He is a leader on and off the track. Say what you want but as a 24 year old, he had 2 fan bases, his and dad. I believe he delivered as best as he could. We knew that he wasn’t going to be as good as his father. That would just simply be asking too much. Jr to this day carries this sport on his back and continues to make the sport better.
Jr and Mikey hugging in victory on top of the cars, had the water works running full flow.
Me too lol
I don’t watch nascar at all but I somehow ever since I was little knew about Earnhardt, Jr, Gordon, and all the main figures, it has been nice watching these videos, good god damn job with this work you put into these videos, I’m waiting for a Jimmy Johnson one after seeing the Jeff Gordon videos, keep it up!
I just love the part from the 2001 july race on the infield after the win. Jr is starting to get back in the car and eury jr is on the other side. Dale sees him and reaches over to celebrate with him. At the time (hopefully still) that was his brother!
Jr played a huge role in my childhood. Went through a lot losing my mom and some other hard times but he helped me through it. I feel like he is my family. Isn’t it weird he doesn’t even know who I am lol
Very beautiful and special thank you . I had the honor too meet this very special young man Mr Dale Earnhardt Jr and he will always be a very special part of my family & my heart . Forever #3 & #88
The way you put this together was flawless. No short clips and cutting in and explaining everything... Just setting the tone and letting the footage speak for itself and then adding what needed to be said afterwords.
I completely agree with you on Gordon continuing for the competition aspect, but JR giving his dad's fans a feel of him still being with us and blessing the sport thru him. He literally had to carry that weight and did so with grace.
.:RAISE HELL PRAISE DALE:.
Literally one minute in and I'm tearing up. God I love this sport.
My favorite driver ever. Dude carried the sport for a long time and was (still is) always there for fans. Hope we get him as a cup owner soon.
Great video, it still fires me up seeing him win.
One of the greatest race car drivers to never win a championship
Great job, fantastic work. This was awesome. This was an absolutely fantastic watch. Broke my heart over and over. If I could like this over and over, I'd get an autoclicker.
53:48 favorite jr hat i ever owned. wore it till it fell apart. wish i could find another
Ebay
The opening poem is such a moving statement. Brought tears to my eyes remembering "That Day".
Dale jr was my favorite driver I miss him
Wonderful video. A true winner.
What's incredible is that Dale Jr was popular when NASCAR actually reached the Mainstream audience and that was probably what plays into the "More focused on being a rockstar" argument.
Thanks Jr deserved that! His name will go down in history! The best restrictor plate driver ever!
2nd best his dad was the best
Jr took the wheigt of his fathers fan base and carried it on
Very true thanks man
Never be another Dale Sr. Or Dale Jr. God bless the Earnhardt Family and good fortune to all of you.God Bless.
2 time Busch Grand National champ and 2 time 500 winner.
He’d be a badass driver even if his last name was Smith.
BIG DEAL WHERE'S THE CUP CHAMPIONSHIP?
@@mikeburton1703 so what you're saying is that only cup champions matter?
@@mikeburton1703 Wheres yours?
@@killianfritz5840 In the Busch series at the time only he and Kenseth had a shot at the title. Randy Lajoie has 2 Busch series titles and even Steve Grissom has one.
@@mikeburton1703 I’d take a Daytona 500 win over a cup championship any day. And I bet most drivers would as well.
It is so sad he is gone and the fan base will always keep him alive to this day I am so sorry for what your family and children had to deal with I cannot imagine
I find it really sad that for both nascar and f1 they had to have their superstar die to make safety improvements to the cars
It is often that way unfortunately, number of life boats on a ship, push open exit doors in large theaters (look that up with caution 😥).
Especially since 3 drivers lost their lives from the same type of injury in the previous year, NASCAR didn't care until the biggest draw bit the dust. Ironically it was because SR didn't like the way the safety devices felt was the reason he died. NASCAR should have told him tough crap.
Dale had a habit of looseing his belts before the end of a race. He did it and it bit him.
Should have kept em tight he may have survived.
@@jacksonmehoff4963 Probably not. Belts don't do much to keep your head from snapping forward. A closed-face helmet might have made a difference, though, and a HANS certainly would have. But he knew the risks he was taking - and too many people still excuse NASCAR for the restrictor-plate package that created (and still creates) unsafe racing conditions - conditions which Dale hated (in spite of being better in those races than anyone else) and had predicted would get someone killed, more than once... he just didn't know it would be him. Or maybe he did. I've heard some odd stories about things he said in the days leading up to that race, as though he had some sort of premonition. Of course, whether any of those stories are actually true is anyone's guess. The one thing we do know is that he told Childress on the radio *during* that race that if something wasn't done about those cars, someone was going to get killed. And sure enough, someone did.
Tragedy will *always* be a part of motorsports, though. It can never be made *completely* safe, despite everyone's best efforts. That's no reason not to keep striving to make it as safe as it can be, though, and I salute those who have innovated in safety in all forms of racing.
Are you talking about Senna too? Did they start making improvements after that?
It's like Dale Jr's biggest fan is Darrell Waltrip. It's so awesome to hear D.W. get so excited calling the race. He sounds like how I feel watching the race.
Twenty years gone by so fast!!!
Fantastic documentary. Just tremendous work. Thank you for this video. I love the Earnhardt's like my family.
Imagine if Dale Sr. Stayed in charge of DEI and Theresa didn't destroy what Dale Sr built. Jr would of been so much better than he was over his career, he won 2 championships in Bush series under DEI, he was winning like crazy in the cup under DEI until she started to destroy it.
Dude this was an amazing piece of art, what a documentary.