It's 16 years already and it's even MORE precious to see this event since this is Junior's final year. Boy, if only he could shoot through cars like that.
Nick Adams I would disagree and say this comes in a close second to 2010 when he took the #3 to victory lane with the same paint scheme his dad scored his first win with.
Legend of Zelda this race was a high water mark for the popularity of the sport and the product. There will never be a combination of both popularity and storylines coming together with fate the way it did in the 2000 Winston 500, 2001 Daytona 500 and 2001 Pepsi 400 ever again. These incredible storylines about a father and a son and their teams intersecting with the sport's burst into mainstream popularity is just too much of a coincidence to be able to replicate.
One of the greatest days in sports history and it's the day NASCAR and it's fans finally healed. Thanks for all the great memories Dale. Your now retiring but you'll never be forgotten. Thank you so much for the past 17 seasons. Im so happy your retiring on your terms. It's sucks but it's not worth you getting hurt by another concussion. We love you.
Despite the voice crack, this was Allen Bestwick's best call by far. I really wish he would've gone back to NBC with the series still, i like Rick Allen but its not the same
My god has nascar changed... SINGLE FILE RESTART!!! Man, I wish I was there, never have I heard presenters more excited about one driver... he will be missed, but not forgotten. My favorite win that I do remember was his feb 23rd win in 2014. It was my 16th birthday and me and my dad flew out to Daytona for the weekend... what a race to see for my nascar event, what a win to remember!
The fact people think this was rigged is absolute crap. Look who he had in front of him. Benson, Blaney, Schrader, Mayfield, Stewart. DEI were restrictor plate masters back then, of course he'd pass all of them. Dale Sr passed like 20 in three laps to win at Dega, Jr's car is rigged when he passed 6 in two laps??
+Kyle Frey You know what would have made it even better? It would've been better had the chase never happened. Because without those stupid playoffs that gave Jimmie Johnson six titles... wait for it.... Jeff Gordon would have won another title. and another in 2007. AND ANOTHER in 2014. DAMMIT NASCAR?WHY??? WHY????????
The DEI restrictor plate program between '01 and '04 was just that damn good, and this is coming from a Gordon fan. Hendrick eventually figured them out though.
R.A.D. Engine program for restrictor plate tracks - It was a collaboration between Richard Childress Racing, Andy Petree, and DEI. Those teams rocked out at the plate tracks during those years because of it.
Hey Colby Lindberg, I'd ask that Jr. hater this Q.... If this finish was rigged , as some kind of "sympathy" thing because of what happened in Feb , same year...?? Then kindly explain "how" Jr was able to run wild and all by himself at the 2004 Daytona 500, nearly the entire race. Smoke ran behind him the last 20-30 laps and said , " Nobody could catch Jr. His car was on a mission of it's own"...!!!
This was the first true day of healing after NASCAR lost one of the greatest drivers ever to sit in a car...so hard to believe it's been over 11 years...I miss you Dale!! I am so grateful I got 1 chance to meet you back in 97 at Loudon..one of my most cherished memories!!
One of the best called races of all-time. Allen Bestwick's call on the last lap still gives me chills to this day. It was fairy tale that came to life. It was no coincidence that this was Dale Jr.'s 3rd career victory and was even more fitting that Michael was the one who pushed him to victory.
Thank you! I always said Allen's call was legendary here. And ol BP saying yes ya happy! They're supposed to be unbiased but that day all their emotions showed.
I remember listening to this race on the radio. Can't believe it's been 16 seasons ago and tomorrow is Jr's last race. Doesn't seem right. On the off chance he was to this, thanks for the memories.
Watching this in 2017 and still crying 16 years later. R.I.P Dale SR Gone but never forgotten. This was the best and saddest win of Dale Jrs career to come back to the track that took his dad's life just 6 months prior and have a 1 2 finish that was just a flipped around version of the race that took his dad too soon is awesome. The only win that tops this is Jrs win in 2010 in the nationwide series were he won in the #3 with the same paint scheme his dad scored his first win in.
I love the way that Micheal W. just sat back and didn't even consider trying to pass or challenge. He just stayed back there and made sure no-one came close to Dale Jr. just a few months after his died at the very same track. Amazing day. 6 spots in half a lap.
I was a Dale Earnhardt fan back in the early 80's when the only Dale fans either worked for RCR or were named Earnhardt.I remember watching this race screaming at the tv,"go motor".It was awesome and still is.
2001 was a year of death and dispair but this was a shining moment and a great tribute to his father congrats Dale we were all proud of you and i am sure you father was with you
I'm a big Jr fan but in my opinion the greatest moment in sports history involves real horse power!SECRETARIAT WINNING THE TRIPPLE CROWN AT BELMONT 1973!!!
+Ryan Wile That should've happened several years ago! Just like Ned Jarrett, he was not only one of the great drivers in the sport's history, but also one of the best broadcasters.
There are just some moments in racing that give you goosebumps, moments so spectacular they cannot be hated. Danica Patrick, Twin Ring Motegi. Ashley Force, Atlanta. Kevin Harvick, Atlanta and Daytona. This is as sweet as any of them.
Im only 16 years old...me and mom mom were possibly trhe biggest Dale Sr. fans ever....not much makes me really honestly cry... but this does....every. single. time.
God i remember being on the edge of my seat, just screaming for junior to win withs tears streamin down my face. Say what you want, this was the best race ive ever seen just for the emotional impact and meaning
Theres no way they were gonna let Jr. lose this race, that car was amazing. Michael wasnt gonna budge and did a hell of a job getting to him. I love it when Sadler threw his car up to block Bobby. Dale Sr. was ridin with him and lovin every minute of that, i still get chills when i watch this
Even the fix were in on the 01 Pepsi 400, its what everyone wanted and needed, but given their dominance over plate tracks in following years its obvious they just had the best stuff around at the time.
Alexander Schumacher safety measurements because of dales crash (sr) they added career then Jeff Purvis career ending crash made gen 4 then jerrry nadeus career ending crash made car of tomorrow and Ryan Newman flip at Talladega showed how the air came under the cars witch created gen 6 witch we have today
StoneColdReznov I was 10 when Dale SR was killed at Daytona that year and 11 when JR pulled this off. My birthday is in June so I turned 11 a month before this win.
Dale Jr. can give a big assist to Tony Stewart for that win. Watch near the end of lap 156 in turn 3 (about 3:05) when Stewart shoves his nose under Blaney (93) and roots him out of the way and breaks his momentum, which pushes him back into Mike Wallace, which causes the rest of the field to wad up from about fifth on back. I still don't know how there wasn't a massive wreck in turn 4. But that move gave Junior a bunch of breathing room.
This is one of those races where you watch, and think did any of the other guys even want to try to pass him. If I was out there, I wouldn't want to either. This was a win that Jr. needed, and everyone else too. NASCAR fans were all hurting after Dale's death. Love him, or hate him, Dale Sr. was an icon for NASCAR, and it isn't the same without him. The only comparison is Imola in 1994 when F1 lost Senna, drivers like that are rare, they left a legacy that is unmatched. Gone, but never forgotten
There will be no greater win for Dale Jr than the 2001 Pepsi 400. Half a season ago, Dale Sr. died. What better way to remember the greatest driver of all time than winning the following Daytona race? There is none except a close 2004 Daytona 500 victory. 3 years after that tragic day. To this day, we still remember this race and we still remember Dale Earnhardt.
people fail to remember that Michael Waltrip came from 14th to 2nd in 6 laps.. im glad JR won.. but great driving by Mikey to get to Jr's bumper... fantastic finish.. great healing day...
I remember doing the same thing, Brock. I still had the 500 etched in my mind. Once Michael got into second, I would have rooted for him any other time. But I think everyone was rooting for Jr. that night, and I was as well.
DAM I WISH I WAS HERE FOR THIS.... I CRIED AND CHEERED... LOVE WATCHING THIS OVER AND OVER AGAIN........2012 Jr will win.....and if he stays this way possibly Championship
If people are still grieving over a death of a TV character from 13 Reasons Why....when we lost Dale Sr. at the 2001 Daytona 500 (it took 5 months for Nascar to heal). This shows that life goes on regardless of losing a friend, father, or anything in that nature. Dale Jr, its time to bring the Cup Championship home for the first time in 23 years for JR Nation.
At 3:03 he comes within inches side drafting and then breaks free. I think that what they are doing is breaking free of the bubble the car they are drafting is making and then riding on the front of the bubble for a aero push
This race, 2004 Daytona 500, 2004 Fall Atlanta race, the 2011 Ford 400, Last year's Daytona Nationwide race in Febuary, and the Montreal Nationwide Race at Montreal finish between Papis and Said, are by far, Allen Bestwick's best calls.
Авто/Мото
I'm not even a Jr. fan, but that is one of the greatest moments in Sports history
It's called "The moment when NASCAR go to heal itself."
My god, that crowd.
even the back stretch!!
Tony Eury Sr. said it best after Jr. crossed the line "Hell, listen to them fans up there, they love that kid to death!"
Does this race still effect you? It does me. I dont care if it was 12 yrs ago!
Almost 16 years now. And....Yep!
Remember watching it live and screaming at the TV.....
nascarkraz every time.
Hell yes it does!
It's 16 years already and it's even MORE precious to see this event since this is Junior's final year. Boy, if only he could shoot through cars like that.
I miss the sound of the cars back then
yeah they woke you up
Does it seem like the car are quieter now? The X Pipe sure had a great scream!
I always couldn’t hear right for about 20 mins after leaving the track back then. Now I don’t get that same feeling. Maybe a touch quieter?
Caleb Mathis me too
even in 2016.. still hits right in the feels.
The most emotional win of his career
+Nick Adams Arguably his win in the 2004 Daytona 500 was just as emotional, but this was meaningful in its own way
Nick Adams I would disagree and say this comes in a close second to 2010 when he took the #3 to victory lane with the same paint scheme his dad scored his first win with.
the day nascar healed
Peyton Sayers and in a way died. And everyone knows what I mean.
What do you mean?
Legend of Zelda this race was a high water mark for the popularity of the sport and the product. There will never be a combination of both popularity and storylines coming together with fate the way it did in the 2000 Winston 500, 2001 Daytona 500 and 2001 Pepsi 400 ever again. These incredible storylines about a father and a son and their teams intersecting with the sport's burst into mainstream popularity is just too much of a coincidence to be able to replicate.
SO it's a climax and the last high point. A story goes like that too. I got to say though, Gordon's Martinsville win was close.
when jr won at dover in september was the day america healed from everything least thats what i think
16 years ago, and now he's retiring. Man I'm getting old.
One of the greatest days in sports history and it's the day NASCAR and it's fans finally healed. Thanks for all the great memories Dale. Your now retiring but you'll never be forgotten. Thank you so much for the past 17 seasons. Im so happy your retiring on your terms. It's sucks but it's not worth you getting hurt by another concussion. We love you.
Despite the voice crack, this was Allen Bestwick's best call by far. I really wish he would've gone back to NBC with the series still, i like Rick Allen but its not the same
Got prawblems! with Rick Allen?
allen_nightmare5oh lol
allen_nightmare5oh lolzzz
The should hire Bestwick and move Allen down to call Xfinity races.
fuck rick allen
Back when Dale Jr's super speedway package was unbeatable..............
BP showed raw emotion that you don't see today.
The biggest feel good moment in the history of NASCAR
In my opinion, one of the greatest moments in NASCAR history. And to think, Jr is retiring after this year. Wow.
My god has nascar changed... SINGLE FILE RESTART!!! Man, I wish I was there, never have I heard presenters more excited about one driver... he will be missed, but not forgotten. My favorite win that I do remember was his feb 23rd win in 2014. It was my 16th birthday and me and my dad flew out to Daytona for the weekend... what a race to see for my nascar event, what a win to remember!
The fact people think this was rigged is absolute crap. Look who he had in front of him. Benson, Blaney, Schrader, Mayfield, Stewart. DEI were restrictor plate masters back then, of course he'd pass all of them. Dale Sr passed like 20 in three laps to win at Dega, Jr's car is rigged when he passed 6 in two laps??
That 2001 aero package for the restrictor plate races was amazing, best racing you're going to see at those tracks.
I miss the high pitch sound of the engines on restrictor plate tracks, made them even more unique
Kyle Frey 2004 Was the best imo
***** 2004 was pretty damn good too.
+Kyle Frey You know what would have made it even better? It would've been better had the chase never happened. Because without those stupid playoffs that gave Jimmie Johnson six titles...
wait for it....
Jeff Gordon would have won another title.
and another in 2007.
AND ANOTHER in 2014.
DAMMIT NASCAR?WHY??? WHY????????
+Kyle Frey tracks that hasn't been repaved yet so handing actually meant something
I was at that race. When Jr took the lead the roar from the crowd was louder than the cars going by. What a great race!! Thanks for posting!!
Thanks for the memories Jr!
Some Dale Jr hater on social media said this was rigged. You can't rig something like this
The DEI restrictor plate program between '01 and '04 was just that damn good, and this is coming from a Gordon fan. Hendrick eventually figured them out though.
R.A.D. Engine program for restrictor plate tracks - It was a collaboration between Richard Childress Racing, Andy Petree, and DEI. Those teams rocked out at the plate tracks during those years because of it.
I sincerely wouldnt care even if this guy was right.
Hey Colby Lindberg, I'd ask that Jr. hater this Q.... If this finish was rigged , as some kind of "sympathy" thing because of what happened in Feb , same year...?? Then kindly explain "how" Jr was able to run wild and all by himself at the 2004 Daytona 500, nearly the entire race. Smoke ran behind him the last 20-30 laps and said , " Nobody could catch Jr. His car was on a mission of it's own"...!!!
Raven Leader iirc, Jr’s spoiler was not regulation, too small.
Epic night i still get chill bumps watching this
why can't super speedway racing be like this again? The announcers were actually excited, the racing was actually scrambled
Plate racing in 2001 and the 2000 Winston 500 was when it was at its peak
This was the first true day of healing after NASCAR lost one of the greatest drivers ever to sit in a car...so hard to believe it's been over 11 years...I miss you Dale!! I am so grateful I got 1 chance to meet you back in 97 at Loudon..one of my most cherished memories!!
Tony should have never been black flagged for passing below the yellow line. Clear as day that he was forced
As a Dale Jr fan I love the fact that Benny Parsons didn't even try to hide who he was pulling for..Dale Yea!
One of the best called races of all-time. Allen Bestwick's call on the last lap still gives me chills to this day. It was fairy tale that came to life. It was no coincidence that this was Dale Jr.'s 3rd career victory and was even more fitting that Michael was the one who pushed him to victory.
Thank you! I always said Allen's call was legendary here. And ol BP saying yes ya happy! They're supposed to be unbiased but that day all their emotions showed.
2001 was arguably was one of the best years of NASCAR. Jesus what a season. RIP Dale Sr.
No matter how many times I watch this it still amazes me. Love or hate Dale this is one of the best moments in stock car racing.
Holy shit that crowd
I remember listening to this race on the radio. Can't believe it's been 16 seasons ago and tomorrow is Jr's last race. Doesn't seem right. On the off chance he was to this, thanks for the memories.
Man, I remember holding my breath when they went three and four wide the final time through three and four; what an intense race!
Thanks for posting!
I get more emotional watching this than I do watching the wreck. A moment that I'll never forget.
Watching this in 2017 and still crying 16 years later. R.I.P Dale SR Gone but never forgotten. This was the best and saddest win of Dale Jrs career to come back to the track that took his dad's life just 6 months prior and have a 1 2 finish that was just a flipped around version of the race that took his dad too soon is awesome. The only win that tops this is Jrs win in 2010 in the nationwide series were he won in the #3 with the same paint scheme his dad scored his first win in.
I love the way that Micheal W. just sat back and didn't even consider trying to pass or challenge. He just stayed back there and made sure no-one came close to Dale Jr. just a few months after his died at the very same track. Amazing day. 6 spots in half a lap.
I was a Dale Earnhardt fan back in the early 80's when the only Dale fans either worked for RCR or were named Earnhardt.I remember watching this race screaming at the tv,"go motor".It was awesome and still is.
No matter how many times i see this it still gives me chills everyone was a jr fan that night
It's nearing 10yrs since this win but I still get goosebumps watching this.
2001 was a year of death and dispair but this was a shining moment and a great tribute to his father congrats Dale we were all proud of you and i am sure you father was with you
I watched this on TV as a kid. STILL EPIC!
Greatest moment in sports history.
I'm a big Jr fan but in my opinion the greatest moment in sports history involves real horse power!SECRETARIAT WINNING THE TRIPPLE CROWN AT BELMONT 1973!!!
...you might have a point. But this is seriously close. I sobbed.
+Mollinex either this or 1980 us olympic hockey game vs the soviets
1998 Daytona 500 as well
Matthew LaTorre I agree Dale Sr tried for so long to win. Glad he did to because 3 years later we lost him and his career was cut way too short.
Big E was definitely there in spirit that night,
i remember watching this race years ago when i was a little kid, i look back at those times and remember how much better racing was then it is now.
Biggest Chills Ever In A Race...This Has To Be The Best Ending, Story wise to a NASCAR race ever and is definitely up their with the most memorable
So many great things about this video: Benny Parsons; a packed house of screaming fans; great restrictor plate racing; raw emotion.
Totally random but when's Benny going into the hall of fame? Still waiting....
+Ryan Wile That should've happened several years ago! Just like Ned Jarrett, he was not only one of the great drivers in the sport's history, but also one of the best broadcasters.
+Ryan Wile Bruton first, for killing Wilkesboro, Rockingham and a Darlington race
Ryan Wile He's going in this year. ;)
There are just some moments in racing that give you goosebumps, moments so spectacular they cannot be hated. Danica Patrick, Twin Ring Motegi. Ashley Force, Atlanta. Kevin Harvick, Atlanta and Daytona. This is as sweet as any of them.
This is NASCAR's best moment. How the hell could it have been any better?
"TO THE OUTSIDE FOR THE LEAD IN TURN FOUR!!!" Give me major goosebumps everytime.
ive watched this a thousand times and i still get goosebumps
Just amazing! Was this really 15 years ago, already? Wow. Dale Jr.'s win and Michael #2 was destiny! RIP, Dale Sr.- forever our "Man in Black"!
I'M NOT EVEN A JR FAN AND I STILL LOVE TO WATCH THIS!
Benny going "Yes! Yes!" is just SO iconic.....still brings chills and i'm not even a Dale Jr/Dale Sr. fan.
still my favorite sports moment ever...will be a Jr, fan through thick and thin forever....JUUUUUUUUUUUNIOR!!!!
I will bet you money that Dale Sr. Was screaming "THAT'S MY SON! I KNEW I TAUGHT YOU WELL"! From heaven
that was some of the best announcing from wally dallenbach, most of the time he didn't say a word, that is great stuff.
I just get so choked up when Allen Bestwick says "Dale Jr...using lessons learned from his father..." during the race.
Im only 16 years old...me and mom mom were possibly trhe biggest Dale Sr. fans ever....not much makes me really honestly cry...
but this does....every. single. time.
I wtach this all the time, never gets old
This race will never get old
God i remember being on the edge of my seat, just screaming for junior to win withs tears streamin down my face.
Say what you want, this was the best race ive ever seen just for the emotional impact and meaning
Theres no way they were gonna let Jr. lose this race, that car was amazing. Michael wasnt gonna budge and did a hell of a job getting to him. I love it when Sadler threw his car up to block Bobby. Dale Sr. was ridin with him and lovin every minute of that, i still get chills when i watch this
Even the fix were in on the 01 Pepsi 400, its what everyone wanted and needed, but given their dominance over plate tracks in following years its obvious they just had the best stuff around at the time.
Why can't the cars look like this today?
Alexander Schumacher the sound is what I miss, it sounded sweet in plate races
Alexander Schumacher safety measurements because of dales crash (sr) they added career then Jeff Purvis career ending crash made gen 4 then jerrry nadeus career ending crash made car of tomorrow and Ryan Newman flip at Talladega showed how the air came under the cars witch created gen 6 witch we have today
I wish I was older than 3 months old hen this happened
*when
This was my first season as a Dale Jr fan im 26 now it was awesome to watch... one of the best moments in sports history.
damn ur young, or i am just getting older
This means I was your age watching this.lol.
StoneColdReznov I was 10 when Dale SR was killed at Daytona that year and 11 when JR pulled this off. My birthday is in June so I turned 11 a month before this win.
Dale Jr. can give a big assist to Tony Stewart for that win. Watch near the end of lap 156 in turn 3 (about 3:05) when Stewart shoves his nose under Blaney (93) and roots him out of the way and breaks his momentum, which pushes him back into Mike Wallace, which causes the rest of the field to wad up from about fifth on back. I still don't know how there wasn't a massive wreck in turn 4. But that move gave Junior a bunch of breathing room.
Moose6340 If I remember correctly he helped him in 04 at Daytona and Dega as well either intentionally or unintentionally lol
This was definitely one of the greatest races ever!
This is one of those races where you watch, and think did any of the other guys even want to try to pass him. If I was out there, I wouldn't want to either. This was a win that Jr. needed, and everyone else too. NASCAR fans were all hurting after Dale's death. Love him, or hate him, Dale Sr. was an icon for NASCAR, and it isn't the same without him. The only comparison is Imola in 1994 when F1 lost Senna, drivers like that are rare, they left a legacy that is unmatched. Gone, but never forgotten
Every time I watch this,I get teary eyed.
its just as special today as it was that night. RIP Dale Sr. and BP
This finish brings me so much joy
still get the chills
Alan absolutely nailed the call of this race.
YES! YES! Miss you BP. Miss you Dale Sr. What a race!
We miss ya, BP!!!
Impossible not to tear up.
I forgot Pontiac was in Nascar until I seen that Gran Prix on his bumper .. I miss Pontiac .
I remember watching this race on TV,it was a very entertaining race.
There will be no greater win for Dale Jr than the 2001 Pepsi 400. Half a season ago, Dale Sr. died. What better way to remember the greatest driver of all time than winning the following Daytona race? There is none except a close 2004 Daytona 500 victory. 3 years after that tragic day. To this day, we still remember this race and we still remember Dale Earnhardt.
Still gets to me today, I'm not a huge Jr. fan, but this was a very awesome and emotional moment
i seriously get chills when i watch this
For a few years there, Junior and Mikey were wonderful to watch.
This, Rockingham, and Atlanta make me shed a tear. And if you knew me, you'd be shocked.
Them boys wanted Jr to win that race!! He had his daddy riding shotgun the whole time. This race still gives me chills in 2017!!!
Edwin Noria...Wow Fantastic...NAS CAR...Racing...Always Champions
Alan Bestwick's commentary made this just perfect!
This gives me chills everyttime July 2001
people fail to remember that Michael Waltrip came from 14th to 2nd in 6 laps.. im glad JR won.. but great driving by Mikey to get to Jr's bumper... fantastic finish.. great healing day...
I remember doing the same thing, Brock. I still had the 500 etched in my mind. Once Michael got into second, I would have rooted for him any other time. But I think everyone was rooting for Jr. that night, and I was as well.
For 7minutes and 49 seconds, I had chillbumps.
DAM I WISH I WAS HERE FOR THIS.... I CRIED AND CHEERED... LOVE WATCHING THIS OVER AND OVER AGAIN........2012 Jr will win.....and if he stays this way possibly Championship
I agree. In my opinion, I also am a big fan of the '07 finish, the '97 finish, and even though I never saw this one live, the '79 finish.
Man, the way Junior just cut through 5 cars to take the lead really reminds me of Dale Sr.'s last win at Talladega.
If people are still grieving over a death of a TV character from 13 Reasons Why....when we lost Dale Sr. at the 2001 Daytona 500 (it took 5 months for Nascar to heal). This shows that life goes on regardless of losing a friend, father, or anything in that nature.
Dale Jr, its time to bring the Cup Championship home for the first time in 23 years for JR Nation.
My mom and dad where there. Not expecting JR to win but he did and it made my mom so happy
At 3:03 he comes within inches side drafting and then breaks free. I think that what they are doing is breaking free of the bubble the car they are drafting is making and then riding on the front of the bubble for a aero push
+Aaron Bradley yeah he manipulates that air so well to use it like brakes on the car he wants to pass and an extra 50 hp to his car. air is amazing
It's called side drafting. He had a pretty good teacher to show him how. r.i.p. Senior
M Dog the best there was
This race, 2004 Daytona 500, 2004 Fall Atlanta race, the 2011 Ford 400, Last year's Daytona Nationwide race in Febuary, and the Montreal Nationwide Race at Montreal finish between Papis and Said, are by far, Allen Bestwick's best calls.
I was there !! can still feel the excitement
Tears every time I watch this !!! #3 #8 #15
Ty Norris tellin him, ya got help on the outside jr. Favorite line ever
this race and the 98 500 were the two best daytona races ever