While any death is tragic, especially when it is unexpected, reactions are even more complicated when the person takes his own life. This was definitely demonstrated after the NASCAR family learned of Dick Trickle’s death of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in a local cemetery.
Today is Dale Earnhardt Day; a day to remember arguably the greatest stock car driver that ever lived. While most journalists will write about what he did or why he was so good, I have decided to go further than that. I want to talk about the legacy he created and all the different ways this man captured the hearts of millions changing the face of this sport forever.
So, is 5-time better than Richard Petty and even the late, great Dale Earnhardt? Let's crunch some numbers first and see how the three compare. It took Richard 15 years to win 5 championships while Earnhardt did it in 13...a feat that took Johnson just 9 years to accomplish in arguably the most competitive era in NASCAR history.
NASCAR fans are passionate like none other. They demonstrate that passion with the gear that they wear, from T-shirts to jackets to pajama bottoms sporting their favorite team number or race car, to the bags of merchandise they purchase from the many haulers at the race track.
The high banks of Daytona showed no mercy to a legend on that fateful day, 12 years ago, when Dale Earnhardt, Sr. was taken from this world. Dale was more than a driver to fans around the world; he was “The Intimidator”, an icon of all that was right with NASCAR and stock car racing, and a hero to many. To drivers, he was the one guy you did not want in your mirror, ever.
The name Earnhardt will always be linked to NASCAR. No one knows that better than Dale Earnhardt’s grandson, Jeffrey Earnhardt. It’s a legacy that comes with advantages and expectations. It can also overpower anyone standing in its shadow.
Day Three of the Sprint Media Tour continued with a trip back to Charlotte Motor Speedway and Hendrick Motorsports on Wednesday. The day will end with a trip to Penske Racing, the home of reigning Sprint Cup Champion Brad Keselowski.
Phoenix brings back a lot of memories. It takes me back to 1992 when the championship was down to three drivers in many pundit’s opinions—Bill Elliott, Davey Allison, and Alan Kulwicki. All drove Fords, but Allison had the upper hand with a lead and with the Robert Yates Racing team’s stout engines.
During the Classic 3 Champion race weekend at Rockingham Speedway, I was able to spend a few minutes speaking with Danny “Chocolate” Myers, legendary gas man for Dale Earnhardt. Myers was there to wave the green flag and give the command to start engines for the inaugural running of the three championship races.
Just a day after I wrote the story, I saw what I call “the letter.” It was a letter to Earnhardt from Amanda Gardstrom. Gardstrom is the daughter of NASCAR legend Fred Lorenzen. In the letter, she also commends Earnhardt. She knows all too well what can happen when proper medical care isn’t given after a concussion. You see, Fred Lorenzen now resides at a nursing home, and dementia rules his day.
