Happy Birthday Dale Earnhardt

[Robbie Michaels]

I know what you're thinking. This might be DU's first NASCAR post, but I wanted to honor one of my favorite drivers.

Today is Dale Earnhardt's birthday and even in death it's been quite a week. He was http://www.motorsportshalloffame.com/main/02_homepage.htm">inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame on Thursday night, and the drivers for Dale Earnhardt Inc. (Dale Earnhardt Jr., Martin Truex Jr, and John Menard) http://www.daleearnhardtinc.com/content/photogalleries/fame4/index.html">will drive black and silver race cars in his honor in today's Busch Series race and tomorrow's Nextel Cup event.

Since his birthday is today, I wanted to share with you two video clips I made from a recording I made of his last victory, the 2000 Winston 500. During the last five laps, he passed sixteen cars to take the lead on the final lap and take the checkered flag. The quality might not be the best, but you'll see why he remains one of my favorite drivers.

Happy Birthday, Dale!

2000 Winston 500 Finish

Last Victory Lane Interview

[Berserker]

1. Dale Earnhardt

was my favorite driver for many years. I miss that guy.
I found some great stories about him here
http://www.nascar.com/special/earnhardt/stories/memories.html

[vikegirl]

2. I miss Earnhardt, too.

He wasn't my favorite, but I respected him. Too bad his death became fodder for MANN Coulter.

There are several NASCAR fans here at DU. I've been one since I was born; I met Richard Petty when I was 7. My favroite driver is Tony Stewart. Did you see him flip at Talladega today? (Literally, not flip as in going off, LOL!!!)

[Robbie Michaels]

3. Yes I Did

Tony is my favorite driver and my heart stopped when I saw the wreck. I remember Chris Gehrke's similar flip in an ARCA race in 1991. Gehrke was hit in the driver's side door after he came to a stop on the frontstretch and he was in a coma for about a week before he died. I was worried when that other car hit Tony.

I have to admit that with all the flack Mexicans are taking here in SoCal that it's ironic my favorite driver is sponsored by Home Depot. :wtf:

[vikegirl]

4. I remember Gehrke's flip!

But I was too concerned about Tony to think of anything else. I was terribly upset when the other car hit tony, too.

Yeah, the Home Depot sponsorship bugs me, too. He was in town a couple years ago, but it was at a Home Depot on the weekend. Too many Freepers to deal with and the crowds were horrible, so unfortunately I didn't go. Too bad, because he's still a single guy...!! (As if I'd have a shot anyway, LOL!)

Anyway, hopefully tomorrow Tony can get some more points for the Winston--err, I mean Nextel--Cup! :toast: