It was 14 years ago today that Dale Earnhardt Sr. lost his life in a tragic accident at Daytona Motor Speedway. It was one of the darkest days in the history of NASCAR, but rather than mourning his father’s death on this day, Dale Earnhardt Jr. says he’d prefer to “thank god he lived.”
The rest of the NASCAR community is also happy he was able to leave his mark on the world, including Chevrolet, a longtime sponsor of the Earnhardt family. The Earnhardt’s are so tied in with Chevy that Jr. even says he was “born into a Chevrolet family,” that “always drove Silverados,” in a new commercial spot recognizing his father’s legacy.
Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s father, Ralph Earnhardt, started the tradition by driving Chevrolets during his short racing career. The family went to and from the racetrack in Chevrolets, and eventually, Dale Sr. and Dale Jr. were winning races behind the wheel of Chevys. Dale Jr.’s current ride of choice when he’s not at the track is a Silverado, and when he’s racing, it’s a Chevrolet SS-bodied stock car.
Check out Chevrolet and Dale Jr.’s nod to Dale Sr. in the short video below.
Comments
Dale Sr. died on 02/18/2001, which was 14 years ago not 10. He is still missed greatly. Every time I attend a race, there are still thousands of fans wearing his apparel. So many #3’s and hardly any of them are for the current occupant of the car carrying that number. Now for this season – – – GO 88, 14, & 5
RIP Dale SR.
I got to meet him twice and I really miss him. I still recall his run a Bristol in the 80’s were he lost power steering early in the race and still made it to the end of the race and won. One tough customer.
I miss the old days.
Go 88 and 14.