Authors Note...Although this may sound and feel like the end of the story there are more chapters coming I promise.
There was a strange feel to the air on Sunday afternoon as the drivers headed down pit road to their respective cars. Everyone could feel it and although some said they could sense it, no one would speak of what or who it was that seemed to linger in the clouds over the track that day.
To say the other drivers were shocked was an understatement, no one knew exactly what to say, what could you say, congrats, we’re sorry, hope it all works out for ya? Nothing seemed appropriate so most just shook his hand and let their eyes do the talking.
Mandy held his hand through the prayer and anthem and put him in his car for the last time. Wiping a tear from her cheek she smiled and leaned in the car pulling the straps and kissing his cheek as she always had. "I’ll see ya in Victory Lane."
He watched her walk towards the pit as he flipped the switch causing the Bud engine to roar to life. The car vibrated under him and he lowered his visor as they pulled off pit road and onto the track. "Ok Junior, one to go, what do you say we leave em with something to talk about."
Dale smiled at his Crew Chief Tony Jr.’s words. "Don’t we always? Let’s do this boys."
With 20 laps left the yellow came out for a blown engine on the 17. Brian Vickers was the leader the green flag dropped again with 17 laps left. He nervously looked in his mirror and his spotter relayed his worst fears. The freight train behind him was made up of Martin Truex, Michael Waltrip, Kevin Harvick, and Dale Jr.
Being that this was Michael’s last season Dale knew he would give it his all, thirsty for his fourth 500 win and his first championship. Dale would love a win but just wanted a decent finish to go out on, with two 500 wins and 2 championships he was already going out on top. He fell in line behind Michael and Martin and together they all blew past Brian leaving him on the high groove all alone. Martin, Dale and Kevin overtook Michael pushing him back to fourth and normally he’d be pissed but he couldn’t this time. "Go get em kid."
They were running Truex, Earnhardt, Harvick with 8 laps left and as the laps ticked away Dale forgot where he was. When he looked into his mirror all he saw was that Good Wrench logo on his bumper and just like it had been 10 years earlier at this same track, his daddy was behind him pushing him towards those checkers. It wasn’t until he heard his spotters voice on the radio that he realized daddy wasn’t there. He shook his head of the thoughts and focused on the photo of his family taped to the dash. "What?"
There were 3 laps left when he saw Martin backing off. "What the fuck is he doing?" He yelled at the car in front of him, his spotter, anyone that was listening. "Tell him to knock this shit off and drive my fucking car."
"Dale he’s saying…"
"I don’t give a fuck what he’s saying. I’m not winning it this way, trust me if my car will pass him this race is mine but he damn well better not let me have it. Remind him that for today I am still his fucking boss."
Within one lap Martin was back on the gas and Dale was in hot pursuit. The white flag flew and Kevin had settled into a comfy third with Mikey and Brian Vickers rounding out the top 5. Dale got a run on Martin and as they came towards the start finish line Martin was just a few feet ahead of him winning not only his but Chance 2’s first 500.
Dale grinned and nodded as he tapped the door of the 81. "Way to go, boy. Way to go." He pulled back onto pit road and climbed out of the car. "Think I could get you guys to push this car to the hauler, I have a party in Victory Lane to get to."
"More than happy to." He shook Tony Jr.’s hand then grabbed Mandy kissing her deeply before they turned and headed to meet Martin.
Dale and Mandy got to Victory Lane and the celebration was in full swing. "You never give a race away, this isn’t the fucking IRL. Got it?"
"Yeah I just thought…" Martin quickly tried to defuse the situation.
"I know and I love ya for it." Dale pulled him into a hug. "You are the perfect man for that car, you are the reason I don’t regret this, I know you’ll take care of it."
"You better believe I will, thank you." Martin said a little overwhelmed at the shoes he had to fill but Dale knew Martin had already filled them and had even outgrown them a bit.
Dale did a couple of interviews before finding Mandy and as they were turning to leave Victory Lane and head to the coach they heard Martin dedicate his win to Belle. Both wiped tears from their eyes and took one final look around, then headed to their coach for a well deserved night of sleep. Dale had sold the condo several years ago finding it easier to stay at the track than to pack up the kids every night.
A few of the teams had decided to stay over knowing that Dale and Mandy were and as the sun set several drivers found themselves outside the Earnhardt’s coach reliving stories and memories about the life they had known for so long.
The next morning with everyone packed back in the van they headed for home. Dale pulled the van up to the main gate and pulled over getting out and staring back at the giant Welcome to Daytona International Speedway sign. Mandy slipped out of the front and joined him behind the van.
"You want me to drive?"
He shook his head unable to speak as he took her hand. "I’ll be right there." Mandy nodded and got back in the van. Dale took one last look before climbing behind the wheel. As he pulled out onto the road he passed one more sign.
"You are now leaving Daytona, thanks for visiting and please come back soon."