Winners come and go, but legends live forever
February 18, 2001, was a very sad day as we marked the tragic passing of the man that touched so many of our lives. No matter if you loved him or hated him, he will be missed by all. Be it the devilish grin or his patented "love tap", we all will remember the man, the legend, Dale Earnhardt. Words cannot explain the somberness that resides throughout the sports community on this day, but two poems that I saw posted on a discussion board tend to summarize the feelings of all that were lucky enough to be touched by the greatest driver that ever lived.
"He broke the rules, he topped the charts,
but it took one race to break our hearts!
With a wink and a smile, Dale began the race.
We marveled at his speed and grace.
They say he never crossed the finish line,
that he died on impact, it was just his time.
Well truth be told a line was crossed,
no life is wasted, no life is lost.
For there is a place where the Angels cheer,
our conquering hero walks a Champion there."
"I lost a hero................And I lost a friend
Going around.....................That final bend
I'll miss you Dale..............Now you're above
With God almighty..............And enduring love
My heart is heavy............And eyes show tears
I look much older..................Than my years
Whenever it rains.........And I hear the thunder
I'll think of #3.........And just have to wonder
Who's winning today........Up there in the blue
Maybe Davey or Neil...........But my bet's on you
God's waving the checkered.....You did your best
Now enjoy future races........With Nascar's best "
How ironic is it that the two moments that stick out in my mind the most are only a short distance apart in physical distance, but worlds apart as far as emotions go. My first is the finish line of the 1998 Daytona 500. Tears of happieness filled the eyes of all that watched as Dale Earnhardt finally claimed the win at the Daytona 500 and visited the victory circle that he had so rightly earned. We watched a boy at heart spin donuts on the infield grass. We watched as all the opposing pit crews honored him as he drove down pitroad. What a wonderful memory. The second is turn four of the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500. This time tears of sorrow filled the eyes of all that watched the hero of our sport be claimed by the track for which he had become to be known for. He had cheated death so many times battling for one more position or for a victory. However, this time it was the utmost unselfishness that he was merely trying to help one of his best friends and beloved son earn the victory. Your memory will live forever . God Bless.
The Tradition will live on!
Photos From My Visit to RCR/Earnhardt Race Shop
My Photos From the Brickyard 400
My daughter and me sitting inside the Intimadator's #3
I have been an avid Earnhardt/NASCAR fan since the early 1990's. Being from Indianapolis, I was extremely happy in 1994 when the "good ole boys" came to town replacing those sissy open wheel drivers. My weekend pleasures turned into an obsession in November 1996 when I started collecting die-cast. Since that time, I have attempted to collect their cars. Check out my die-cast links for Dale Sr. and Dale Jr. to see my small collection. I know it is not as big as many, but I enjoy what I have.
This Diecast
Warriors Web Ring site owned by Dan McCord.
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