"An open letter to fans from Teresa Earnhardt"
02/23/01
"I can never fully express my immense gratitude for the overwhelming support we have received. It would be easy at this time to get lost in the sadness of losing a loving husband, father and grandfather. However, I and our family, as well as everyone at Dale Earnhardt Inc., have chosen to take this time to reflect not on the sadness we feel today, but on the joy Dale Earnhardt the man brought to us and Dale Earnhardt the driver brought to so many fans for so many years. It is a joy that will carry us through the sadness and grief of this day and many days to come. For our children, Kerry, Kelley, Dale Jr. and Taylor, he was a father whose pride in his children was greater than even his strongest desire as a competitor. For his mother, Martha, he was a son who always wanted to make sure she had what she needed. For his brothers and sisters, he was always an influential part of their lives. For his employees, he could be both demanding and praising and had the ability to create the same desire to win in the crews and drivers that he had in himself. He was very proud of what the teams at Dale Earnhardt Inc. had been able to do in a very short period of time and the people who helped it happen and supported its acceleration. For his fans, there simply was no one more sensational and with that I agree. There were two sides to Dale Earnhardt, and I am so blessed to have known both for the qualities they carried. The public Dale Earnhardt wanted to be the best. The competitive drive that burned inside of him gave him the passion to win. If he was racing, he wanted to win the most races and championships. If he was fishing, he wanted to catch the most fish. The private Dale Earnhardt, the husband and father and son and brother, wanted to be the best as well. He struggled with that at times. Emotions didn't come as easy to this man who stirred so much emotion in other people. But as his children grew and began making decisions of their own, he saw that most of the time, they made the decision by asking themselves, "What would dad do?" I will ask myself that in the coming days and weeks and for a long time after that, I'm sure. "What would Dale do?" I think what Dale would do, and what Dale would want us to do, is remember the joy that his life brought. Remember the things about him that made you happy that you were his fan. Remember the man who loved life. He was the happiest person I know, and that can comfort us all. Gratefully, Teresa Earnhardt"
"On behalf of Taylor, Dale, Jr., Kerry, Kelley and the entire Earnhardt family, which also includes all the employees of Dale Earnhardt Incorporated, we want to sincerely thank everyone that has offered their condolences during our very tragic loss. This outpouring has been overwhelming. We kindly ask that you keep our family in your thoughts and prayers."
Teresa Earnhardt
"We're deeply saddened by the loss. We appreciate everybody for their support. We'll get through this. I'm sure he'd want us to go on."
Dale Earnhardt Jr
"Words cannot express the tremendous loss all of us at Richard Childress Racing are feeling at this time. All of our thoughts and prayers and deepest sympathies are with Martha, Teresa, Kerry, Kelley, Dale, Jr. and Taylor Nicole and the entire Earnhardt family. Dale Earnhardt was much more than a race car driver. He was a very loving husband and a proud father and grandfather. He was successful businessman. He was also a hero to millions of racing fans throughout the world. Dale was my friend. We hunted and raced together. We laughed and cried together. We were able to work side-by-side and have the success we had for almost 20 years because we were friends first. I will miss him always. He was the greatest."
Richard Childress
"I have asked my close friend Joe Allbaugh to attend today's memorial service for Dale Earnhardt. I am saddened by the untimely loss of this American legend and want to express my deepest sympathy to his family, friends and fans. Dale was an American icon who made great contributions to his sport. Dale's legacy will live on for millions of Americans. He was an inspiration to many."
President George W. Bush
"Thousands of people were touched by Dale Earnhardt. His skill on the track made him a legend in the racing world, but it was his faith and actions off the track that made him a great man."
Representative Robin Hayes
"We have lost a cherished native son."
Senator John Edwards
"Dale Earnhardt was an authentic American. There was no pretense about him. He was a hero to millions of stock car racing fans."
Senator Jesse Helms
"Like so many people around the world, I became a NASCAR fan because I became a Dale Earnhardt fan. Dale was someone I was proud to have my son look up to. We all have our memories we will cherish, memories of excitement, competitiveness and most of all memories of a great man. On behalf of the people of Alabama, I extend my thoughts and prayers to his family and friends."
Alabama Governor Don Siegelman
"NASCAR has lost it greatest driver ever. And I personally have lost a great friend."
Bill France Jr, NASCAR Chairman of the Board
"Our prayers and wishes and effort right now this moment is with Teresa and the Earnhardt family, Richard Childress and his family and Dale Earnhardt Inc."
Mike Helton, President of NASCAR
"I, like everyone else, am in shock with the passing of Dale Earnhardt. Besides being an incredible driver and spokesman for the sport he so loved, he was a true friend and has been a major influence on my life and career. Understandably, my family’s thoughts are with Teresa, Kerry, Kelly, Dale Jr, and Taylor Nicole as well as all of the employees and their families at Richard Childress Racing and Dale Earnhardt Incorporated. May God bless all of them and watch over them in this time of need."
Bobby Labonte, NASCAR Driver
"Brooke and I are deeply saddened by this devastating loss. Not only is it a huge loss for this sport, but a huge loss for me personally. Dale taught me so much and became a great friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Teresa and the entire Earnhardt family."
Jeff Gordon, NASCAR Driver
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Teresa and the kids in this time of mourning. But knowing Dale, he would rather this be a celebration of his amazing accomplishments. This, we will do in his honor. Just know, Dale, that we love you and we all are truly going to miss you. Thanks for making our sport what it is today and for being my friend."
Dale Jarrett, NASCAR Driver
"Dale Earnhardt made a difference in the world. On the track, he made us all better drivers because he set a standard of excellence we all aspired to achieve. He had a passion and a desire that took the sport of NASCAR to a new level every time he climbed in the car. Off the track he was a kind, giving, loving man who gave his all to his family and friends. He worked tirelessly to make the world a better place for as many people as possible who were less fortunate than he. I did not know him as long as most of the other drivers but he made a huge impact on my life in the years I have been in NASCAR. I am grateful and blessed to have had the benefit of his wisdom and guidance. My heart and prayers go out to his wife Teresa; his children Dale Jr., Kerry, Kelley and Taylor; and all his family and friends."
Tony Stewart, NASCAR Driver
"Dale Earnhardt was NASCAR."
Sterling Marlin, NASCAR Driver
"I don't know what to say. This is incredible, just incredible. I think everybody is just in shock right now. "I didn't see much of what happened up there. After the race was over, I heard things didn't look very good but, man, Earnhardt. You figure he'll bounce right back. Your first thought is, hey, he'll probably come back next week at Rockingham and beat us all. My heart goes out to Theresa and Dale, Jr., Kerry and Kelly, and to Taylor Nicole."
Jeremy Mayfield, NASCAR Driver
"I'll miss him. There isn't one person in NASCAR that won't say they'll miss him. I was talking to my dad today and I said to him, "what are we gonna do as drivers?" We all congregated around him. He was always one of the first drivers to go out for pre-race introductions and I don't care if you were Rusty Wallace or Dale Jarrett or who it was, we all talked to him because he was the guy."
Jimmy Spencer, NASCAR Driver
"I feel like somebody kicked me in the chest. I'm stunned. And I'm really sad. That's about all I can say."
John Andretti, NASCAR Driver
"No matter where it happens or how it happens or even how prepared you think you might be for it, losing somebody close to you hurts. My heart just breaks for Theresa and the family."
Kyle Petty, NASCAR Driver
"What can I say, the guy was my hero. I'll never forget talking with him about doing one of my benefits in Lexington. He had been hurt a few days before and he still showed up as if nothing happened. Even after health problems, he was a man of his word to show up for the benefit. People don't realize how generous this man was. Dale was very generous, especially behind the scenes. Dale shoes will never be filled. He was a very, very talented racecar driver. He was the best."
Rick Mast, NASCAR Driver
"There is really nothing I can say right now. I found out about Dale after I got home tonight. I'm very sad. NASCAR lost its greatest driver and probably the greatest driver it will ever have. My heart goes out to his family, his crew, his friends and his fans. There is no better group of fans in our sport and I feel for them tonight also. Our sport will go on, but I don't think it will ever be the same. NASCAR is about family, and I can't think of a time in its history when it needs to pull together like a family. I know everyone on our team and our entire sport sends its condolences to everyone hurting."
Johnny Benson, NASCAR Driver
"I will tell you that some of the fiercest and most successful drivers are also the most aggravating on the track. Dale was incredibly tenacious; he drove me to rise to his level. He made me want to be the best, because he made me want to beat him. I have never in all of my experience raced against anyone with as much desire to win as he had, and that's saying a lot, because I've raced against them all. He was so tenacious, but he was so different from that away from the track. I was really fortunate to know that side of him, because not everyone did, but there was a softer side to Dale that most people didn't know he had, but it was there. It's just so tragic. He was so much to so many. He's left a giant, dark, black hole behind him. I really don't know what to say. There are so many decisions, so much grief. He will be missed by millions. I remember in 1990 or 1991 when we were both racing in IROC, that right after the race in Daytona we flew up to Cleveland for the race and then back down to Charlotte. Well, I was living in Greensboro at the time and I had no way home at like 11 p.m., so Dale drove me all the way up there and then back to Lake Norman, just to shoot the breeze. I just couldn't understand that; he must have gotten home at 3 a.m. or something and to this day, I still don't understand. But he was just that way. Different and special."
Mark Martin, NASCAR Driver
"Michelle and I would like to send our condolences to the Earnhardt family, everyone at DEI and Richard Childress Racing. Losing Dale is a big loss for all of us. He will be greatly missed. Not only is Dale the icon of NASCAR, he is the one who gave me the opportunity to be where I am today and I will never forget that. Without his guidance and direction, I would not be a Busch Grand National Champion. Thank you Dale for everything!"
Jeff Green, NASCAR Driver
"My heart is hurting right now. I would rather be any place right this moment than here. It's so painful.
Michael Waltrip, NASCAR Driver
"Words will never be able to describe how we feel about the death of our friend Dale Earnhardt, but the love and affection from the entire racing community has been overwhelming and comforting. We find strength in your prayers and ask that you all pray for the entire Earnhardt family. The NASCAR community will move on through this trying time but we will never be the same nor will the sport. Dale Earnhardt was the sport of NASCAR for the last two decades. His presence in the sport set a standard of excellence that may never be reached again. His spirit will dwell in the garage forever. Scripture tells us that God made the following command to Joshua: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9. We must all be strong and trust in the Lord. Dale was strong yet softer than most people will ever know. All of us, drivers, crews and fans owe Dale the respect of carrying on with pride and dignity. He would have done the same for anyone of us. We can not let his early departure be in vain. Dale is with Him and He is with Dale."
Michael Waltrip, NASCAR Driver
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Earnhardt family. We have lost the greatest driver to ever sit in a NASCAR Winston Cup car. He was a fierce competitor and a true champion. We will miss him terribly."
Brett Bodine, NASCAR Driver
"The Irvan Family is deeply saddened by the loss of Dale Earnhardt. Off the track he was a good friend. On the track he was a great competitor. Dale Earnhardt will always be the most respected name in Motorsports. Our Prayers are with Theresa and the Earnhardt family. We mourn this loss alongside the many who worked with him each week and the millions of people whose lives were touched by him. Dale Earnhardt will be deeply missed."
Ernie Irvin, NASCAR Driver
"I only knew him a little bit, mostly because of racing against Dale, Jr. He came to the Busch banquet the year Junior won, so I got to spend a little time with him, but what I knew of him was mostly about, you know “DALE”, in capital letters, the legendary, hard-driving champion. It's overwhelming, all of these losses, and it's hard to get over them."
Matt Kenseth, NASCAR Driver
"I grew up in an Earnhardt family. They were all fanatics, my mom, my dad, brother, everybody. My parents really enjoyed the way he raced, the way he changed other people's driving styles, and because my dad liked him so much, I liked him, too. That's what I respected, because that's the way I am - I always want to be at the front, but that's not to say that's my style of driving. My first race against him was at Dover last fall, which was also my first ever Winston Cup race, and right after I got out of the car after qualifying, Dale was the second person to come over to me, after my crew chief, Matt Chambers, did. He asked me if I was going to lift, because he was sure I wasn't going to lift, and then he laughed and asked me if that was all I had. I thought I was doing pretty good, because like I said, it was my first-ever Cup race and I had just qualified tenth, so it was pretty funny, but also an honor. And yesterday, I got to race around him some, and he was doing some more rookie training, but he was the seven-time champion, so I took it in stride. My spotter told me to follow him, even if he stopped to get a hot dog. I'm just sorry that I won't be able to compete against him again."
Kurt Busch, NASCAR Driver
"He's tough as hell on the track. He never gave anything, but you always knew what to expect, and he had a lot of respect for it, because he treated everyone equally. He was really frustrating to drive against, because there were times when he could have made it much easier, but that wasn't in his personality. You always had to work that much harder with him. It seems like we've spent the last couple of years in the garage parked next to him, and so I got the chance to get to know him a little bit better. We had some common interests that he was working hard to get me involved in because he was already in them. He was always there to offer advice or counsel me on whatever it was. I had a photo shoot a couple of weeks ago and I had some time to wait for the next set, so I called him up to ask him for some help on something and I finally had to tell him that I had to go; he always made time for me, and he'd talk forever if he thought he could help you with something. He had that persona of being tough all the time, but he had another side to him that not everyone saw. Plus I think he respected me, which means a lot, for standing my ground with him on the racetrack. But how could you not respect him. The guy was the ambassador for our sport, our leader, our trendsetter. It's just a huge loss to our community; he was a huge influence on so many people."
Jeff Burton, NASCAR Driver
"It's hard to even comment on the wreck we were in when you lose a guy like Dale Earnhardt, does it really matter right now? I said this back in 1999 when we lost Greg Moore in CART and I'll say it again, Guys like that aren't supposed to die, they're studs in racing. It just makes you think a little deeper about what we do. You never really think about crashing when you strap in to the car, much less what happened to Dale. But you see this and really think. It is dangerous, it always has been. That's racing. It's just tough to lose someone, anyone. Dale was the best. I remember running with him in IROC and learning about bump-drafting. That was some of the most fun racing I've ever been a part of. He was "The Intimidator", no question about it, but he was awesome. You think of all the talent he had, plus all the experience, and he still had that fire on the track. Even at his age. Think about it, at 49, he was second in the points last year. That's big. He was the man. I'm going to miss him."
Robby Gordon, NASCAR Driver
"It’s just the way this sport is. That’s the chances you take. It’s unfortunate it happened to him. It just don’t seem right. It’s hard to believe. You don’t think things like that will happen to drivers of his caliber."
Todd Parrott, NASCAR Crew Chief
"Dale Earnhardt was the greatest race car driver that ever lived. He could do things with a race car that no one else could. He had a tremendous impact on NASCAR racing. He's done so much to help the sport get where it is today."
Ned Jarrett, NASCAR Commentator
"There’s no question it’s going to be different. Dale Earnhardt is to Winston Cup what Elvis Presley was to rock ‘n’ roll. When Elvis died, music didn’t stop, but it definitely changed. When they call the starting lineup and Dale Earnhardt’s name is not there..."
Larry McReynolds, NASCAR Commentator
"Like all of the NASCAR family, I was stunned and saddened by the loss of Dale Earnhardt. We shared a common bond in championships as well as a mutual respect. Our family has raced against his family since this sport began, going back to when my Dad and I raced against Ralph Earnhardt. My thoughts and prayers and that of the entire Petty organization are with Teresa, Kerry, Kelly, Dale Jr., Taylor and the rest of the Earnhardt family."
Richard Petty, Petty Enterprises
"As tributes honoring Dale Earnhardt and his career flow, we would like to remember and honor the Dale we knew. We knew a Dale who understood that it is not your career, but your family that comes first. He understood that it is not winning and losing but loyalty and integrity that make a man. He understood how important it is to be a wonderful husband, a good father, and a true friend. We shared many things in our professional life, as well as our personal life, with Dale. We shared the victories in racing and the victories in championships. I thanked him for those victories and I thanked him for helping me climb to where I am today. My regret is that I never thanked him for teaching me the most important lesson in life and I never told him how much I love him. I hope and pray that he understood. In my mind, he was the most talented and successful race car driver. In my heart, he was the most successful person who ever lived. The success on the race track will live forever in the hearts of race fans. In our hearts, it is his friendship that will live forever. Our prayers and thoughts are with Teresa and the whole Earnhardt family. We will miss him in the racing world but most of all we will miss our friend."
Andy Petree, Andy Petree Racing
"On behalf of everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing, we would like to extend our heartfelt sympathies to Teresa and the entire Earnhardt family as well as everyone at Dale Earnhardt Incorporated and Richard Childress Racing. While Dale was a fierce competitor on and off the track and leader in the community, he was a member of our family and as you can imagine, we are grieving that loss."
Joe Gibbs, Joe Gibbs Racing
"The Roush Racing family`s thoughts and prayers go out to Teresa, Kerry, Kelley King, Dale Jr, Taylor Nicole and the rest of the Earnhardt family as they face this terrible tragedy. Dale Earnhardt will always be remembered to all of us in NASCAR as the ultimate champion and competitor. We ask that all Roush Racing and NASCAR fans remember the Earnhardt family in their prayers."
Jack Roush, Roush Racing
"Everyone at Hendrick Motorsports is deeply saddened by the death of Dale Earnhardt. Our prayers are with his family that they find strength during this difficult time. He was a great competitor and a true friend to everyone in the NASCAR family. Dale's contributions to the growth and popularity of our sport are immeasurable. He was also a great human being, husband and father. He will truly be missed. We ask everyone to join us in our prayers for Dale and his family."
John Hendrick, Hendrick Motorsports
"Dale Earnhardt's death is a tremendous loss to our NASCAR family and to the entire nation. Whether you liked him or not, he stood as a hero. Many looked up to Dale as a man who stuck to his convictions. Earnhardt set the stage in Winston Cup. What he did, everyone followed. He was a fierce competitor, one that we did battle with many times. He lived a life that was full. As a father, a husband and a businessman, Dale experienced success. He showed people that they can follow their dreams and reach their goals. Dale accomplished more in his life than most of us ever could. It is unfortunate. All of us in the NASCAR community live on the edge. The drivers are on the edge all of the time, every weekend. This seems more of a shock to people, because the wreck did not look that bad. When someone so talented is involved in such a deal, it is unbelievable. I know we will all go into the garage at Rockingham next weekend and expect to see that sly grin that Earnhardt patented. It is going to be tough on NASCAR fans and Dale Earnhardt fans. For those of us who saw him and talked to him every weekend, it will take a long time to deal with this horrible loss. Cherish the memories of Dale. Realize we were lucky to be able to share his life with him. Finally, believe. If you believe in Christ, the pain will be easier to handle. On a personal note...My father died in a tragic accident two years ago of the same head injuries that Earnhardt died of. When he heard of my devastating loss, he consoled me by talking of his own pain for the loss of his dad. Earnhardt's advice was to carry on and make my dad proud, as if he were still present. I use this advice everyday in my life. It gives me a tremendous desire to succeed and it helps ease the pain."
Larry McClure, Morgan McClure Motorsports
"It was a terrible accident and my heart goes out to his family because they are the ones who suffer most. Racing lost one of the greatest stock car drivers that ever lived and I lost a great friend, somebody that I respected highly."
A.J. Foyt
"This is terrible news, a very very sad moment. Racing has lost one of the greatest drivers and spokesman the sport has ever seen. I got to know Dale by racing with him in the IROC series. He was a very skilled driver and I learned a lot about racing stock cars just by racing with him and by following him around the track. I will always remember him as a straightforward, practical and fun loving person with a smile on his lips from his latest joke. The man loved his racing and he was simply one of the best there ever was. My prayers and condolences are with Dale's wife Teresa, Dale Jr. and the rest of the Earnhardt family."
Kenny Brack, CART Driver
"I have known only two individuals whose very presence transcended the fact they were extraordinary racing drivers: Dale Earnhardt and Ayrton Senna. No one else could fill a room like they could. I met Dale just two years ago, but I feel like I have lost a member of my family. There is truly nothing you can say, it is an enormous loss. The last words that Dale said to me were, "I'll race you next time, and we'll have just as much fun." I'm incredibly sad that that won't happen. My heart goes out to all of Dale's family, friends and fans at this very difficult time."
Eddie Cheever, IRL Driver
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dale Earnhardt. He was a true champion as well as a wonderful ambassador for our sport. The thoughts and prayers of the entire CART community are with the Earnhardt family and everyone involved in NASCAR racing during this difficult time."
Joseph Heitzler, President & CEO of CART
"There are no words to express the extreme sense of loss we are all feeling now. Dale's greatness as a champion speaks for itself. The significant loss is of the man himself; we've lost a dear friend. On behalf of the series' founders Roger Penske, Les Richter, and the entire team, our condolences to Theresa, Kelly King, Dale Jr., Kerry and Taylor Nicole, as well as to all those at Dale Earnhardt Incorporated and the Richard Childress organization."
Jay Signore, IROC Series President
"Even though Dale Earnhardt never raced at Irwindale Speedway, he was, as he was across the country, somehow a part of our personal world. Thousands of our weekly visitors where his faithful fans; his driving exploits from the preceding week's race were always a hot topic of conversation in the pits and in the stands on Saturday night; his stature as one of the greatest ever in NASCAR was never in question here. All of us are deeply saddened. All of us at Irwindale feel as though we have lost a friend. All of us know what a painful loss to our sport his passing will be. We all send our deepest sympathy to his family, his friends, his team, and to his legions of loyal fans everywhere."
Irwindale Speedway
"He was a good friend and I’m still in shock. This is a terrible, terrible loss and, for me, it ranks right up there with the death of JFK. Dale was the Michael Jordan of our sport. We always thought of Dale as being invincible, so when he didn’t climb out of that car after the wreck I knew it was bad. I talked to him this morning before the race and he was poised to challenge for an unprecedented eighth championship and was really looking forward to a fantastic season. I knew Dale’s father, Ralph, and I’ve know Dale since he was a little boy. He had things pretty tough when his father passed away when he was young and I was so proud of the way he turned out and the way he represented our sport. Behind that macho facade was a real sensitive individual who did a lot of things for a lot of people and didn’t want any publicity in return. He was part of a very loving family and was truly an extraordinary human being. To think he is not around anymore is incomprehensible. Right now, we’ve got to do what we can do to help his family get through this terrible time. Our thoughts and prayers are with his mother, Martha, his wife, Teresa, and his children; Kerry, Dale, Jr., Kelly and Taylor Nicole. We will never fill the void left by the loss of Dale Earnhardt."
H.A. ‘Humpy’ Wheeler, President & GM of Lowe’s Motor Speedway
"It’s hard to put into words what the loss of Dale Earnhardt means. I feel without question he was the greatest driver we have ever had. At a time when the popularity of NASCAR has been rapidly growing across this country, we can thank Dale Earnhardt for a lot of that attention. The fan base he enjoyed is unparalleled in this sport. Our hearts and prayers are with his family."
Clay Campbell, President of Martinsville Speedway
"The loss of Dale Earnhardt is an unbelievable and devastating tragedy to his family, his many fans and to the sport of auto racing. It is very difficult for me and for our family because of our close friendship with Dale, Teresa and their children. He personified what NASCAR is about, and the growth of motor sports during the last 20 years was attributable in many ways to him. He was a man who loved the life, the sport and enjoyed every week of it. He was intense, focused and competitive in everything he did. Dale had a special love for the history and tradition of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and his name will always be a part of our racing heritage at the Brickyard. Our hearts and prayers go to Dale's family and to all who admired his skill and the admirable traits he represented."
Tony George, President & CEO of Indianapolis Motor Speedway
"The death of Dale Earnhardt is heartbreaking for millions of racing fans around the world. I, too, am heartbroken. Athletes in other sports would be wise to follow Dale’s model of what a champion is supposed to be. He had great dignity, both on the track and off. I know people would question why people risk such great odds to race automobiles. But I’m certain Dale would tell you that he lived his life to the fullest and his life was better for being a participant in the arena. While many people may not understand this, Dale understood better than anyone. We want to express our sympathies to Dale’s wife Teresa, his children, his mother and the rest of his family as well as Richard Childress Racing and the people of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. We will remember them in our prayers."
Eddie Gossage, GM of Texas Motor Speedway
"American auto racing has lost its Babe Ruth, Arnold Palmer and Michael Jordan. To millions of Americans, Dale Earnhardt was so much a part of what life was all about. He expressed drive and determination in everything he endeavored to do. He loved his profession like none other, and there is simply no way this void can ever be filled. Racing has lost its best ambassador."
Ed Clark, President & GM of Atlanta Motor Speedway
"It's always tragic, but this is our main guy. Today when they introduced him, he got the biggest applause there. He's the man, he is NASCAR Winston Cup racing. We haven't had something like this happen. We've got a lot of work to do at the track in the next three weeks, but I don't feel like doing anything. I'm just numb. I've lost a great friend."
Ed Clark, President & GM of Atlanta Motor Speedway
"Dale Earnhardt may have been the most talented driver ever to climb in a stock car, but his loss will be felt well beyond the racing community. Dale was one of the most distinctive personalities in the world of sports. His image as a fierce competitor, as the relentless pursuer in the black car personified the qualities that have characterized history's greatest athletes. There were no fans more passionate or loyal than Dale Earnhardt fans. On behalf of all of those fans who have turned out to see Dale at Sears Point Raceway over the years, we offer our thoughts and prayers to the Earnhardt family."
Steve Page, President & GM of Sears Point Raceway
"This is the biggest loss to our culture and, in fact, our entire fabric of life since the untimely death of my father on January 1, 1953. The name Dale Earnhardt will now join that short list that commands respect the instant it is spoken."
Hank Williams Jr, Country Singer
"Dale Earnhardt was what made NASCAR exciting for me. He was my favorite driver. I had the privilege of meeting him on several occasions and was honored to find out that Dale and his family were fans of my music. He told me "I’m Gonna Be Somebody" was one of his favorite songs. I told him that I only wished I could "be somebody" as big to the music world as he was to racing."
Travis Tritt, Country Singer
"America lost a great leader and hero with Dale’s passing, but most of all we lost a great example for our kids."
John Anderson, Country Singer
"I have received so much e-mail about the tragic death of Dale Earnhardt that I wanted to share my thoughts with those of you who were his fans, and those of you who may not understand what this man meant to the world of racing. Dale’s success as a Nascar driver is well documented and there’s no need to go into that. Everybody knows that he was a winner and one of the most successful drivers of all time. I met Dale at the Talladega race last year and he was a true gentleman, courteous and outgoing with a quick smile and handshake, definitely one of the good old boys. I know that some people think that we’re making a big deal out of this, that people die every day and after a period of mourning it’s time to move on, and you’re right. But, and I say this with the utmost respect, you probably don’t understand what NASCAR means to somebody from the southeastern part of the country. The rest of the world has it’s Formula and Indy cars but the south’s got stock car racing and Elvis Presley never had a more rabid fan than some of the gentlemen who risk their lives flying around the track on Sunday afternoons. This kind of racing began with the moonshine haulers in the mountains of Carolina, on the dirt tracks with old boys who spend the last cent they’ve got on a new carburetor so they can race Saturday night. It’s not just a sport, it’s an obsession and if you truly want to understand go sit among the shirtless faithful in Charlotte, Atlanta or Talladega, watch their faces when their favorite driver gets into contention, listen to them roar as the checkered flag is dropped. Sit there with them for one race and you’ll learn more about NASCAR and it’s fans in four hours than you could ever learn reading about it or watching it on TV. You’ll hear about Cale and Darrell and Donnie and King Richard. Old timers like Fireball Roberts and Lee Petty and Herb Thomas and his fabulous Hudson Hornet. These names are heroes to a southern boy and stock car racing is as much a part of our heritage as hominy grits and fried chicken. So if it seems that some people just can’t quite let Dale go, be patient with us, we’ll get over it eventually. But wherever the fast cars roar around the track on a hot Sunday afternoon, when the faithful stand up and cheer their favorites, everytime who ever takes the checkered drives down victory lane, Dale Earnhardt will be remembered, cherished and most of all missed."
Charlie Daniels, Country Singer
"I've just lost a good buddy. Our hearts go out to the family. It's just a really sad time. I remember coming in from a day of deep sea fishing. We were both worn out and all of our lines were up. A couple marlins cleared the boat in front of us and Dale had to throw all the lines back in. Those marlins are so hard to catch, I was tired and didn't want to fool with it, but Dale never would let an opportunity pass. And, wouldn't you know, we caught one! He had a gusto for living life like no one I've ever seen or ever will see again."
Kix Brooks of Brooks and Dunn, Country Duo
"Good-bye, that one word hurts so bad when you lose a friend."
Randy Owen of Alabama, Country Group
"All of us at Chevrolet and General Motors are truly saddened by the passing of Dale Earnhardt. As we all know, Dale was more than just a legend. He was an individual respected by all who ever came in contact with him; family, friends, business associates and fellow competitors. Dale was also more than just a Monte Carlo race car driver. Like all drivers we considered him a valued member of our own family. To that end, our Chevrolet and General Motors family offers our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Teresa, and the rest of his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and the Richard Childress Racing and Dale Earnhardt Incorporated organizations."
General Motors Corporation
"On behalf of Ford Motor Company, I want to extend our deepest sympathies to Teresa and the entire Earnhardt family on the loss of one of racing's greatest competitors. Like many others, we were fans of Dale Earnhardt; certainly the driver, but especially the man. In spite of our intense rivalry, Dale Earnhardt has been a great friend to us and to all who have helped to make this sport great. Dale Earnhardt transcended NASCAR. His loss will have an effect on racing and its fans worldwide. I'm not sure you can measure the impact of what he meant to racing in this country because when you picture the epitome of a race car driver, you picture Dale Earnhardt. We're deeply saddened by this loss. Again, our condolences go out to the Earnhardt family and to those legion of supporters who have cheered for this great champion through the years."
Ford Motor Company
"All of us at R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company are shocked and deeply saddened by this tragedy. Dale Earnhardt was a fierce competitor and great champion. More importantly, he was a friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Teresa, Kerry, Kelley, Dale Junior and Taylor Nicole, as well as everyone at Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Richard Childress Racing."
RJR Tobacco
"All of us at Anheuser-Busch are deeply saddened by the death of Dale Earnhardt. Dale was a great man, a dear friend of my family, a true champion and a great ambassador for NASCAR and the sport of auto racing. Our prayers go out to his wife, Teresa, Dale Jr., and the entire Earnhardt family, as well as everyone at Dale Earnhardt Inc."
Anheuser-Busch Inc.
