Remembering the Best

It is hard to believe, but Dale Earnhardt died six years ago today at the 43rd Daytona 500. He suffered a crash while about half a mile from the finish line and his Number 3 Chevrolet spun out of control. He died instantly from head injures.

I remember watching the crash and thinking it didn’t look too serious - serious by NASCAR standards.

Back in the late 90s, I saw his car flip upside down in a much more horrifying crash, but he wasn’t seriously hurt. Yet, this seemingly minor crash took his life. How strange.

Certain men personify their craft long after they are gone. Say “cowboy” and everyone pictures John Wayne. Say “boxing” and most people think of Muhammad Ali. Say “NASCAR” and we all think of Dale Earnhardt, Sr. It’s been six years since he died, yet his face is still NASCAR’s identity. I hope I can leave a legacy like that some day.