Remembering Dale Earnhardt

Ten years ago today the sporting world lost a great man. Dale Earnhardt, Sr. lost his life in the last lap at the Daytona 500 on February 18, 2001. It was a brutal crash and this year, Speed TV put out a great story on Dale that includes clips from the race and footage I've never seen from after the race. The movie was so tastefully made and tells the story through the eyes of those that were there that day.

Dale Earnhardt was one of those men who was so good at what he did you either loved him or hated him. But through it all you had to respect him for his accomplishments. His nickname was "The Intimidator" and he drove the black number 3 car. Many who have raced since his passing have tried to emulate him but none will ever replace him. He was a special person and only wanted to do one thing in life -- race. He could care less if you liked him or what you thought of him but you'd better get out of his way.

These two quotes are my favorite ones of his:

“Put a kerosene rag around your ankles so the ants won’t climb up there and eat that candy ass.”

“God created bumpers for a reason."

I wasn't a fan of NASCAR in 2001. I didn't actually start watching it until around 2005. I had been a fan of Indy Car racing when I was a kid then after Danny Sullivan left I quit watching. My dad has always been a huge fan of racing so I started watching the NASCAR races with him as a way to spend some time with him. I'm so glad I did.

When I visited Charlotte last May, I had a chance to visit the Dale Earnhardt Inc. Museum and it was magnificent. Pictures, trophies and everything you'd ever want to see about Dale Earnhardt. I'm hoping to take my father and the kids there this year.

I know had I been watching NASCAR back then I would have loved Dale Sr. As it is, his death has impacted me so much all these years later and he simply won't be forgotten. Rest in peace Dale.

Here is a great story NBC did on Dale.