Dale Earnhardt

Why Did People Love Dale?

Have you ever noticed how many people are wearing No. 3 NASCAR jerseys these days? It’s really quite a few. Dale Earnhardt has truly become a household name.

Everyone knows who Dale Earnhardt was, racing fan or not. What was it about him that endeared him to an entire nation? Why is the nation still mourning six years after his death?

NASCAR’s biggest star, Dale Earnhardt, was well known all over the world. The infamous driver of the black car wasn’t afraid to race it hard. He went straight for the finish line every time.

Fellow competitors describe him as a clean driver but he could get hot during the competition, showing emotion like flipping off another driver when they made a move he didn’t agree with. His primary goal was the win and he didn’t care whose feelings he hurt in the process.

But don’t let those things fool you, Dale was someone that people loved and could relate to. Growing up in Kannapolis, NC, he was the son of a mill worker who lived in an average home with average parents. His father had a love for racing that compelled him to quit the mill and began to race full time. He passed this love of racing on to his son.

Even though he was considered NASCAR’s best driver by many, Dale was extremely approachable. He made time for the fans and didn’t make them feel as if they were an imposition.

Autographs, pictures, whatever the fans needed he gave. People still buy all kinds of NASCAR merchandise with his number on it.

He was a normal guy. He liked the Atlanta Braves, going hunting with friends, and was known to repair broken fences on the farm when needed.

He believed in having a back up plan. That’s why his farm was so important to him. He did most farm chores himself and because he was such a blue collar man, middle class men and women all over the country felt like he was “their guy.”

Despite having dropped out of school in 8th grade, he was extremely successful in life but he never stopped worrying about providing for his family.

Dale Earnhardt worked hard and made himself the man and the driver that he became. He was determined to succeed and make his goals and dreams come true. He always went straight to the front, driving hard to the finish. Six years after his death the sorrow is still palpable. No one has yet to replace him to his fans and most likely no one will.

About the Author

David Stargel publishes several NASCAR related websites in addition to writing about all sorts of NASCAR related topics.
Check out NASCAR THINGS!

Dale Earnhardt tribute video

Dale Earnhart – Dale Earnhardt JR 88 – Mugs Dale Earnhardt JR 88 Mug is new. Why drink coffee out of an ordinary mug when an imprinted mug is so much cooler? Microwave safe, FDA approved. Image is printed on both sides of the mug. Dishwasher use is not recommended….

Nascar Dale Earnhardt Jr. Dome Metal Lunch Box $12.99 Everybody will know that you’re a true race fan when you tote this Dale Earnhardt, Jr. kids lunch box from Winner’s Circle(r). The durable metal lunch box includes a plastic carry handle and metal clasps to keep your lunch secure. A colorful wraparound graphic adorns the lunch box. Nascar Dale Earnhardt Jr. Dome Metal Lunch Box Features: * Dimensions: W 10″ x H 7″ x D 4.5″…

NASCAR Dale Jr. #88 4-Piece Barbecue Set $26.27 The Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Deluxe 4 Piece BBQ Set from B.S.I. includes: a stainless steel spatula, brush, fork and tongs. Each utensil in this officially licensed set is designed with durable, team-colored handles that are inlaid with the driver’s car number and race team logo. The driver’s number and replica signature are etched into the blade of the spatula….

Brooks & Dunn – The Greatest Hits Video Collection $9.36 Studio: Bmg Special Products Release Date: 11/13/2001…

It’s A Corporate World $7.94 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed….

It’s A Corporate World $9.99 …

Monster Bucks of North America $14.85 Go hunting with Bill Jordan in North America….

Monster Bucks VII (7) Volume 2 $5.24 VHS 90 Minutes. – - Hunts from Colorado, Saskatchewan, Idaho, Texas and Kansas. Six bowhunts, seven rifle hunts and one blackpowder. – - See NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt drop a 160 class Texas buck in his tracks. – - Watch comedian Jeff Foxworthy take a true mule deer of a lifetime in Kansas. This buzzleloader buck grosses in the 190 B& C class….

The Quest for the 1991 NASCAR Winston Cup $39.95 Replay the thrilling 1991 Winston Cup championship….

Clark Concepts Dale Earnhardt, Jr. AMP Energy Race-Mouse Wireless Computer Mouse – JR AMP ENERGY One Size $5.99 The perfect computer accessory for the die-hard fan, this officially licensed NASCAR(r) Race-Mouse(tm) wireless computer mouse from Clark Concepts is designed to look like a NASCAR(r) car! The 3-D wireless optical mouse includes 800dpi resolution, a precision optical sensor, and an intelligent sleeping mode for saving energy….