10 Years Ago This Weekend In Daytona: To The Intimidator #3.

[twyacht]

If your not a Race Fan, you probably won't "get it".  However, to those that are or were, you will.

10 years ago during the last turn of the last lap of the Daytona 500, Dale Earnhardt Sr. was following his DEI teamates Michael Waltrip in 1st place, and his son Dale Jr. in 2nd.
A crash turned Dale Sr.'s car into the wall at over 185mph, and came to rest in the infield grass. What everyone expected to be a tall Carolina, Cabarrus County man, get out and wave, turned into a tragic fatal crash, that took the life of a Legend in the Racing World.
Whether your a NASCAR fan or not, Dale Sr. was an avid hunter, fisherman, and was the man who ALL other drivers looked up to. Every race car driver has stated that "Having that Black #3 fill your rearview mirror, on the track, was the most intimidating."

Hence the name, The Intimidator. However, off the track, he was the most gentle, loving, and giving person, with a contagious smile, I ever had the pleasure of meeting twice in my days living in North Carolina. I never returned to being a "fan" of NASCAR after he died.  Racing is not the same, and there will never be another like him.

So for this 10 year anniversary, I just wanted to add my humble contribution, and my #3 flag will fly outside today, once again.

RIP Dale.

[MikeBjerum]

NASCAR has done its best to chase me away as a fan, but there are still things that catch my attention.  Friday was the anniversary, and Jr. won the race that night.  I saw a couple reports on it, and it was pretty emotional for all.

I wasn't planning on watching the race today, but a winter storm has rolled in and ruined the plans.  The race will be on in the background as I read a good book.

[2HOW]

One of a kind man. The cool factor was the 21 car back in the winners circle. Petty said Pearson was the best to ever race. Big E was right up there.