A Tribute To A Champion; Dale Earnhardt

when I was married, way back when; we, as a family, used to record the races on tape, and in spare moments, take the whole week to watch it. This ritual went on for about 10 years. We got to know these race drivers. We watched NASCAR go from relatively small time, to the huge success it is today. Thank You ESPN, it wouldn't have happened without you.

I Remember... Along the way, we saw people die. Except for Davy Allison, and Alan Kulwicki; it never really struck home. Neither of these men died on the track; which seemed so ironic at the time. Alan? I'll never forget the Polish victory lap... EVER! A special moment in all our lives. Rusty? Thanks for remembering...

I Remember... Always rooting for Michael Waltrip, I liked his laid back, polite demeanor, his southern charm. But he never won a race, so I rooted for him even more: I remember the tears when Dale Jarrett won his first race; The Daytona 500; Ned? You weren't the only one with tears. You get connected: Last year, Michael joined the newly formed "DEI". Dale Earnhardt Incorporated Racing team. I'm sure Dale took a lot of abuse, because after 462 starts. Michael had never won a race.

Michael, it seemed was cursed, but Dale had faith in him.

I Remember... Yesterday, in the final laps of the race; it was Michael, Dale Jr, and Sr, in that order. Jr, and Sr, did everything they could to help Mikey. They made sure Mike won that race. Jr, kept on Michael's tail, giving Mikey the draft he needed to be fast. And "Little E!" Almost passed Mike enough times to keep you screaming your brains out!! I was silently praying Michael would win his first race. It was an unbelievable finish!! Here, Mikey was poised, not just to win his first race, but the Daytona 500! His very first ride with "DEI!" And Dale; he stayed back, keeping everyone broken up, and not letting anyone pass by him. Wow! What a race...

Totally uncharacteristic for the Intimidator:
Yes Dale, it was Michael's time...

This selfless giving, cost Dale his life.

Michael? What can I say to you? I'm so sorry your first win; and the Daytona 500 at that, had to be like this. You deserved so much more. I feel so sorry for you, you just don't know! Tears were welling in my eyes when I knew you'd win. Later, tears were welling in both our eyes, for a whole different reason. What should have been the happiest day of your life, was taken from you in a second. The highest high, and the lowest low, all happened within seconds of one another. It's just not fair; it's not supposed to happen that way...

Sterling? You to... Rubbing is racing, no one knew that more than Dale. Hell, he probably invented it. Who would have ever imagined a rub, would kill a legend? Don't let this "kill" you too.

Winston Cup will never be the same without Dale Earnhardt. Love him or hate him: He made Winston Cup what it is today.

Dale? May the wind always be at your back...

You brought such joy, and excitement to me, these
many many years....

You died, in the middle of doing the one thing you loved
more then anything in the world. I can only pray,
I'm lucky enough to go in the same way.

Like a guardian angel from three cars back;
Watching Michael & Junior; as they circled the track.
No intention of winning; content, just holding his place:
So proud of his "boys:" "His Boys!" now winning the race.

We thought the race was over, the end was so near:
No time for pain; no time for fear.
We couldn't have known; there wasn't any sign,
Dale was one-quarter mile, from his final finish line.

In an instant, NASCAR fans would be facing:
An eternal change in their world of racing.
He was perhaps, the greatest! Beloved in life; and his sport:
It shouldn't have happened this way, he was cut so short.

We weren't looking; we were watching the finish line.
"There was a crash? Well, this is one heck of a time:
Which car was it? Number 19? Number 5? Number 7?"
It was Dale... One Quarter Mile From Heaven...

All the crowd noticed was excitement and debris:
But a miracle was happening, one we just couldn't see.
Dale said his goodbye; through a ton of shining metal and chrome:
As God gave "NUMBER 3," the checkered flag "Home."

This World of racing called Winston Cup, that so took me in:
Now the Legend is gone and I don't know where to begin.
To tell the story of what this man has meant to me:
I can't find the words, but there's one thing I believe:

That forever in my heart; in life's crazy scheme of things:
I'll picture him circling heaven; with red, black, and chrome wings.
And with his grin; telling angels ... and even our great Creator,
"Look out over there...here comes the "INTIMIDATOR!"

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