Dale Earnhardt Dead

[jwgary]

For those who don't understand how Tony Stewart walked away, here is an explanation. Any spectacular crash like that is so because the moving energy of the car is lost over a long distance. Dale slammed hard into the wall and nearly stopped. That is what made the diference.

I am really saddened by the loss of my favorite driver. NASCAR might start borrowing more safety technology from Indy and NHRA as far as helmet tethers and crumple zones go. Anything that will make the race more exciting and safer. I won't stop watching just because someone died. Dale wouldn't have wanted that. Show your support to Dale, watch NASCAR.

 

[Skydiver]

I'm very saddened to the point of tears our racing legend has passed. I had many favorites in nascar Dale was my most favorite. I'll someday pick another.
The T. V. camera (like D. W. said)did not show the impact. After watching the frame by frame replay on my VCR I noticed the yellow line at the bottom of the track. Folks I might be wrong but I c'ant see where anyone bumped Dale. If you can slow down your VCR to a frame by frame replay watch the colored line at the bottom of the track.
Words cannot express this loss that will take a long time to get over.
Blessings to all of your family Dale.

 

[Jumbo Jet]

jthorpe:Everyone is entitled to their own impression and opinion of Earnhardt's driving.

He was a very skillful, successful, admired driver. His driving "style" and strategy is emulated by some and absolutely shunned by others.

He once said he would wreck his own mama to win the Daytona 500.

I saw him come from back in the pack to win at Talladega last October. He always had a great car, pit crew, skill, and attitude. He was exciting to watch.

A lot of drivers use a different strategy and take less risk. You can see that taking risks pays off, but sometimes the winning luck comes to an end.

Mark Martin has never won a championship. But I've never seen Mark Martin lose his cool with another driver. Mark is predictable. Dale Earnhardt was predictable too. They were at opposite ends of the spectrum.

A lot of the Dale Earnhardt incidents yesterday could be classified as "professional road rage". That's just my opinion, which is guaranteed by the 1st Amendment, which happens to be guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment!

 

[Switca]

I dont mean to disrespect anyone's hero. Dale was very good at what he did. You dont win a championship, let alone 7 by being anything but the best.

All of my heroes wear a flame resistant suit, helmet and drive very fast cars. Most are still alive, but some did not make it home one sunday afternoon.

Slamming? No. It's just another aspect of the legend.

Dont take it personal, it wasn't meant to be personal.

 

[Papa Joe]

In auto racing there is a fine line between aggressive and adversarial. Dale knew that line well straddling it in every race as he became a legend in his own time.

God rest his soul. Joe

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White 2001 QuadCab 2500 Laramie SLT, HO 6-speed, 3. 54 limited slip, Mopar exhaust brake, towing/camper options, Rhino liner, Grover Air Horns (not yet installed), Un BOMBed (so far), DUAL AIR BAGS !!

 

[Doc Tinker]

Bye Dale

 

[Andy Perreault]

I know in the NHRA, the top fuel dragster and funny car drivers wear "horse collars" to keep their necks from snapping around. I haven't watched NASCAR or any other racing for a couple of years, now. I'd like to know, do the NASCAR guys wear those "horse collars"? I didn't see Dale's wreck so I don't know if one of those would have made a difference in that particular situation.
Andy

Just one more thing: Let's keep this topic on a gentlemanly level. There's no need to disrespect each others opinions. Some on this topic are embarassing themselves by acting like immature grade school boys.

[This message has been edited by Andy Perreault (edited 02-19-2001). ]

 

[Chad Sheets]

The "spooky" thing about it all is that before the race, FOX News went up to him while he was kicking back in a chair with his feet up and asked what he had in store for us today. Big E. said with a cool grin "youre going to see something today you aint never seen before". Right before that they (FOX) was playing "The End" and "Break on Through" by doors in some pre-race TV hype... ... Gives me goosbumps.

Jack and Max340, I'm sorry you took my post the wrong way, but its what I think and I am sticking with it. Sorry if it offends both of you. It was not meant to offend. I have nothing but respect for the man. I also have nothing but respect for my Dad, but if he steps over the line I will be the first to admit it.

I had the same words to say on the phone today to a close friend of mine in Winston Salem N. C. who happens to be blood relation to Richard Childress believe it or not... cousins I believe. At any rate, I pretty much recited what I posted on here word for word. I didnt know if this would end a long time friendship or not, but its how I felt. He knew what I meant and he also agreed that things did get a little out of hand.

 

[Ramrod]

#ad
I find that this may be the only way to vent on the passing of a ICON of the world we live in. Dale was well known thruout the world. His repuatation was, and will always be second to none. I feel deeply saddend by his passing. All of you here will find this hard to believe but I had a thought in my mind saturday evening that Dale was going to pass on, in yesterdays race. Don't ask me how, why Dale, and not any other driver. Its was one of those thoughts that are not spoken, for numerous reasons. Most being the demise of a human being. I spoke to my wife about my preminition as soon as I saw the replay of Dales accident following the checkerd flag falling. I had a bad feeling from what I had thought of, the day before. My heart dropped only an hour before, when I witnessed Tony Stewarts' hand fall from the steering wheel, like the life had just been taken out of him. I have a friend who's father was a famous racecar driver. Its tough to see what he has dealt with over the years without his father. The whole Nascar weekly tour is a FAMILY like no other. Sure its big bussiness. But just like yours and mine, these people spend so much time together and form such special bonds that in many instances they are closer then family. This is one of the biggest hurts of this whole situation. All those friends, colleges, team members, sponsors, track personel, etc. etc. etc. not to mention Theresa and the Earnhardt children. All of the people who work in the conglomerate of Dale Earnhardt Enterprises. And just little ole me. Not a diehard Dale fan, just a racer myself who appreciated what Dale brought to my favorite sport of racing.

You know sometimes when some feels like that they can't do something like they once could, they feel like they should die, Well watching Dale not fight for the win yesterday and basically protecting and preserving the win for his his son and Michael made me feel like he should not have been there. If for one moment he stoped racing and did what he appeared to have done, I feel real sad. Yes it was a noble effort. One, I wished he had saved for another day. The saddness I feel in my heart is more than at any other time of when a racer has died. I remember when Alan Kulwicki passed so tragically, just weeks after winning his first championship, Ayrton Senna @ Monza, Roland Ratzneburger @ Monza the same week,Davey Allison(my fav. at that time)Neil Bonnett, Making a comeback at Daytona, a best friend of Dales, he had just done tons of testing for Dale,Jeff Krossnoff in Indy, Greg Moore who I met at Indycar sping tranning his rookie year, Kenny Irwin,Adam Petty, goes without saying, and now the unthinkable, the icon, Mr. Nascar, the man, Dale.

Dale had a wonderful life. He gave us alot of memories. I was so happy to see him race at Daytona last month. With his son they ran very well and had a great time. I saw him on the prerace show with Terry Bradshaw. Dale was hugging Terry's 2 daughters like they were his own. His eyes went wild with excitement when he heard that Terry was actually going to be at the race. Evidently Dale had some good luck previously with Terry attewnding a race. He was so excited. Like a little kid. This was just after he took Terry out on the track in a pace car and scared the crap out of him at 145 mph.

Yesterday was a special day for me. It was my 36th birthday, my second wedding anniversary and the first day of 2 new eras. First the return of Dodge to Nascar. What a woderful documentury of the return that was aired previous to the race. And then the debut of Nascar on FOX. Also the new regulations that Nascar had imposed for this season. I had looked forward to this day for a long time with much anticipation. Foxes coverage was awesome! The racing was increadible! Almost everyone on the lead lap going 2 and 3 abreast the whole race. One of the best races I had ever witnessed. But it was all for nothing. My wondeful day has left me in a stupor I can't not seem to break. By venting hear I hope to start the healing proccess. I dread having to see all the telivsion coverage later this week when Dale's friends and family lay him to rest. With tears in my eyes and sorness in my throat I find it hard to understand why. I don't look forward to seeing all the memorabilia commemorating Dales life. I have not liked seeing all the Aryton Senna stuff over the last few years since his passing.

Please forgive me for my lengthy post but I have way to much emotion to keep bottled up inside. I will remember every year, from this day forward, on my birthday and my wedding anniversary that Dale passed on what was suppose to be such a special day. Nascar Has lost its most bightest light. His friends and family has lost a father,husband friend, and most of all a human being named Dale Earnhardt. The world will go on. Racing will take place this week without him, his crew, his #3. But he will live for ever in our memories.

Dale, thanks for everything you gaves us. We will not soon forget the many things that made you who you were to all of us. I hope you and Neil catch lots of fish. God has truly blessed you, and now he has taken you home for his team. Don't change at all. Godbless.

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Cannondale Killer V 900 SL

[This message has been edited by Griff996 (edited 02-19-2001). ]

 

[Chad Sheets]

If you guys want to vent some frustration out, go over to ebay and take a look at what some vultures have going on over there, and send them some "SHUT YOUR FACE" letters.

Almost every auction started after his death was anounced. There was an autographed 8x10 that started out at $29 and is already up to $450. I have an old Wrangler slot car, two in fact, the #2 car and the #3 car. The #3 car was autographed by Dale when I got to meet him through my buddy in N. C. I dont care if someone offered me $10,000 for it, I am keeping it. These ebay people crack me up.

[This message has been edited by Chad Sheets (edited 02-19-2001). ]

 

[claymike]

Gods speed Dale, thank you for taking time to talk to me in Richmond. You were a hero in many peoples lives. I will truly miss you.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

I have my feelings and thoughts about Dale's racing tactics which I will keep to myself. I was talking with Briar Hopper about them thursday night when I stayed at his house as a matter of fact. However, just after his death is not the time to be discussing them when people are mourning. An extremely successful racer has died and we have all lost something because of it. My thoughts and feelings go out to his family, friends, and fans. From an ex-racer (who had to quit because of a bad accident) - God speed Dale and I hope you get to run WOT all day every day up there with all the greats that have gone before you.

-Steve

 

[Max340]

Chad, I don't begrudge you saying what ya want, but the wording left me with the feeling that you are not considering all the facts and are somehow blaming DE for his own death, like he deserved such a fate.

One of the facts that seems most left out is that others were doing the same bump and grind thing that day, recall the 19 car pileup 25 laps before?

Another fact: Earnhardt may not have liked being the recipient of the same type of driving, but he EXPECTED that others would drive to win, no matter their style. Further, when he was bumped around, his comments were far from "crybaby" in nature. One example I remember was a time when he was slammed by a competitor. It looked deliberate, and it looked as though Earnhardt had every reason to be angry. His reply to the question, "What happened out there?" was a quick, "Got in a wreck!". No whining about who hit him, or the state of racing, or how some guys don't know how to drive, nothing. Just the facts.

Another fact that seems to have surpassed notice; Martin and Earnardt where very similar personalities, both spoke the truth, complained little about the events of the day, and carried themselves as professionals. Maybe Dale was more wise cracking, but his expectation was that his actions and achievements would say more than his mouth.

Another thing that kinda gets to me. Whether I like it or not, I came to the realization that I had no right to expect that Dale would just step aside for the guy I liked to pass him when the two were racing. Would I move aside for a faster car to pass me? Not a chance if I was on the same lap and in good competition shape. Why should Dale?

And lastly, if y'all don't like the bump, grind and slam of NASCAR, the open wheel, egotistical, prima donna world of Formula One is on TV every week as well.

 

[Chad Sheets]

Originally posted by Max340:
Chad, I don't begrudge you saying... .....

Thats cool, no lost sleep. If thats how you felt, you should have explained it that way instead of taking the "shut your face" side. A little uncalled for, but like I said, given the circumstances, I'll take it with a grain of salt. We all post on here daily, so there isnt any reason to turn this into another alt. dodgetruck newsgroup, is there Max.

 

[RATTLINRAM]

"When you dance to the music, sooner or later, you've got to pay the fiddler"
No one forces these men to do what they do. They know the risks of "life in the fast lane" and accept them each time they get behind the wheel. Our hearts go out to the loved ones he left behind in hopes that his memories will help them move on.
I know my brother was one of the first to greet him when he arrived upstairs.


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Dennis in VA
"RATTLIN" *1999 2500 SPORT QUAD CAB* "RAM"
IntenseBlue/Cummins/4x2/auto/3. 54AS/4whlABS/Camper&TowPkg/
Keyless/Leather/TravelConGrp/SecuritySys/6spkrCD*Cass/Strngwhlcntrls/
WestinTubeSteps/SoftTonneau/15k RBW 5th-WheelHitch/26'Nomad 5er

 

[Cdogg]

Godspeed Dale.....

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01'2500 SB,QC,4x4,Auto, Leather,IC Nerf Bars,K&N Filter, Husky mud flaps, Rocker 5th hitch

 

[WOWZY]

The coroners report said that his death was caused instantly from "Blunt Head Trauma" and that he had massive internal injuries.

It also said that if he hadn't suffered the head trauma that the internal injuries of his organs would have caused his death alone.

Although the fact that my favorite driver is now dead, I'm thankful that his death was instantaneous and he didn't suffer.

I can't even listen to the radio around here because just about every station is dedicating "The Dance" to his passing and that get's me teared-up on a drop of a dime.

If you guys would like to leave a condolence message go to the bottom of the page here:
http://members3. boardhost.com/TeamDEI/

GodSpeed Dale!

 

[Windrider]

I'm new to the board and forgive me if I irk anyone with this post.

I've been watching stock cars all my life. Their were only three sports in my house growing up. Stock Cars, Drag Racing, and Tennis (in that order).

My father and uncle grew up in Georgia and my uncle has footage to show that he was on Richard Petty's pit crew way back when a pit stop was a tank of gas and a quart of oil. (Can't remember the year, been a while since I've seen the footage. )

There's a tale in my family of a race back when Richard Petty was racing on the dirt. Seems two brothers were given him heck on the track and wrecked him. Story goes, Richard gets back into the race quickly, wrecks both the brothers and then, wins the race. You'll notice a certain similarity between the young King Richard and The Intimidator. Both fierce competitors.

For those of you who remember the very infrequent and spotty coverage of NASCAR in the 70s and early 80s. You'll remember notbody ever messed with Petty more than once in a race either.

I only had 3 hero's growing up: Richard Petty, Dale Earnhart, and Jimmy Conners. I will miss Dale very much.

As much as I hate Sterlin Marlin (only driver I've ever rooted against for 4 years!) for some of his tricks over the years, and as much as I like Dale Earnhardt, I have to say it was racing.

I don't believe any of those extra safety devices would have saved Dale. You simply can't take a human body going 180mph and bring it to a complete stop in an instant without terminal injuries. The bones may stop, but the organs don't.


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2001 HO Forest Green Quad Cab
On Order!

 

[RKohn]

Loved or Hated, no compromise.

Dale's passing is a loss for all of us, no matter which side of the fence you're on.

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Y2K Red Stealth Sport 2500 4X4 QC SLT+, 5-spd, 3. 54 anti-spin, 265-75-16 LTX’s (There ain’t no such thing as options, cause ya gotta have it all, including: DC’s dead cow/vinyl interior and don’t stop anti-lock brakes. ) Stock, but not for long. Oops, too late. What silencer ring? (More fun than my 98 SST)

 

[WOWZY]

Some of the family members say thank you:
http://members3. boardhost.com/TeamDEI/msg/3218.html

I would've linked this thread on there but I wouldn't want the family to read some of the idiotic negative replies that there are here during their time of mourning.
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[This message has been edited by WOWZY (edited 02-20-2001). ]