Dale Earnhardt was a NASCAR stock car racing athlete who left a lasting impact on the sport. He won 76 races and had 281 top-five finishes.
What made Dale Earnhardt successful?
He was known for his aggressive driving style and ability to take chances on the track.
Dale Earnhardt's career earnings topped $41 million, a record at the time. He won seven Winston Cup championships, tying Richard Petty's mark.
How did Dale Earnhardt get started in racing?
Dale Earnhardt was born on April 29, 1951, in Kannapolis, N.C. His father, Ralph, was a well-known engine builder and short-track driver.
Ralph Earnhardt won the NASCAR Sportsman Division Championship in 1956. Dale Earnhardt began racing Hobby-class cars as a teenager.
What was Dale Earnhardt's impact on NASCAR?
Dale Earnhardt helped transform NASCAR from a regional sport to a national presence. His No. 3 Goodwrench Chevrolet Monte Carlo became one of the most recognizable vehicles in motor sports.
Dale Earnhardt finished in the top 10 in Winston Cup year-end points a record 20 times. He was known for his fearlessness on the track and his disdain for rules implemented to reduce speeds.
Jeff Gordon said of Dale Earnhardt, "There was nothing that you didn't expect. Sometimes it meant just putting a move on you that shook your head and said, 'Oh, man. I just got taken to school.'"
Ned Jarrett, a former NASCAR champion, said, "Dale was the greatest race-car driver that ever lived. He could do things with a race car that no one else could."
Dale Earnhardt's legacy continues to be felt in NASCAR. He was a true champion and an icon in the sport.