Archives: when Dale Earnhardt finally won the Daytona 500

“The Intimidator” was a spectacular driver, aggressive on track and charismatic. Often criticized but just as adored, Dale Earnhardt left an indelible mark on motorsport in the United States.

Best rookie for his debut in 1979, he quickly became one of the headliners of the championship, to the point of becoming the co-holder of the victory record. It was with Richard Childress Racing that Dale would dominate the championship: with his famous black car number 3, “The Intimidator” would sow terror on the ovals for more than two decades.

Earnhardt won everything, except one race, the Daytona 500… until February 15, 1998. That year, the enthusiasm was phenomenal. The Winston Cup takes place on new circuits, advertisers fight to place their advertisements there, the number of drivers increases.

After winning the qualifying round, Dale Earnhardt is, once again, in the running for a hypothetical victory at the Daytona 500. In the lead during the last lap, the driver remembers these last 4 years of struggle, his recurring failures in this race. Except this time, the victory is his. The crowd is jubilant, the driver gets out of his car to the cheers and hugs of his friends and competitors: his face is crowned with a broad smile, relieved, like in a dream. “The Intimidator” then becomes “The Man”.

This race remains the most memorable in the life of Dale Earnhardt, who nicknamed himself the “Daytona 495 Champion”. He died during the 2001 edition, 20 years ago after an accident during the last turn. American motorsport then lost one of its most emblematic figures.

As a final nod to history, his son Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the Daytona 2004 in 500, six years to the day after his father.