I could feel the emotion in the air, as thick and heavy as a Florida summer night. I was part of the tens of thousands of Nascar fans who were returning to Daytona for the Pepsi 400, 5 months since the tragic death of Dale Earnhardt Sr.
The stage was set for what would be an opportunity for the entire Nascar world to mourn the loss of the man that epitomized the sports' image. This would be the chance for a mass catharsis that all too clearly underscores the high speed drama of auto racing.
Prior to the race, large crowds had gathered outside Turn 4 where Earnhardt's car had crashed into the wall on the final lap of the Daytona 500. The Intimidator was in 3rd place at the time, holding off all pursuers ,while protecting the finish of teammate Michael Waltrip, and the 2nd place finish of his son, Dale Jr.
Against the somber backdrop, an unbeliveable event was unfolding. Junior clearly had the best car all night. He led an incredible 116 of 160 laps, but the most dramatic twists came in the final minutes of the race.
Junior had been pushed back to 7th place after a late yellow flag. There were only 9 laps left and many had already conceded Junior's fate.
Then, with only 4 1/2 laps left, Dale Jr seemed to summon the same courage that won his father so many victories, and endeared him to millions.
On this night, Dale Earnhardt Jr would not be denied. He darted through the heavy traffic, and overtook the 1st position, only to be followed by an equally agressive Michael Waltrip, who would return the favor Junio'r's father had given him , those five long months ago.
I don't remember shedding a tear at a sporting event, since I played Little League, yet the tears flowed from my eyes, as they did from almost all in attendance around me.
Dale Earnhardt Jr roared across the finish line as the champion, in a performance that was as much a credit to his skills, and crew, as it was to his namesake.
Nothing can replace the loss of The Intimidator, the sport's fallen hero, but on this night we all were treated to a view of strength and courage of a true Nascar Champion.
Like father, like son.

Article by Matthew E Adams


I was there that night, and cried like a baby. What was even more incredible, were the fireworks that were set off, as Junior headed to Victory Lane, and the three perfect # 3's , that were left in the smoke, on a dark summers sky!