Everyone knows who Dale Earnhardt was, racing fan or not. What was it about him that endeared him to an entire nation? Why is the nation still mourning six years after his death?
NASCAR's biggest star, Dale Earnhardt, was well known all over the world. The infamous driver of the black car wasn't afraid to race it hard. He went straight for the finish line every time.
Fellow competitors describe him as a clean driver but he could get hot during the competition, showing emotion like flipping off another driver when they made a move he didn't agree with. His primary goal was the win and he didn't care whose feelings he hurt in the process.
But don't let those things fool you, Dale was someone that people loved and could relate to. Growing up in Kannapolis, NC, he was the son of a mill worker who lived in an average home with average parents. His father had a love for racing that compelled him to quit the mill and began to race full time. He passed this love of racing on to his son.
Even though he was considered NASCAR's best driver by many, Dale was extremely approachable. He made time for the fans and didn't make them feel as if they were an imposition.
Autographs, pictures, whatever the fans needed he gave. People still buy all kinds of NASCAR merchandise with his number on it.
He was a normal guy. He liked the Atlanta Braves, going hunting with friends, and was known to repair broken fences on the farm when needed.
He believed in having a back up plan. That's why his farm was so important to him. He did most farm chores himself and because he was such a blue collar man, middle class men and women all over the country felt like he was "their guy."
Despite having dropped out of school in 8th grade, he was extremely successful in life but he never stopped worrying about providing for his family.
Dale Earnhardt worked hard and made himself the man and the driver that he became. He was determined to succeed and make his goals and dreams come true. He always went straight to the front, driving hard to the finish. Six years after his death the sorrow is still palpable. No one has yet to replace him to his fans and most likely no one will.
