Still, fans and competitors saw a different Earhardt on the track in '99 than in the previous couple years. The swagger and snarl were back-- which was ever more evident at Bristol in August, when big E got behind Terrt Labonte and "rattled his cage" on the last lap. Whether you liked the move or not, it was undeniably vintage Earnhardt.
Besides, when you look a bit closer, some of the numbers were quite a bit better for the man in black in '99. His seven top-5's were a step up, and his 21- top 10s were his most since 1995. Earnhardt didn't contend for a title, but he looked like a man who could still do that.
The No.3 chevy was especially strong in the seasons second half. Earnhardt posted 14 top-10s in the last 20 races, climbing from 11th to 7th in the standings in that span. As Earnhardt and crew cheif Kevin Hamlin continue to improve their communication--remember, they've only been together since mid-1998 -- and Richard Childress Racing fine-tunes the new Monte Carlo, the prospects for Earhardt look brighter than they have in years
"The Intimidator's" seven NASCAR Winston Cup Series titles offer all the proof needed to those who question his place in history. His aggressive style has helped define a generation of drivers, those who run hard on Sunday then shake hands and exchange congratulations when its all said and done.
Earnhardt was the first driver in the history of the sport to win the rookie of the year award and the series title at the NASCAR Winston Cup Series level.