Safer, richer and better is Dale Earnhardt's legacy

By Rupen Fofaria
Special to ESPN.com

Reminders of him are everywhere.

They're in the scores of "3"-clad fans flooding the grandstands, the flapping of Earnhardt flags over infield motorcoaches, and the impersonators who, like their Elvis counterparts, dedicate themselves to their mirrored glasses, moustaches and Goodyear jumpsuits in hopes of most resembling their idol. "We're constantly reminded of him," driver Terry Labonte said.

The reminders are in the safety innovations of the past five years. They're in the stripes which form the letter "E" on the side of Dale Earnhardt Inc.'s cars. They're in chats with Mark Martin: "Being an old school guy," the retiring vet says, "I like to talk about back when. And a lot of that back when had to do with Dale." More...

The Day Earnhardt died burned an indelible image

By Mark Ashenfelter
Special to ESPN.com
In a way, it's hard to remember what NASCAR was like when Dale Earnhardt ruled the sport. It has been only five years since that tragic day at Daytona International Speedway, but so much has changed. And much of the change can be tied, directly or at least indirectly, to his passing. As cantankerous as they came, Earnhardt could have all the time in the world for an interview -- or reporters could find themselves perched along the end of pit road as a race wound down, hoping to catch him as he hopped out of the car. There were times when he'd have a crew member steer the car back to the transporter, allowing him to win the race among the drivers to see who could leave the track the quickest.

But on Feb. 18, 2001, people left the track in various stages of bliss, denial or grief. More...

"You win some, lose some, and wreck some." ~Dale Sr.

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Safer, richer and better is Dale Earnhardt's legacy

The Day Earnhardt died burned an indelible image