Gone But Not Forgotten......Dale Earnhardt
(April 29, 1951-February 18, 2001)
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The Intimidator, Old Ironhead. Tough and unyielding, a
winner on the race track and often sarcastic and calculating
off of it.
Even people who knew nothing about racing knew Dale
Earnhardt's craggy, mustached face and his reputation as
a driver never afraid to bang fenders or shake his fist at
a rival.
Despite those traits and his rough appearance or maybe
because of them Earnhardt was a key figure in the explosive
growth of NASCAR during the past twenty years from a
regional sport into a mainstream America powerhouse.
That's what made his death in Sunday's Daytona 500 so
shocking.
Gone, but not forgotten
Dale Earnhardt,
(1951-2001)
ONE QUARTER MILE FROM HEAVEN
Like a guardian angel from four cars back,
Watching Michael & Dale Jr. as they circled the track.
No intention of winning, just holding his place,
so proud of his boys now winning the race.
We thought it was over, the end was so near.
No time for pain; no time for fear.
We did not know, as there was no sign,
Dale was only one-quarter mile from his final finish line.
Within an instant, NASCAR fans would be facing,
an eternal change in their world of racing.
He was one of the greatest: beloved in his sport,
with a grand career now sadly cut short.
All the crowd noticed was excitement and debris,
but a miracle was happening we could not see.
Dale said good-bye through shining metal and chrome.
As God gave NUMBER 3 the checkered flag home.
Forever in out hearts, and in the scheme of things,
We'll picture him circling heaven with black and red wings.
Grinning telling angels.. and even the Creator,
LOOK OUT OVER THERE..... HERE COMES THE INTIMIDATOR
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