DAYTONA BEACH, FLA.- - A head-on crash
into the turn four wall on the final lap of the Daytona 500
claimed the life of seven time Winston Cup champion
Dale Earnhardt. The greatest driver in the history of
stock car racing was battling for third position when he
was clipped by Sterling Marlin's car. Earnhardt's car
shot across the track hitting the wall head-on. February
18, 2001 will go down as the darkest day in the history
of stock car racing.
Hendrick Motorsports statement
"Everyone at Hendrick Motorsports is deeply saddened by the death of Dale
Earnhardt. Our prayers are with his family that they find strength during this
difficult time. He was a great competitor and a true friend to everyone in the
NASCAR family. Dale's contributions to the growth and popularity of our
sport are immeasurable. He was also a great human being, husband and
father. He will truly be missed. We ask everyone to join us in our prayers for
Dale and his family."
Jimmy's Tribute
During his sold out concert at the Charlotte Coliseum on Tuesday,
February 20, Jimmy Buffett paid tribute to Dale
Earnhardt. "I know he had a great sense of humor and he would want us
here raising hell tonight," Jimmy told the Parrotheads. "From all of us to all
of you, heroes are hard to come by so we'll take number 3 around the track
for Dale right now." The concert was scheduled months ahead of time. But it
was what the people of Charlotte needed most on a cold February evening.
Jimmy dedicated the song "Take Another Road" (with slightly altered lyrics)
to the seven-time champion.
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