THREE
In Memory of Dale Earnhardt
Dale Earnhardt, driver of the #3 GM Goodwrench sponsored Chevrolet
Monte Carlo and known as The Intimadator, won his first Daytona 500
on February 15, 1998. He was fatally injured after his car slammed
into the wall 3 years and 3 days later on February 18th, 2001 on
the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500 while he was running in the
3rd position. Michael Waltrip, driver of the Dale Earnhardt Incorporated
owned NAPA Auto Parts sponsored Chevrolet Monte Carlo first passed Dale
Earnhardt on lap 49 went on to win the race. Earnhardt was 49 years of age.
Lap 3 of the next 3 races were run under caution.
Additionally, Dale Earnhardt a 7 time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion, died
exactly 7 years and 7 days after his best friend Neil Bonnett was killed
in almost the exact same spot. The only other 7 time NASCAR Sprint Cup
champion is Richard Petty who drove the #43 STP sponsored Dodge.
Coincidentally, Dale Earnhardt was killed during the running of the
43rd Daytona 500.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., son of Dale Earnhardt, won his first Daytona 500
on February 15, 2004, 3 years after his father was killed.
Many Dale Earnhardt fans hold up 3 fingers on lap 3 of each
race in memory of Dale Earnhardt.
