No other driver previously was congratulated by every crew on pit road for winning a race and no other driver ever will be again. Even all his foes and haters were secretly rooting for him to win this race. That shows how legendary he was to the sport. Kyle Busch never won this race yet either and if he does in 2023 it won’t be like this. It’ll be just another win for Kyle Busch to most people
can't believe next year will be 20 years since his death, yet it should never be considered a tragedy since he died doing what he sincerely loved, driving a race car.
Jeff and Dale were buddies. Maybe not best buddies but they didn't have a feud like they acted like. It wasn't a Dale vs Bodine deal, except for the super fans
This was the best ever. I remember being 16 watching this with my dad. We were supposed to go see grandma, unfortunately she had to wait that sunday being dad and i were diehard #3 fans. Racing hasnt been the same since february 18, 2001. R. I. P dale. And god bless my grandma, aug 1916-oct 2001
The respect shown via that INCREDIBLE receiving line on pit road still makes me tear up to this day... while we, sadly, lost Dale Sr. at this same race just 3 years later, at least he was able to remove this albatross from his neck before he passed.
This was and still is one of the greatest moment's in racing. And a lot of people will forget just how many times this man had won at Daytona aside from the 500. Between the Duals, Pepsi 400's (Renamed now) The Clash Races. The man has one of the best records at that track EVER. Aside from the 500. So many things went just plain WRONG for him on the day of the 500.
It was an honor to watch the race at Daytona back in 2016, thank you for your legacy. I watched the race where you passed back when I was only 6 years old and I can remember my dad's reaction to this day
Rest in Peace Dale. You were one of a kind. Twenty Five years ago, this current weekend you did it. I remembered the legendary call during closing, like it was yesterday: "If John Elway can win the Super-Bowl, then I (Dale Sr. referring to himself) can win the Daytona 500."
This was NASCAR’s version of the 1986 Masters. Dale and Jack Nicklaus both at 46 years old thought to have been washed up and done. Win the biggest race/tournament of their lives. Legends never die. Dale you were simply immortal
Gah damn man I was 6 and I remember celebrating with my dad. Being so damn excited that both of our favorite driver took the win. It is a gift to have existed in the world at the same time this man did.
I remember this moment...I watched him win this race...I saw my dad cry for the first time that day....the second was when Dale took his final lap watching his son and best friend fighting for the checkered flag in the greatest race and in the cars he owned...
I remember this race because I yelled so loud and for so long and I lost my voice. Watch it again all these years later brings tears of happiness to my eyes
Yes!!! You Dale Sr have won it! Patience and 20 years but it was yours Dale! Jerry and Sugar Bear and I celebrated the win over drinks and dinner at Saltgrass! Then onto a Hilton hotel then more drinks and appetizers! Ah blessed rest for 3 tired Dale Earnhardt Sr party goers and a nice night's rest! A glorious day of celebration! The Oppermans from Texas! 🚖3️⃣🚖3️⃣🎇🎇1998!
Imagine this: You're Mike Joy. You've spent the last 20 years or so of the Daytona 500 calling the action in the pits, and then you get the call to the booth upstairs. How do you make your mark in motorsports commentary history? Just watch these 3 or so minutes and you'll find out.
Everything that could possibly happen to Big E short of an alien abduction happened in the 20 years prior which made this moment that much more special.
