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Tributes Pour In After Dale Earnhardt’s Younger Brother, Danny Earnhardt Passes Away
On December 10, 2021, Danny Earnhardt, the brother of the late Dale Earnhardt, sadly passed away at the age of 66. Despite a racing career, Earnhardt wasn’t known as a race car driver, much like the other Earnhardts. Yet, he was an integral part of three generations of NASCAR drivers in his family and the JR Motorsports team.
NASCAR released a statement paying tribute to the contributions of Earnhardt to the history of the sport. It read, “The Earnhardt family holds a special place in NASCAR history and Danny Earnhardt was an important part of their success. Danny worked hard behind the scenes, helping three generations of Earnhardts succeed. On behalf of the entire NASCAR industry, our thoughts are with the Earnhardt family during this difficult time.”
His son, Danny Earnhardt Jr. expressed his thoughts on his loss. He wrote, “Today has been the hardest day of my life. My dad was my hero, a person who’s work ethic could never be matched. I inspired everyday to be looked at and loved like he was by the people that surrounded him. No one would go further out of there way than my dad to help you!”
“No words can express my gratitude to all the messages and text me and my mother have received. Even if we didn’t responded, you were heard with love. Please stay strong for all the family as we pass through the next few weeks. Dad loved you all… more than you even realize.”
And tributes poured in from all over the NASCAR community,
Please keep your thoughts and prayers with the Earnhardt family, the @JRMotorsports family and everyone that loved our dear friend Danny Earnhardt Sr. https://t.co/qFiUEjwAkl
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) December 11, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Earnhardt family with today’s passing of our friend and coworker Danny Earnhardt Sr.https://t.co/pxAjMnRDGY pic.twitter.com/yyvifjvfNi
— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) December 11, 2021
My heart goes out to the Earnhardt family. RIP Danny Sr.
— Michael Waltrip (@MW55) December 11, 2021
IN MEMORIAM: Danny Earnhardt Sr.’s role behind the scenes has been credited for ensuring the family’s passion for racing continued for three generations, from his father and older brother Dale Sr. to nephew Dale Jr. He was 66 years old. https://t.co/MO7Qkmu89j
— WCNC Charlotte (@wcnc) December 11, 2021
Danny Sr. Built many of my cars at JRM. He was quiet, thorough and nothing but a true racing professional.
Godspeed sir https://t.co/YUStZX3QRy
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) December 11, 2021
Danny Earnhardt – an integral part of the Earnhardt legacy
When Ralph Earnhardt was racing on the dirt tracks, his youngest son, Danny, worked as a pipe insulator in the Cannon Mills. And later, he would work on the racetrack at the weekend.
After their father died in 1973, Danny became a pit crew member on his brother, Dale Earnhardt’s car.
In recent years, Earnhardt worked in the pit crew of JR Motorsports. He started in 2005 and was a pit crew member for Dale Earnhardt Jr.
We pay respects to Danny Earnhardt and we hope his family, his friends, and his fans have strength during this time.
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