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“He Lives in Our Hearts” – NASCAR Fans Raise Hell and Praise Dale Earnhardt on his 71st Birthday
It has been 21 years since the NASCAR world lost the legendary Dale Earnhardt at the 2001 Daytona 500. The day, February 18, 2021, was definitely one of the darkest days in the sport. Had he lived, he would have been 71 years old on April 29, 2022.
Now, all we can do is rue what could have been and celebrate his long and successful career. In this vein, NASCAR fans took to Musk’s Twitter and shared the tributes.
Happy birthday Ironhead! pic.twitter.com/tKlFo4jvWu
— Kaylon Wasser (@BoltUp_orShutUp) April 29, 2022
Happy Heavenly Birthday
Intimidator!! Left way before your time. Never forgotten!! pic.twitter.com/ETwIZ8BDxY
— jeff bond (@jeffbon51104543) April 29, 2022
Happy birthday in heaven pic.twitter.com/DfSgqGSs5P
— Princess Stella Solaria (@DamianEudy) April 29, 2022
I was born on his birthday. Been honored to shared it with him for the last 30yrs.
— Brandon Tapley (@LMPRanger) April 29, 2022
God just needed a driver https://t.co/SvABQrSJbd
— Peytons Heisman Trophy (@manningsheisman) April 29, 2022
To this day, many fans still lament the lost chance to see him race live. Dale Earnhardt left behind a legacy consisting of 7 Cup Series titles. He tied with Richard Petty for the most Cup titles, and later on Jimmie Johnson tied with him. However, it is worth mentioning that Dale Sr’s passing also left another legacy.
WATCH STORY: Here’s How Dale Earnhardt Jr ‘Shocked’ Rick Hendrick With His $1 Million Gesture
Happy Birthday Dale. Never got to watch you race live but I sure wish I could. Rip legend
— Max (@TheRealMaxMan05) April 29, 2022
H71stBD to the best Cup Car Driver to ever strap into a Cup Car.
33333333 pic.twitter.com/rgupTIQsPZ
— John (@JohnScootz) April 29, 2022
Hey…Good Morning @NASCAR and Happy Birthday Intimidator! Have a fun, safe, and successful weekend of @NASCAR_Xfinity and Cup Series racing at @MonsterMile
#NASCAR
— Jon Kinsley (@jon_kinsley) April 29, 2022
The Man
The Myth
The Legend
THE INTIMIDATOR
https://t.co/vGaUsrCNCU
— Isaac Arevalo (@IsaacArevalo513) April 29, 2022
Dude was a super hero to me as a kid still is. https://t.co/DvgTB8CEUY
— bennu (@b3njuhmin) April 29, 2022
To be precise, it also ensured that the sport was a little more safe for the drivers. Till date, he remains the last ever driver to die on the racetrack. Of course, NASCAR is still notorious for its ‘Big One’ crashes. However, we can be comforted in the fact that drivers can walk away with their lives.
Many will miss the late great Dale Earnhardt
Despite his reputation for being The Intimidator, Dale Sr was still a beloved figure. Soon, his son Dale Earnhardt Jr. went on to carry on the family name. In fact, Dale Jr has won the Daytona 500 on two occasions, i.e. 2004 and 2014.
Earnhardt Jr. has racked up a grand total of 26 wins in the NASCAR Cup Series. Although he has officially retired, he does come out and compete in the occasional Xfinity Series race.
Happy Heavenly Birthday to a Legend #3 #DaleEarnhardtSr pic.twitter.com/nWogBg9grZ
— Nicole (@n_carmella) April 29, 2022
The day NASCAR died 2001 Daytona 500 turn 4 on the last lap
— Sy Wilson (@Devilplayoff) April 29, 2022
Man left us so suddenly but he lives in our hearts today I was a fan for a lot of years I’m still your fan Dale sr
— Bryan Hodge (@BryanHo96354981) April 29, 2022
Happy birthday Dale Earnhardt https://t.co/r8WVaG4VOe
— Zach (@motorsportguy16) April 29, 2022
Your daily reminder to raise hell and praise dale https://t.co/a360i6tkyN
— trevor lawrence enjoyer (@jamrag083) April 29, 2022
Without a doubt, Dale Earnhardt had a massive impact on the community. Now, his son and the rest of his family are doing their best to do great things and continue the legacy.
Last weekend, he would have been extremely proud to see his grandson Jeffrey Earnhardt grab pole position at Talladega. Although Jeffrey could only finish in second place, it was a career-best finish for him and an important step in living up to his esteemed surname.
The post “He Lives in Our Hearts” – NASCAR Fans Raise Hell and Praise Dale Earnhardt on his 71st Birthday appeared first on EssentiallySports.
