Fla. - Proving again that fireworks needn't be limited to the Fourth of July, the International Race of Champions opened its season in thrilling fashion Friday afternoon. He neglected to mention the 41st. That was the one after the checkered flag. Jarrett's triumph by inches seemed anticlimactic when the beating and banging between Dale Earnhardt and Eddie Cheever continued after the race. The four-round IROC series brings together drivers from various forms of motorsports and turns them loose in equal cars.
Culture clashes are inevitable.
The trouble between the seven-time Winston Cup champion and 1998 Indianapolis 500 winner took shape on the start of the final lap. Cheever went to the high side with the intention of passing, but when their cars touched, Cheever could barely hang on. As he swerved back and forth, Cheever slammed into Earnhardt's door again, this time running him all the way off the racetrack. By saving the car, Earnhardt demonstrated again why he's considered one of the most skillful racers ever. Earnhardt let his feelings be known.