Dale never made any bones about his feelings for restrictor plate racing and he lived his words out fearlessly. Dale Earnhardt left this life in the same unassuming humble way he lived it, not in a spectacular crash but a simple, body absorbing brutal wall shot that was instantly fatal. The world is reeling with disbelief. His competitors, the media and Nascar personnel can't believe Lady Luck failed the Man. A man who so defied the odds to overcome horrendous wrecks and injuries and was often considered invincible.
Death rides shotgun with every racer on every track everywhere.
Dale always crawled out of the wreckage and stood to wave to the fans, except on this truly Black Sunday. Larry McReynolds was first to vocalize the concern but DW's face was saying what no one wanted to think while he congratulated his baby brother. Veterans of racing knew the worst possible outcome suddenly loomed over the speedway at that moment. In an uncanny scene pre-race, Dale hugged Kyle Petty, who was piloting Adam's ride this year for the season. Cameras caught Dale in openly affectionate moments with his son, Dale Jr, and his wife, Teresa.