I don't think anyone could have done anything any different in that situation to help Dale. Newspapers were sold out before sunrise, as Earnhardt lovers clamored for any kind of memory. You Will Be Missed By All. Waltrip said his victory was great, but he had been looking forward to the celebration even more. I'm sure we will.
Life has to go on.
To many, Earnhardt came off as brutish, ill-tempered and sullen. Yet he was remarkably popular, nonetheless. Even if you didn't like him, you respected him. It will be some time before we know about the impact. Within hours of his death, it was easy to see the mass-marketing machine he had created.