Daytona Race last night

Chuckus

'Master' of all things good and pleasurable
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For those of you who care.................I have a question for you.

Knowing the events of 5 months ago, where Dale Earnhardt was killed at Daytona. Were you glad to see his son Dale Earnhardt Jr. win? Even if you are not a NASCAR or racing fan did that make you at least a little happy for him winning last night?

Personally I was glad to see he won and in the fashion he won the race, with Michael Waltrip in second place, guarding DE Jr.'s back.............
 
lavender said:
I didn't watch, but I was very glad he won. I'm sure it was incredibly emotional for him.

What I can't get is why people would continue to race after your father dies that way. It's something I can't comprehend. I couldn't believe he raced so soon after his father's death.

Can't wait for Cowboy season so we have something to discuss, Chuckie Poo. :)

Oh lavie, I cannot wait for FOOTBALL season to crank UP. Gawd dang it I cannot wait to see FOOOOOOOOOOTTTTTTTTBALL. Going to any games Lavendar? I might be coming to BIG D......for a few.

On the other topic, I can see why you would think that.

In my mind, I guess if I were a race car driver and so was my father............and he died or was killed while driving I guess I would be perplexed with what to do now? I mean it is your lively-hood and what you do for a living..........and you know the risks associated with that particular career. Do you sit around and mope? Or do you get back up on the horse that threw you (or in this case your dad?)?


I guess maybe race car driving forces you to know the potentials before you step in the car and the consequences of your actions (or someone elses or nature), deal with it (i.e. death of a close member or friend) and move on. Maybe that is a rationale or whatever but maybe that is what goes on. I don't know as I am not in that line of work nor do I know anyone in it.
 
For the past twelve years, I have been a Michael Waltrip fan and Dale Earnhardt was my second choice (needed one because Michael was usually in second rate equipment).

The ending of the race last night was exactly the way it should have been. February 18, 2001 Michael won, Dale Jr was second and they both lost more than any of us can comprehend. July 7, 2001 (exactly 11 years after Dale Earnhardt won his first Winston Cup points race at Daytona) Dale Earnhardt Jr, won his first Winston Cup Points race at Daytona.

Dale Jr and Michael were both celebrating in the grass along the frontstretch and for the first time since Feb 18, race fans could truly be excited about a winner (seeing Kevin Harvick win at Atlanta was special, but it wasn't the same healing moment).

Longtime race fans recognized the first person to greet Jr as he climbed from the car.... it was Chocolate Myers, Gasman for Dale Earnhardt for the past 15 years.


As for why they all raced in Rockingham the Sunday after Dale died. For the three DEI drivers, and for Kevin Harvick who is with Dale's team (he's not a replacement, that is impossible), I really believe they did it because they knew it was what Dale would have wanted. That's been a large part of their racing for the past four and a half months, but Reclaiming Daytona last night helped them reclaim their confidence in their racing. I'm not as "in tune" with Jr's expressions as I am with Michael's but last night was the first time since the Daytona 500 that Michael truly looked at peace and excited about racing.
 
morninggirl5 said:
For the past twelve years, I have been a Michael Waltrip fan and Dale Earnhardt was my second choice (needed one because Michael was usually in second rate equipment).

The ending of the race last night was exactly the way it should have been. February 18, 2001 Michael won, Dale Jr was second and they both lost more than any of us can comprehend. July 7, 2001 (exactly 11 years after Dale Earnhardt won his first Winston Cup points race at Daytona) Dale Earnhardt Jr, won his first Winston Cup Points race at Daytona.

Dale Jr and Michael were both celebrating in the grass along the frontstretch and for the first time since Feb 18, race fans could truly be excited about a winner (seeing Kevin Harvick win at Atlanta was special, but it wasn't the same healing moment).

Longtime race fans recognized the first person to greet Jr as he climbed from the car.... it was Chocolate Myers, Gasman for Dale Earnhardt for the past 15 years.


As for why they all raced in Rockingham the Sunday after Dale died. For the three DEI drivers, and for Kevin Harvick who is with Dale's team (he's not a replacement, that is impossible), I really believe they did it because they knew it was what Dale would have wanted. That's been a large part of their racing for the past four and a half months, but Reclaiming Daytona last night helped them reclaim their confidence in their racing. I'm not as "in tune" with Jr's expressions as I am with Michael's but last night was the first time since the Daytona 500 that Michael truly looked at peace and excited about racing.

Couldn't have said it better myself. It seems as though a weight was lifted from them both last night. I was truly happy for them both, even though my two favorite drivers were not really in contention all night long. I was pulling for Jr. last night.
 
It's nice to finally be able to discuss racing again. I may be able to go back to some of my racing clubs. I hadn't missed a Charlotte, Talladega, or Atlanta race since 1993 and I skipped Talladega and Charlotte this spring. I'm excited about the fall races now..... anybody have Bristol night race tickets they want to sell?
 
I will peek around some corners for ya mg5. I will ask around as I know lots and lots of people who attend many NASCAR events.......
 
They're more precious than gold... but that's my next "I gotta be there just once" race and a great way to introduce someone to the sport.
 
I have a good friend who is a NASCAR fanatic so I try to follow along at least minimally what is going on. I read the article today about Dale Jr. winning at Daytona and yes, it brought a smile to my face. I also liked the part about his team mate watching his back at the end to make sure Dale Jr. kept the lead- true team work.
 
We only went to Atlanta once, 1992...Richard Petty's last race. Since they built Homestead on my doorstep, we'll probably never go because they're always a week apart. :( I've been to Daytona 3 times, but I love Homestead...it's so clean.

As far as this week's race...Justice was served!

I've been an Ernhardt fan since 1987, when I went to my first race at Talladega. No one can fill his shoes though, I can't just switch to JR., or anyone else.
 
Kevin Harvick winning at Chicago was another healing moment. I really liked that he acknowledged Dale and his fans. (One more for the conspiracy theorists, Sunday was Martha Earnhardt's birthday - Dale's Mom).


I've got a full A list of drivers now, but noone will ever replace Dale Earnhardt.


Something to think about... Kevin Harvick is in the top 10 in drivers points, where is Richard Childress in owner points?? It would be the ultimate if that team could win the Owners Championship this year.
 
The owner points for Harvick's car are up there, but last place points with the 3. Harvick is in a position to win rookie of the year, and the Bush championship at the same time. Do you think he will?

Thanks for the cool sites btw, Morninggirl, I know you posted them for the acrticles, but they're cool too. :)
 
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