Dale Earnhardt
Dale Earnhardt

Ralph Dale Earnhardt, born April 29, 1951, in Kannapolis, North Carolina, was a legend of American auto racing. Nicknamed “The Intimidator” for his competitive instincts and aggressive driving style, Dale was the son of NASCAR® Grand National champion Ralph Earnhardt and his wife Martha. His NASCAR® Cup career started with a bang in 1979 when he won Rookie of the Year. The following year Dale won his first championship in 1980 - to date the only driver to achieve these feats in consecutive years.

During his career, Dale had 76 career wins, in addition to winning the NASCAR® Cup championship seven times. As NASCAR® grew in popularity during the 1980’s and 1990’s, Dale came to be known as one of America’s most popular athletes and NASCAR® drivers. After years of success in other races, Dale Earnhardt won the famed Daytona 500 in 1998.

The mere mention of the name Dale Earnhardt provokes emotion of respect, idolization and a stilling sense of awe in race fans and people around the world. His daring and calculated moves on the track that brought fear and respect from his fellow drivers were often off-set with his advice and extensions of friendship to them off the track. He is still admired, still respected and will never be forgotten.

Dale EarnhardtMILESTONES

  • Seven-time NASCAR® Cup Series Champion  (1980, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994).
  • 76 career NASCAR® Cup wins in 674 starts -- Sixth on the all-time list. Currently second on all-time consecutive start list with 647 starts.
  • 1998 Daytona 500 winner
  • Only six-time winner of the Busch Clash  -- 1980, 1986, 1988, 1991, 1993, 1995.
  • Only three-time winner of the Winston All-Star race  -- 1987, 1990, 1993.
  • 12 time winner of the 125-mile qualifying race at Daytona -- including 10 consecutive from 1990 through 1999.
  • Seven-time winner of the Goody’s 300 Busch Series race at Daytona -- including five straight (1990 - 1994).
  • Five-time NMPA Driver of the Year -- 1980, 1987, 1990, 1994.  Co-Winner with Tim Richmond in 1986.
  • Rookie of the Year -- 1979.
  • Four-time winner of the International Race of Champions title -- 1990,1995,1999, 2000
  • Two-time American Driver of the Year -- 1987, 1994.
  • First NASCAR® Cup driver to drive at Suzuka Circuitland, Japan.
  • First American driver to receive AUTOSPORTS Gregor Grant Award.
  • October 14, 2009 -- Dale Earnhardt was announced as one of the first five inductees into the NASCAR® Hall of Fame.