Dale Earnhardt

The Intimidator: Seven-time champion and one of NASCAR's greatest drivers.

Ralph Dale Earnhardt (April 29, 1951 – February 18, 2001) was an American professional stock car driver and racing team owner, who raced from 1975 to 2001 in the former NASCAR Winston Cup Series, most notably driving the No. 3 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing. His aggressive driving style earned him the nicknames "the Intimidator", "the Man in Black" and "Ironhead"; after his son Dale Earnhardt Jr. joined the Cup Series circuit in 1999, Earnhardt was generally known by the retronyms Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Dale Sr. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history and was named as one of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers class in 1998.

Quick Facts

Born: 29 April 1951
Birthplace: Kannapolis, North Carolina, U.S.
Died: 18 February 2001
Place of death: Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S.
Cause of death: Basilar skull fracture sustained from 2001 Daytona 500 crash
Height: 6 ft 1 in / 1.85 m
Weight: 195 lb / 88.5 kg
Total cup races: 676

Lore & Background

Earnhardt won a total of 76 Winston Cup races over his 26-year career, including crown jewel victories in four Winston 500s (1990, 1994, 1999, and 2000), three Coca-Cola 600s (1986, 1992, and 1993), three Southern 500s (1987, 1989, and 1990), the Brickyard 400 in 1995, and the 1998 Daytona 500. He also won 24 non-points exhibition events, bringing his overall Winston Cup win total to 100. He is the only driver in NASCAR history to score at least one win in four different and consecutive decades. He earned seven Winston Cup championships, a record held with Richard Petty and Jimmie Johnson. On February 18, 2001, Earnhardt died as a result of a basilar skull fracture sustained in a sudden last-lap crash during the Daytona 500. He was 49 years old.

Reader's Guide

Earnhardt began his professional career in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series in 1975, making his points race debut at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the 1975 World 600. He won his first race at Bristol, captured four poles, and won Rookie of the Year honors. In his sophomore season, he won his first Winston Cup points championship, becoming the only driver in NASCAR Cup history to follow a Rookie of the Year title with a championship the next season. After stints with Rod Osterlund Racing, Stacy Racing, and Bud Moore Engineering, he returned to Richard Childress Racing in 1984, winning championships in 1986 and 1987.

Did You Know?

Earnhardt was the third child of racing driver Ralph Earnhardt and Martha Earnhardt.
He secretly drove his father's car in a race at age 12.
He owned farmland in Mooresville, North Carolina, and raised cattle.
He opened Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet in Newton, North Carolina, on July 16, 1987.
In 1998, he granted the wish of a young girl who gave him a penny for good luck in the Daytona 500; he glued it to his dashboard and won the race.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many championships did Dale Earnhardt win?

Throughout his career, Earnhardt secured seven Winston Cup Series championships, tying him with Richard Petty and David Pearson for the most titles ever achieved by a driver. His dominance was particularly notable during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

How did Dale Earnhardt's career end?

His career ended tragically during a practice session for the Daytona 500 in February 2001 when he suffered fatal injuries from a crash. This event marked a somber turning point for NASCAR, leading to significant safety changes across the sport.