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   Like a guardian angel from four cars back, Watching Michael & Dale Jr. as they circled the track. No intention of winning, just holding his place, So proud of his "boys" now winning the race. We thought it was over, the end was so near. No time for pain; no time for fear. We did not know, as there was no sign, Dale was only one-quarter mile from his final finish line. Within an instant, NASCAR fans would be facing, An eternal change in their world of racing. He was one of the greatest; beloved in his sport, With a grand career now sadly cut short. All the crowd noticed was excitement and debris, But a miracle was happening we could not see. Dale said goodbye through shining metal and chrome, As God gave "NUMBER 3" the checkered flag "home". But forever in our hearts, and in the scheme of things, We'll picture him circling heaven with black and red wings. Grinning; telling angels..and even the Creator, "Look out over there...here comes the "INTIMIDATOR".  The Heaven 500 was just getting started, an All-Star race, for the racing departed. Heroes of the track, with nerves like steel, and sitting on the pole, was a cat named Neil. Adam Petty was there, with his beautiful smile, Kenny Irwin determined, to finish in style. Lee Petty was glowing, with that Grandfather pride, with Davey & Clifford, both in a new ride. Fireball Roberts, floated in on a cloud, while Tony Roper waved, to the Heavenly crowd. Moroso & Nemecheck, then Tim Richmond appreared, Kulwicki strapped in, while the racing fans cheered. The honorary starter, for this Heavenly race, Ralph Earnhardt was chosen, a tear on his face. But the red flag flew, just before it had begun, and every eye, was open wide, and looking to the SON. A last minute entry, was the cause of delay, while the fans were instructed, to kneel and to pray. The Heavens turned black, and the clouds turned dark, the lightning was brilliant, the thunder did bark. Then out of the rumble, for all there to see, the clouds formed a number, a black number three. The Heavenly fans, then erupted with pride, and welcomed this star, who had recently died. With a bolt of lightning, Dale Earnhardt arrived, as he stood before Jesus, his spirit revived. Jesus hugged his precious child, then revealed his perfect plan, "I brought you home, to let you know, that I'm your biggest fan!" "The Intimidator was needed, for this Heavenly race, leaving all of your earthly fans, with honor & grace." Ralph Earnhardt then stepped forward, embracing his son, then whispered in the ear of Dale, "Let's go and have some fun!" As Ralph stood proud, the green flag flew, the crowd went wild and the tension grew. And just like Salvation, the admission was free, as every eye focused, on the black number three. When the checkered flag dropped, no dry eyes remained, it was a photo finish, as Jesus explained. He said, "There are no losers, on this Heavenly track. this was a welcome home party, for The Man In Black!" Thanks to: Darin Stewart  He was known as the "Intimidator," the "Man in Black" was he; Smokin' 'round the race track, in his Chevy No. 3. He was a racing Champion, admired and loved by all; His name is Dale Earnhardt, who crashed into a wall. A quietness was in the air, which fell as heavy as thick rain; As the announcement pierced us all, we could feel the shuddering pain. The last turn on the track, was his final lap of life; Now he is a Nascar legend, leaving behind a loving wife. For this Nascar superhero, God had another plan; No racing engines needed, with God's golden wings to span. Dale is up in Heaven, racing to a familiar tune; It is "Amazing Grace," God gave to him so soon. Copyright 02/18/2001 Brenda A. McMahon  The auto-racing community arguably received it's most devastating blow ever earlier this season when seve-time Winston Cup Champion Dale Earnhardt was fatally injured on the final lap of the Daytona 500. Earnhardt fans and critics alike must agree the "Intimidator's" untimely death was crushing to the entire world of motorsports, but as "The Man in Black's" son, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., has said, "Big E" would want us to go on. And we will, but the memory of Earnhardt, Sr. will never be far from our minds. His aggressive driving style, determination to win and unique image burned an everlasting impression on race fans everywhere, and even those who knew nothing about NASCAR knew the name "Dale Earnhardt." Watching a Winston Cup show without the black and sliver No. 3 will always be tough, but the seven points titles, the infamous "Pass in the Grass" at Charlotte, countless interviews and many other amazing moves that no other driver has ever been able to mimic will never be forgotten. Earnhardt was a track promoter's dream. Many loved him, and many loathed him. But regardless of whether fans showed up at the track to cheer him or boo him, they all enjoyed watching him in action. He helped change the image of NASCAR from a red-neck, country-boy hobby to a multi-million dollar main-stream sporting event. And he did it his way...racing hard and trying to win at all costs. That's why it's so ironic that his death came about while he was attempting to help his two drivers, Earnhardt, Jr. and Michael Waltrip, prevail at Daytona. As relentless as he so often was on the race track, it just seems fitting that he left the world as he did...giving to friends and loved ones in the sport he so loved. By Chuck Greenslate Copyright © 1997-2001 |
