By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: IMDB/Prime Video
The fourth and final episode of the Earnhardt documentary series, Dale, highlights the moments leading up to the 2001 Daytona 500 and the tragic end to Dale Sr’s life.
Before the Daytona 500, Dale Sr. devised a plan that came to fruition. Dale Sr. told his sons Dale Jr. and Michael Waltrip that for them to win, they needed to work together and be at the front of the race.
The idea seemed improbable, but when you watch the Daytona 500, it happens exactly as it happens. When you watch Michael’s take during the documentary, recalling what Dale Sr said, it still amazes him how he predicted what would happen.
Michael still gets emotional to this day when he thinks about Dale Sr. and the Daytona 500. Before the Daytona 500, Michael went 0 for 462 in starts.
When Michael won the Daytona 500, it was beautiful and heartfelt to hear and watch his brother, Darrell Waltrio, rooting for his brother in the broadcasting booth and shed tears watching Michael win.
It was an excellent victory for Michael, but it got overshadowed when Ken Shrader pulled him aside to tell him that Dale Sr didn’t look good after the accident during the race’s final laps.
Michael’s demeanor changed immediately when he received the news. He was waiting for Dale in the victory lane, but he never got to celebrate the win with Dale Sr because he died in the hospital. Dale Sr was just 49 years old.
Darrell and Dale Jr described the scene when they went to see Dale Sr at the hospital lying on his death bed as very sad. Darrell kissing him on the forehead and telling him he loved him can bring anyone to tears.
Dale’s death changed NASCAR forever and was probably the saddest moment in the sport. The sport lost one of the biggest stars.
You felt sad for his kids in Dale Sr and Kelley, especially Kelley, because they went through three weeks without talking and couldn’t patch up their relationship.
Dale Jr. was starting to develop a bond with Dale Sr., but it all got cut short. Dale Jr. is a tough person who handles everything with class because after Dale Sr. passed away, everyone in the public eye was looking at him to take the baton.
People expected Dale Jr. to start winning championships and dominating the sport like his father, but Dale Jr. wanted to be himself and not be in his dad’s shadow.
Since Dale’s accident, there have been no more deaths during a race. Dale Jr. and Kelley started their own business together after things didn’t go so well with Dale Jr. and Teresa from a contract standpoint.
As sad as Dale’s death was, everything had a silver lining. NASCAR became safer in protecting the drivers, and Dale’s kids are doing fine. They’re successful.
It’s a fantastic documentary series. Highly recommended!
Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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