Relive the final laps from Dale Earnhardt’s 76th and final win | NASCAR
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- Опубліковано 22 жов 2015
- Watch the final laps of the 2000 Winston 500 from Talladega Superspeedway as Dale Earnhardt charges from the back of the pack to win his 76th and final NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.
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22 years later and I'm still cheering him on!! Rest in peace Champ!
Just goes to show you what kind of man he was
Still brings me to tears!
Race in peace, Intimidator
The best to do it. Rip 🐐
Gosh the sound of the cars was incredible back then
sb2 engines dam they were so good, miss you so much Dale going to Daytona 2020 whish you were there.
It was better without plates.
@@alwaysopen7970 They have plates on this race. In fact they used plates full time since 88 and we got all the best NASCAR moments like this one.
Restrictor plates LITTERALY is the reason Dale Einhardt is such a legend. He was fighting like no other in packs of 3-4 cars wide and that was awesome to watch.
The only reason why NASCAR is in decline is because he died. He was the face of NASCAR. Everyone knew who that guy was even people who don't give a fuck about NASCAR. Kindda like Conor McGregor with the UFC today. Everyone either loved or hated him with a passion but everyone had an opinion about him.
He was the bad guy, he was NASCAR own Darth Vader.
NASCAR was at its best back in 2000. The only single thing NASCAR failed at was replacing him. Without a villain you can't have a hero.
I agree the sound is so awesome, went many a time to this race track, cars looked better and raced better, look at the fans not an empty seat!!
Yes it was
*THIS* is what real NASCAR looks like. The cars were perfect, the tracks were loaded with people, the drivers raced each other, and champions were crowned the right way.
AND THAT SOUND!
And drivers didn’t sit around in million dollar motor homes all day. They worked on their race cars cause they knew how!!
wow you are so right. NASCAR these days aren't as good & makes me wonder how much longer this sport will last. Now its the Chevrolet Camero & Ford Mustang & dont know what other makes there are plus playoffs was added in recent years, this is NASCAR not the NFL.
@@whoasked9500 love this sound
@@nashvillecop1 yes they sure did.
Goosebumps. Look how crazy the crowd went when Dale took the lead.
I love the way these cars sounded, something about that higher pitch, love it
Naaaa the low drone they had back in the early 90s was better
I agree, screaming V8 lol. Sounded like dohc high revving monsters, which is funny for a pushrod.
I love how the cars sounded too. I still have a few races I've recorded in the 90's.
Honestly I prefer the lower pitch sound
I loved the sound too. I believe they only sounded like this at the restrictor plate tracks.
Still miss this guy in 2020. The sport just isn't the same without him.
2022 race day waking past dale statue tears from me.wish he were here.waiting for green flag to drop
Dale you are so missed by millions.
Gave up Nascar End of 2001.
No, and it never will be. Dale Earnhardt was NASCAR.
NASCAR died with Dale Sr
☺
This is Dale’s equivalent of MJ’s flu game or Tom Brady’s 25 point comeback in the Super Bowl. Some athletes are just born with this trait, no matter how grim the odds are, no matter how improbable victory may seem, athletes with this trait just find another level that their competitors don’t possess and find a way.
And keep in mind that ironically Dale Sr was someone who DETESTED the idea of restrictor plate racing, despite being the best ever at it.
Tom Brady u can't compare to dale u serious??? Brady was winning rigged games n super bowls
@@MRNASCARFAN25 lol cry harder
@craigjones4810 dude no cares about ur comment now go cry in corner
People who didnt grow up watching him have no idea what a gifted driver he was. Its superhuman
Well stated.
Well this trucker grew up watching dale Sr rest in peace dale you are not forgotten not now not ever.
He's a wheelman
Dale was a hell of a driver. However this particular race has nothing to do with driving skill. All car . It takes no talent to run around Daytona and Talladega in a cup car.
Born in 2000 mate. I just have these clips. Legendary nonetheless.
2:45: ".... and here comes Earnhardt!" gives me chills every time I hear it
Hell yes
YUP !
Yep it does as it did when he won the Daytona 500 & the other teams as drivers lined up in pit row to slap his hand as Earnhardt was making his way to the winner circle. I'll never forget that race.
Earnhardt was the reason I started watching Nascar. Since he's gone, my interest has dropped dramatically.
Miss him so much June bug to racing market crashed when they left
Conclusion on the biggest reason why Dale Earnhardt was so good in restrictor plate races: he was simply FEARLESS.
To start he makes it 3 wide and on the apron with bickle and wallace. All 3 cars make contact, bickle & Wallace lift and lose lots of momentum; but not Dale, he was in the gas the whole time and immediately on Gordon's bumper exiting turn 2.
Then from there on his way to the front all of his passes were made in the middle ,which is considered to be noman's land, until he got to the front.
Also notice how close he is willing to get to another car when it comes to side drafting; an essential tactic to disturbing the air and breaking the momentum of another car.
Sure he had the knowledge and the respect of his competitors so they would draft with him ( like Kenny Wallace did in this race) but you have to the guts to start with to do the things he did.
So very true
Good observation 👍🏻
Two laps to go, coming to the flag, the camera angle changes so that we can't see it, but he had some huge momentum coming and I think he bumped Andretti (RIP) out of the way. Poor guy probably about crapped his pants from the bump he got! lol I'll never forget watching this live. I think my voice was hoarse for three days from yelling and celebrating!
Plus, it has been mentioned with the open face helmet he wore he could feel the air pressure difference. He was also a professional on packing air into side car wheel wells to slow their momentum. Most folks don't think so, but their is an art to drafting.
Not only did he have the guts, looks like was making everyone else scared! I noticed his first lunge was what caused the middle of the pack to go four wide, pushing the 17 to the grass. Then, just as the front was about to close in from two wide to single file, he quickly took the gap in between to make it three wide
I've only heard a crowd cheer like that twice.
Talladega Fall 2000
Daytona Summer 2001
Harvick at Atlanta
Steve Park at Rockingham
Denny Hamlin, Phoenix '17
MaxisFabulous Lol, I was gonna say that but you beat me to it
98 Daytona 500, 2001 July Daytona race. I watched both and cried like crazy both times.
The old cars look way better then the new ones.
couldnt agree more
Wayyyy better and sound way better
They looked better when they ran glass windows and factory sheet metal.
Tyrone Taylor
They were even farther from stock compared to the ones we have now
@Christopher Agan so if the drivers had no cars you wouldnt care?
The crowds anticipating as 3 moves up is electric. What a finish
As a Brit who's used to formula 1 and Touring Cars I have to say that this is fabulous stuff. Pretty wild and all very closely matched, but at the same time showing a great deal of respect
If you want to know just how much Earnhardt meant to NASCAR (if all the crews lining up on pit lane to congratulate him after the 98 Daytona 500 didn't convince you) just listen to the crowd at the 2:42 mark when Dale bursts through the middle to take 3rd place and then watch the crowds reaction when he takes the checkered flags. It's a rare feat in NASCAR racing to hear the crowds reaction over the cars like that. I dare say you'll probably never see the crowd so unified for one driver again.
Aaron McCall You're right but also remember that this is Talladega and fans in that state of Alabama have ALWAYS loved Dale Sr. and Dale Jr. I would go as far as saying the fans there are crazier about Dale Jr. than they were his Dad.
No doubt Earnhardt Sr. was HUGE for Nascar but a really big reason for all these fans screaming is because its an Earnhardt.
I miss Nascar from this era and the 1980's and 1990's. One of the BIGGEST reason for the spike in Nascar ratings and popularity through the mid and late 1990's was all because of the Earnhardt Sr. vs. Jeff Gordon rivalry. Nascar hasn't ever seen diecast sales and popularity soar like it did when these 2 starting being rivals for that decade and I loved it.
Bill Gibbons but Jr fans from Bama got but hurt in 04, and 05, by throwing beer cans at Jeff's car. Real class act....At least the SR fans seemed to have a level of respect for Gordon, and I think that is what made the battle between Gordon and Sr. so great.
I was at the race at Texas Motor Speedway when Terry Labonte won it in 1999. That was the loudest crowd I've ever heard in my life. After the race, Terry said even he could hear and feel the crowd from inside the car as he took the lead. We'll never see drivers like this again. RIP NASCAR
lol he was the "rainbow warrior" from California. Haha just messing with ya
They did it for Jeff Gordon when he retired
Remember me and my brother got up to leave to beat the traffic; because he had to be back on base in Jacksonville on Monday morning. Dale was 18th with 5 laps to go. There's no way he's going to win, or so we thought. We heard the crowd cheering and stopped at the end of the Gadsden grandstand for the last two laps. Awesome win. Nobody better. Little did we know then that it would be his last win. We miss you, Dale. 🙏
Now this.........is racing. 3-4 wide racing, bold moves, and the fans cheering on the drivers.
Look the 2017 Alabama 500. Was *A WILD* race, and in fact, looks like Nascar finally is getting again it's way.
This is why Dale Earnhardt fans loved him then and still love him now. He was a one of a kind driver. I miss him. I miss the sound of the cars. NASCAR was over for me when he died. 17 to 1 in 4 laps.
Dale Earnhardt Sr was Talladega and Daytona. He was NASCAR! I wish he hadn't died so early when he had more races to win and to see Mikey or Dale Jr win a championship for DEI. Dale may you rest in peace. You were the hardest driver in NASCAR! You never knew what the word quit meant!! You will always have a place in my heart. God Bless you THE INTIMIDATOR!!
@Jesse Powell And NASCAR would be *WAY* different, because he's that hard guy who knows what's actually better for the sport, and he would be the biggest counterweight to Brian France. The king too, but, maybe is a bit soft compared to Earnhardt.
Amen to that Jesse.
One of the very best final set of laps I have ever watched in my life. I remember watching this live. I was literally yelling and jumping up and down with excitement when Dale won. What an awesome finish! I miss the hell outta him. Amazing driver. Gone but never forgotten. R.I.P. Thank you for uploading this.
Great comment and totally agree with all you said. Amazing how racing has changed in just a short 15 year span- and not in a good way. The sport isn't as good without Rudd, Rusty, Martin, Marlin, Gordon and of course Dale Sr.
I still find 2012 Watkins Glen to be better
Best last set of laps, you’re correct
Best single last lap, you can’t beat that fight between Ambrose and Keselowski
Me too. I remember watching it and I remember describing it to a co-worker the next day, including the announcer's "Here comes Earnhardt!"
@@Ob1tuber I will see your 2012 Watkins Glen and raise you a 2003 Darlington. That finish between Craven and Busch was crazy. It was also Pontiac's last win I believe.
Great race but your missing context here
Bad ass drive 18th to 1st in 4 laps
Dustin Harlow thats why he's the 🐐
@Bobba Rockersons Lmao Kyle is shit at restrictor plate tracks!
joey logano can do that
@@MyMrsMoon true he can, but he’ll always be within the top 10, the draft nowadays means once you’ve found a position you can stay in that position, that draft could get anyone to the lead
Racing in the grass? Yep. No problem. No yellow line rule back then. Remember watching this race live. It was incredible
Andrew Hayes I
Andrew Hayes no splitters either
There should have been several wrecks in that whole exchange (Earnhardt, Bickle, and Rusty; Kenesth; Dale Jr.)
I get the positives of having the rule, the problem is it’s not evenly enforced.
I was there. Eyes glued on Earnhardt the whole time. It was amazing to watch him pick his way through the field. I remember looking at my Dad and saying "he's gonna win it". You just knew he wasn't gonna be denied.
Real racing son
You know your a legend if you go from 19th to 1st in under 5 laps
This was magical, and the best call of Dr. Jerry Punch's career too
Noah Fulks he knew earnhardt had it won with two laps to go
He was always so cool,PhD covering pit road, with his leather jacket and hat. Then they stuck him in a suit and put him in the media center.
One of my favorite races of all time. I wish it were still that kind of racin'. Nascar started to die in 2001; and keeled over when Jr. left the 8. The Earnhardts were Racin'.
Teresa killed one of the best teams.
Now THIS is NASCAR...
Captain wish we still had this NASCAR
@@fisherisbell759 couldn't agree more
Was NASCAR
That dude could see air
Ironically I turned off today’s race to watch this race from 2000.
Good man
I dont blame you
NASCAR died when Dale Earnhardt senior died and today's racing absolutely sucks especially since NASCAR has the biggest coward and biggest loser in racing history announcing TV casts in Jr
This whole segiment stopping the race ever quarter so many caution flag laps and completely taking stradigy out of the sport any jackass could get off the street and race these piece of shit car's there's no excitement and hearing that losers voice makes want to jump through the t.v. and spit in his face
2001-2007 was good.
They had many great races
It died when they banned bump drafting.
I have watched this entire race many many times, there is nobody better, never will be ever. Racing during his lifetime was different than it is now. Now its more of a huge team effort during, before and after the race, then it was give him a decent car and he will win races, hopefully you all will agree. RIP Dale, you will never be forgotten
3:10 -- Not so fast Dale JR, here comes daddy!! LOL
+Jimmy Dean block me and see what happens. i brought u into this world il take u out. lol
+Greatest Man That Ever Lived LMAO
L.
Out of my way boy this is how you do it
SR even said that he was waiting for JR to jump in front of him, not sure what JR was thinking, but SR was smart to just go for the win.
This was PEAK NASCAR entertainment, every single second was edge of your seat madness, they could go 5 wide for 10 laps and never wreck. Dale Earnhardt was the most skilled driver in history, the guy was just a lunatic on the race track, thats not even me being biased...just wow I miss this 😭
Man... You just don't see racing like this anymore
Be careful. The haters will have your head for saying that. "We see racing like this at these tracks every year? What's the big deal other than Dale"
@@erika_itsumi5141 I think the words you're looking for are "smart fans", not haters. Simply watch any Daytona or Dega race from this year or last year, and Spencer's comment instantly becomes wrong. Fact is, superspeedway racing has always been like this in some way, with the only exception being the two car tandem era that barely lasted.
@Jerry Garcia oh there's no question as to how great Dale Sr was at these tracks. 10 wins at Dega in his career is a stat that requires no explanation.
As for how this would play out today, it honestly depends. Plenty of times throughout the Gen 6 era we've seen superspeedway races end without incident, or at least without a caution. Younger drivers are more suseptable to said incidents, but they're all Cup drivers and most are there for good reason. Now if this was Trucks or Xfinity, yeah I'd agree seeing how aggressive those series race at these tracks.
If there was ever a GWC finish that Dale Sr had to go through, he'd handle it just fine really. His son won the 500 in '14 in a GWC finish, with a ton of debris on the grill no less. If Jr can do it, Sr would have zero issue.
Bring back the roof bar
Never get tired of watching that clip.
I never tire of watching this footage. It shows perfectly just what a superior race car driver Sr. was. He new he had the juice to get to the front but the timing of it all and his patience coming up the middle of the pack before sling shotting around the outside was sublime and almost unbelievable.
And never forget how much the crowds just loved him. It's no coincidence that Nascar has gone steadily downhill since his passing. And now with Jr. retired it is only going to get worse if they don't get back to racing soon.
Dang I sure do miss Dale. Ball my eyes out every time I watch highlights. I haven't watched a race since he left us to be with The Lord.
Whether people loved him or hated him, I don't think ANYONE could deny that Earnhardt was one talented driver, as this clip proves.
Who's still watching in 2018.
*sighs. Back when the cars could get a run easily. And not run single file for 75% of the race.
I remember my mom and dad made the trip down to Alabama (living in Indiana) for this race. My dad was the type of Earnhardt fan that would scream at the tv cheering Dale on and he was one of the thousands of people that cried when Dale passed away. Though I was only turning 6 in November that year I vividly remember my dad saying that they just about left the race with 10 or so laps to go since at that point Dale didn't have much of a shot at winning, or so it seemed. I guess right before my parents got up to leave they decided what the hell we made the trip all the way down here we may as well stay for the last few laps of the race. They were completely unaware that the driver of the black #3 Chevorlet was no longer Dale Earnhardt, but instead it was a mysterious figure known simply as The Intimidator. This right here is what legends are made of. I honestly believe there wasn't or isn't a person alive that could out drive Dale Earnhardt. This race is a perfect example of why Dale earned the moniker of The Intimidator 💯
I'm surprised they would have wanted to leave with dales son running up front
Came here after watching Richard Childress new video. Man I miss you Dale 😔
I watch this two times a week because I need it but it brings me to tears. That man changed my life. So missed. 3
@@angelozararis7404 p
Kop
This is NASCAR. No crappy Stage Racing with constant forced yellow flags (all cautions were natural), No Ridiculous Playoff Chase and Grid Format, No Crappy One Lug Wheels. Champions were determined by PURE POINTS which is the only actual way to showcase who is the most elite drive consistently throughout a whole year. The Champions after PURE POINT era can arguably have an asterisk if they not actual point leaders. NASCAR has lost this golden age. The comments "Mr. Restrictor Plate" gave me goosebumps and car sounds. Then you have the best driver in history winning his final race.
20 year ago to the day. One of the most iconic moments in the series, one of the best calls ever, and just hearing the cars *screaming* by… just unbelievable
“The Intimidator is scraped and beaten on the right side - but he will not be denied!! Mr restrictor plate knows there are 2 laps to go!!”
This is still the greatest 5 lap drive in my life time
I will never forget this race. I was there in the field on the back stretch and I could hear the announcer saying the man on the move is Dale Earnhardt would like two laps to go starting 17th and winning that race with only four laps to go was the greatest race I could’ve ever went to and it hurt bad when he died Daytona I was with a girlfriend of mine in Gatlinburg Tennessee having lunch before heading home to Nashville at the new NASCAR café in Pigeon Forge. R.I.P. Dale Earnhardt you will never be forgotten. 🙏🙌🏻✝️😇
I used to have this on my computer game. Before I bought my PlayStation.
Seeing Dale Sr win at Talladega in person was so exciting you were always watching turn 4 to see that car #3 in the lead now it just not as exciting because you know he's not there and it makes me want to cry. Miss you Dale
I had to watch it again today. For some reason I felt like having a good cry.
I was at Pocono in June 2014 when Junior won, and to see your favorite driver win in front of you is a feeling like no other, unlike most memories it will be etched into your mind even after you die. It was satisfying for me because Junior had come so close so many time to winning at Pocono in his career, and being there to where he finally sealed the deal is the icing. I do regret not going back up there to see him sweep it, but the weather that day did not play into my favor, then I heard that the showers were diminishing and that it wasn't going to be a threat. I would rather go up on a sunny day than risk it on a day in which Mother Nature ruins your parade and you only get a fraction of a race. He may have won it because of the debris on Keselowski's grille, but he had trash too, and Brad was coming back and still had 5 laps to do it.
I'll never forget the 2003 koolerz 300 (busch series) at Daytona. Seeing dale jr win in person was absolutely incredible it was on a Monday due to rain delay. He was driving the oreo paint scheme and had a historic weekend at Daytona as well,I was 13 and will never forget that moment.
He’s on the apron of the racetrack Ned.Just the excitement in Benny parson voice,I just loved that call,I miss Benny parson
The best race of all time that I ever saw from Nascar Dale rest in peace
“The intimidator” still gives me chills.
This was Dale's greatest finish of his career. I can't remember any driver that came from 17 th. to finish 1 st. in 5 laps at Talladega!!!! Who does that???? He is and always will be the Intimidator !!!!!. Dale rest in peace. #3 forever.
While Earnhardt Sr. was making his way to the front from 17th, Gordon made a run of his own, climbing up from 16th to 4th in the background.
Two is not a winner and three nobody remembers. Fourrh is just a good run
Welp, he said a lot that everything that he learned, was from Earnhardt.
He essentially followed Dale and Wallace through but lost the draft once he cleared the pack.
Dale’s last win here at Talladega was the peak of Nascar and it hasn’t been the same since. RIP Dale from a lifelong fan.
Where did THIS NASCAR go?
+TWEWrestling247 Back before Nascar decided they were going to micromanage and orchestrate race results (different rules for different drivers).
There was nothing special about this race other than earnhardt coming from the middle of the pack. We see this type of racing at Daytona and Talladega every year
It died the day Brian France took control of NASCAR!
ok. if you say so
+constantdewdrinker88 not anymore you dont
The crowd noise really shows the excitement of being there. Also the cars sounded louder and the camera angles were great and so were the calls. Great finish
Racing died when this man left us
He kinda kept Nascar in check. Not many BS games like they have now.
dale sure could drive boy! when racecars where racecars
Good Ol Days......man that was racing
@@rtanner7335 so true
Giant Pride I agree, I've heard this sport has lost fans & I'm one of them.
I have to watch this at least one a week. Dam I miss this man
Missed by millions.
Easily one of the best Nascar calls and finishes of all time. Was there ever a better combo than Ned Jarrett, Jerry Punch and Benny?
They were good, but I'm always gonna place Darrel Waltrip, Larry Mac, and Mike Joy in that conversation as well. The ABC broadcast were my childhood, the Fox were my teenage years
Bob Jenkins was better with those two.
I got chills watching this. I'm only 16 so I wasn't even alive to watch this race, but I wish *this* NASCAR would come back.
thank God for youtube and the people uploading stuff like this.....I remember seeing this live that day and then going to Martinsville, spring race 2001 to buy some die-cast cars of this raced version win, knowing it was his very last win as the world had just lost him !! Saw him win at Pocono, both Cup & Busch that weekend......I'd seen him several times at Martinsville and Bristol once! When the world lost him, was the last time I watched whole races. I've caught a few finishes only over the past few years and it seems racing is now all for show, not racing like they did back in the 70s-90s! I wish we could turn back the clock and still be seeing that #3 out there racing and winning like he did here that day!
Go back and watch everything you can from the 1990s early 2000s kid!
@@gadbammit4736 I went to the 2020 QuikTrip 500, and it was ok. Not a whole lot of passing. The ride home was boring, so I put on the 1990 Atlanta race, and there was more passing. I just want more battles and photo finishes and horsepower.
@@DrewHiRacingNASCARWinPOVs I wouldn't even go to a race these days. Not when I grew up watching this
@@DrewHiRacingNASCARWinPOVs I wish STR was still in the sport, that new lazer pulsing is the future
3:24 just hear the ladies calling his name! What a crowd!
If this clip, on a screen, makes my throat clinch, i can't imagine what it was like there.
Such a fantastic race and an equally fantastic crowd!
damn they don't put on races like this anymore. the sound of the cars. the packed stands. the cheering. the dangerous, daring driving. 4 wide on a superspeedway fighting hard to the finish. so many legendary names too.
This is truly Earnhardt’s masterpiece. Dr Jerry Punch’s call along with Benny is iconic and this is the day I finally became an Earnhardt fan.
I remember listening to this race on the radio because my parents didn’t have cable. It was just incredible how far back Dale came from to win.
As many times as I've watched this race, it NEVER gets old!!! Damn, I miss my Superman!!!
I remember watching that race at Talladega on T.V., & even I thought that Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s finishing run was amazing. I actually was holding a die-cast replica of the No.3 car in my hand...as if I was urging him to win. That little 1:64-scale model was a X-mas present from my mother...from December, 1999...,& it was in my hand also for that nose-out win at Atlanta, Ga. earlier that 2000 NASCAR season.
And just like every other fan who followed Dale Sr., I also remember the accident that eventually claimed his life...which occurred near the end of the 43rd running of the Daytona 500. When the announcement came that he died on arrival at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Fl., it felt like my heart was crushed. I almost gave up following the sport in 2001...except for one little message that got fused into my mind, which is still resonating to this day:
‘Never...ever...remember someone for how he died tragically. Remember him for what he liked to do best!’
In this case, Dale Earnhardt Sr. Gave his life by doing the very thing he did best...& that is by racing fast & hard on every given NASCAR weekend. That’s why he’s in the Hall of Fame...& his son is now in there, too.
It’s also why I’ve stuck with following NASCAR...through Hell & back...now into my 23rd year. Think the coronavirus pandemic’s going to stop me from continuing to follow it? Nah...I don’t think so!!!
(By the way, I still have Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s ‘No.3’ die-cast replica...& I’m not parting with it anytime soon!!!) : )
More than an awesome driver he was an entertainer. He made NASCAR fun to watch. I loved the rub marks and dents he always had at the finish. Gone but not forgotten.
The biggest thing that sticks out to me is how every car had a MAJOR sponsor. I've never heard of half of the sponsors on todays' cars. This was definitely peak NASCAR.
I’m proud to say I watched this race as it happened. It was a fun ride.
I was always an Earnhardt fan, never cared for Gordan but he did a great job as well moving through the pack.
Larry Greene thanks for noticing. Obviously Dale is remembered for making his way through the pack beautifully, but Jeff Got up to 4th. 1 more lap and Jeff had a run on the top three.
I agree, Gordon would have been right there.
His top 5 finish made him eligible for the No Bull 5 at Las Vegas, which he won and was the only time he won at LVMS. Gordon already had won at Talladega that Spring which was his 50th career win.
Gordon always had a way of finding his way to the front late in these old plate races. Another finish that's often overlooked was the '03 EA Sports 500, when he almost singlehandedly disposed of Earnhardt Jr and Michael Waltrip on the final lap.
Quite a few people didn't care for Gordon, me included. Yet, when he retired, racing was never the same. I may not have liked him, but looking back, he did make the races more entertaining.
I still remember this race, barely breathed the last 20 laps! While the 500 might’ve been the most satisfying win, this was the most exciting win, imo. Still miss the master so much.
I was there ,It was the most amazing thing ever happen . So so sad how nascar is so pathetic 20 years later .
20 years now, I still miss Earnhardt.
the 4th groove at superspeedways is BADLY needed
This era of NASCAR racing is a thing of the past!!!
It was just MORE EXCITING...MORE ENTERTAINING...MORE INTENSE... MORE FUN to watch the "REAL LEGENDS" a few yrs ago in my opinion.
I miss Earnhardt, Wallace, Waltrip, LaBonte, Gordon, Marlin, Rudd, Stewart & Jarrett just to name a few names.
Much love from Mobile Alabama
Back when NASCAR was alive. Thanks for the memories. RIP Dale.
Sure do miss racing like this. It's just not the same anymore.
“There ain’t no way they can run three laps like this” legendary
This type of racing is what put NASCAR in the spotlight and races like this when dale was on the track put it on top. People that weren't into NASCAR started watching and witnessed history in the sport and why dale was arguably the greatest there in just before his demise. Probably his greatest victory for the whole world to see but what the world didn't see was amazing with in itself. R.I.P. #3
Some might say "The Pass in the Grass" is the race that most epitomizes Dale Earnhardt as a racers but to me, this was and always will be THE race that defines the greatness of Dale in a nutshell. For him to weave his way from 17th to first in four laps, shows just how talented he was.
I cannot FATHOM the stress that these guys go through in 500 miles, at those speeds, running THAT closely. One wrong move, it could be not only your race, but your life. Man, he had stones.
Amazing race car driver. Man, I miss watching you run.
Now that was racing not the shit we have right now
That's why I prefer Indycars or F1.
the draft master at his finest!!!!
Still miss him! He will always be my favorite driver! RIP ole son!🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
This was the pinnacle of NASCAR right here. Hasn't been the same since.
I could watch this a million times and NEVER get tired of it. We miss you so much Dale Sr... RIP
Dale was at the top of his game even towards the end of his career.
if Dale was around during COVID, COVID would have said "nope, not wasting my time on this one."
I come back to this video every few months or so. Can’t get enough of it
me too! I think it's me remembering the best time imo of Nascar. I miss Dale. he was the best to do it and Nascar will never have one like him race
I know his Daytona 500 win is the most famous win in NASCAR history but this is the most legendary by FAR. What he did in five laps....you can't do that. It's not possible.
i don't care who you are, where you're from, what sports you like, or how old you are. This right here is excitement. This sport was magical back then. Not many people will openly admit this but part of that magic was the edge that the inherent danger of the sport brought with it. Going 3 wide, 5 wide, every bump and prod was literally living life on the edge in pursuit of greatness. That danger, edge/magic whatever you wanna call it died with Earnhardt. The sport lost it's Michael Jordan while simultaneously losing the edge that allowed him to be who he was. nascar will never look like this again.
back when NASCAR was actually fun and exciting to watch.... todays NASCAR needs to get back to their roots and start here
One of my favorite races of all time. I was fortunate to have met Dale earlier that year in May of 2000 at Richmond in the pit area. It was for a few minutes but something I'll never ever forget. I got his autograph and a picture by him.
By far my favorite aero package, they ran 3 wide all day long without a real big wreck
Crowds were sold out then...now the seats are advertising space. NASCAR died the day Dale did. ....
I remember every detail from the day Dale died. I was at my Grandparent's house when they announced his death on the news. When they brought me home, my dad was sitting on the front porch crying and I sat down with him and cried too. I was 11 years old. We watched Dale race all the time and I had enough Dale Earnhardt model cars of all sizes to stock a hobby shop. Since that day I have not watched one single second of a NASCAR race. Not one second in 17 years, and I don't intend to ever watch it again. So I would agree that NASCAR died with Dale, it certainly did in my eyes...
It was not my last race. I tried to stay in it but the magic was gone.
Love him or hate him he was larger than life. He was what made NASCAR great.
Agreed bro agreed
While it took a serious shot then. Nascar died when brian took over.
@@jkarnes7529 Exactly. Most fans were still showing up to races and selling out races. Dale's death didn't kill the sport, in fact in some ways his death helped it grow, especially safety wise. Brian France and his idiotic decisions almost killed it.
Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon were definitely two of the best in regards to winning at the restrictor plate races
You see how they made their way to the front in the final Laps on this race
I seen the 3 in front. The 24....must have missed that fiction.
Jeff Gordon wouldn't make a pimple on Earnhardts ass
Man.... This was NASCAR in its prime.. 170,000+ Spectators, good rough racing....
Oh my gosh that was masterful!
The SOUND! So Good!
Chevrolet sb2 engine in a class of there own. They ruled the 90s
The yellow line rule should have never gone away.
Interestingly... as exciting as this was... Dale Sr. made it pretty clear that he did not like this style of plate racing... which is interesting because the NASCAR of today has doubled and tripled down on making the cars race 3 wide constantly.
The problem with the modern plate racing is that there is no passing... Dale Sr. more or less passed 15 cars in about 2 laps... no way that could happen today... the cars are too tightly packed.
They need to bring back the roof wicker. Also, both tracks have been repaved, so handling doesn't mean much now.
in modern plate racing, the draft is not as strong anymore to the point were you can just go behind someone and then pass them.
Infinity
Sounds like they need to add horsepower... aaaaaand they are going to a SMALLER restrictor plate next year. Can't wait for more gridlock racing!
David Land
Hey I watch your vids
I’m 14 and just started watching nascar in 2017 and I must say, I wish nascar was still like this
There will never be another driver like Dale. All driver, all guts, absolute legend. RIP #3
That was some of the best racing ever at 'Dega!
Hot summer Sundays is what Winston Cup - back then - was all about. Nights don't do it for me and the whole thing went to shit when they lost Winston as the series sponsor.
Man, you're NEVER gonna see racing like this anymore, and you're NEVER gonna see or hear a crowd that excited anymore. Sucks that I never really got to enjoy the good old days of NASCAR.
That's our Dale! Way to go and many thanks for the boost for Dale! The best and we love him and his racing! The Oppermans from Tx
2023 almost 2024 and he’s damn missed the sport never recovered and never will thanks for Dale Jr for at least keeping us comfortable and his podcasting for walking us through the moments of void