 | |
Some Official Statements
 | Teresa Earnhardt Statement: On behalf of Taylor, Dale, Jr., Kerry,
Kelley and the entire Earnhardt family, which also includes all the
employees of Dale Earnhardt Incorporated, we want to sincerely thank
everyone that has offered their condolences during our very tragic loss.
This outpouring has been overwhelming. We kindly ask that you keep our
family in your thoughts and prayers.(NASCAR PR 2-19-2001 this statement will
stay at the top, others will be poasted by date)
We also thank you for your memorials and ask that in lieu of flowers that
you consider donations to:
Foundation For The Carolinas
Attn: Honor of Dale Earnhardt
PO Box 34769
Charlotte, N.C. 28234-4769
| Statement from President George W. Bush: "I have asked my
close friend Joe Allbaugh to attend today?s memorial service for Dale
Earnhardt. I am saddened by the untimely loss of this American legend and
want to express my deepest sympathy to his family, friends and fans. Dale
was an American icon who made great contributions to his sport. Dale?s
legacy will live on for millions of Americans. He was an inspiration to
many.(2-22-2001)
Ernie Irvan's first Cup ride, sponsored by Dale Earnahrdt Chevrolet
| | The Irvan Family is deeply saddened by the loss of Dale Earnhardt. Off the
track he was a good friend. On the track he was a great competitor. Dale
Earnhardt will always be the most respected name in Motorsports. Our Prayers
are with Theresa and the Earnhardt family. We mourn this loss alongside the
many who worked with him each week and the millions of people whose lives
were touched by him. Dale Earnhardt will be deeply missed.(2-22-2001)
| A statement from Indianapolis Motor Speedway President & CEO Tony
George about the death of Dale Earnhardt on Feb. 18: "The loss of Dale
Earnhardt is an unbelievable and devastating tragedy to his family, his many
fans and to the sport of auto racing. It is very difficult for me and for
our family because of our close friendship with Dale, Teresa and their
children. He personified what NASCAR is about, and the growth of motorsports
during the last 20 years was attributable in many ways to him. He was a man
who loved the life, the sport and enjoyed every week of it. He was intense,
focused and competitive in everything he did. Dale had a special love for
the history and tradition of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and his name
will always be a part of our racing heritage at the Brickyard. Our hearts
and prayers go to Dale's family and to all who admired his skill and the
admirable traits he represented." Seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup
champion Earnhardt won the 1995 Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor
Speedway and competed in every Brickyard 400 from 1994-2000.(2-23-2001)
| Roush Racing released this statement from Mark Martin regarding the death
of Dale Earnhardt: "I will tell you that some of the fiercest and most
successful drivers are also the most aggravating on the track. Dale was
incredibly tenacious; he drove me to rise to his level. He made me want to
be the best, because he made me want to beat him. I have never in all of my
experience raced against anyone with as much desire to win as he had, and
that's saying a lot, because I've raced against them all. He was so
tenacious, but he was so different from that away from the track. I was
really fortunate to know that side of him, because not everyone did, but
there was a softer side to Dale that most people didn't know he had, but it
was there. It's just so tragic. He was so much to so many. He's left a
giant, dark, black hole behind him. I really don't know what to say. There
are so many decisions, so much grief. He will be missed by millions. I
remember in 1990 or 1991 when we were both racing in IROC, that right after
the race in Daytona we flew up to Cleveland for the race and then back down
to Charlotte. Well, I was living in Greensboro at the time and I had no way
home at like 11 p.m., so Dale drove me all the way up there and then back to
Lake Norman, just to shoot the breeze. I just couldn't understand that; he
must have gotten home at 3 a.m. or something and to this day, I still don't
understand. But he was just that way. Different, and
special."(2-23-2001)
GOOD ADVICE: This quote is from Roush Racing's Kurt Busch: "My spotter
(at Daytona) told me to follow Earnhardt even if he stopped to get a hot
dog. I'm just sorry I won't be able to compete against him
again."(2-23-2001)
| From Jeff Green: Michelle and I would like to send our condolences to the
Earnhardt family, everyone at DEI and Richard Childress Racing. Losing Dale
is a big loss for all of us. He will be greatly missed. Not only is Dale the
icon of Nascar, he is the one who gave me the opportunity to be where I am
today and I will never forget that. Without his guidance and direction, I
would not be a Busch Grand National Champion. Thank you Dale for
everything!(2-22-2001)
| DEAR RACE FANS: Words will never be able to describe how we feel about the
death of our friend Dale Earnhardt, but the love and affection from the
entire racing community has been overwhelming and comforting. We find
strength in your prayers and ask that you all pray for the entire Earnhardt
family. The NASCAR community will move on through this trying time but we
will never be the same nor will the sport. Dale Earnhardt was the sport of
NASCAR for the last two decades. His presence in the sport set a standard of
excellence that may never be reached again. His spirit will dwell in the
garage forever.
Scripture tells us that God made the following command to Joshua: "Have
I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not
be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you
go." Joshua 1:9. We must all be strong and trust in the Lord. Dale was
strong yet softer than most people will ever know. All of us, drivers, crews
and fans owe Dale the respect of carrying on with pride and dignity. He
would have done the same for anyone of us. We can not let his early
departure be in vain.
Dale is with Him and He is with Dale.
Thank you and God Bless all of you.
Sincerely,
Michael and Buffy Waltrip(2-21-2001)
| Statement from Dale Jarrett: As millions of race fans mourn the loss of
the man they knew as "The Intimidator," the sport and the race
that he truly loved have taken from me one of my best friends. I know I
should feel fortunate that I had the opportunity to race with, tangle with,
sometimes outrun, but like most finish behind, the greatest driving talent
NASCAR racing has ever seen. I am thankful for that opportunity but, more
importantly, I am most grateful that I had the chance to know Dale Earnhardt
in a way that so many people could only dream of knowing him. He was a true
friend, someone I could always depend on to give me an honest answer and
most certainly his opinion. I looked up to him not only because of his
driving skills, but because he was so much more to so many people, including
me and my family. Kelley and I choose to remember this incredible racer for
his caring and giving personality. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Teresa
and the kids in this time of mourning. But knowing Dale, he would rather
this be a celebration of his amazing accomplishments and this we will do in
his honor. Just know Dale that we love you and we all are truly going to
miss you. Thanks for making our sport what it is today and for being my
friend.(2-21-2001)
from the Gaston Gazette
| | Statement From Patty and Andy Petree: As tributes honoring Dale Earnhardt
and his career flow, we would like to remember and honor the Dale we knew.
We knew a Dale who understood that it is not your career, but your family
that comes first. He understood that it is not winning and losing but
loyalty and integrity that make a man.. He understood how important it is to
be a wonderful husband, a good father, and a true friend. We shared many
things in our professional life, as well as our personal life, with Dale. We
shared the victories in racing and the victories in championships. I thanked
him for those victories and I thanked him for helping me climb to where I am
today. My regret is that I never thanked him for teaching me the most
important lesson in life and I never told him how much I love him. I hope
and pray that he understood. In my mind, he was the most talented and
successful race car driver. In my heart, he was the most successful person
who ever lived. The success on the race track will live forever in the
hearts of race fans. In our hearts, it is his friendship that will live
forever. Our prayers and thoughts are with Teresa and the whole Earnhardt
family.. We will miss him in the racing world but most of all we will miss
our friend.(2-21-2001)
| Even though Dale Earnhardt never raced at Irwindale Speedway, he was, as
he was across the country, somehow a part of our personal world. Thousands
of our weekly visitors where his faithful fans; his driving exploits from
the preceding week's race were always a hot topic of conversation in the
pits and in the stands on Saturday night; his stature as one of the greatest
ever in NASCAR was never in question here. All of us are deeply saddened.
All of us at Irwindale feel as though we have lost a friend. All of us know
what a painful loss to our sport his passing will be. We all send our
deepest sympathy to his family, his friends, his team, and to his legions of
loyal fans everywhere(2-21-2001)
| Statement From Richard Petty: Like all of the NASCAR family, I was stunned
and saddened by the loss of Dale Earnhardt. We shared a common bond in
championships as well as a mutual respect. Our family has raced against his
family since this sport began, going back to when my Dad and I raced against
Ralph Earnhardt. My thoughts and prayers and that of the entire Petty
organization are with Teresa, Kerry, Kelly, Dale Jr., Taylor and the rest of
the Earnhardt family.(2-20-2001)
| Statement regarding the death of Dale Earnhardt from Eddie Gossage,
General Manager of Texas Motor Speedway: “The death of Dale Earnhardt is
heartbreaking for millions of racing fans around the world. I, too, am
heartbroken. Athletes in other sports would be wise to follow Dale’s model
of what a champion is supposed to be. He had great dignity – both on the
track and off. I know people would question why people risk such great odds
to race automobiles. But I’m certain Dale would tell you that he lived his
life to the fullest and his life was better for being a participant in the
arena. While many people may not understand this, Dale understood better
than anyone. We want to express our sympathies to Dale’s wife Teresa, his
children, his mother and the rest of his family as well as Richard Childress
Racing and the people of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. We will remember them in our
prayers.”(2-19-2001)
| Statement From Jeff Gordon -- Brooke and I are deeply saddened by this
devastating loss. Not only is it a huge loss for this sport, but a huge loss
for me personally. Dale taught me so much and became a great friend. Our
thoughts and prayers are with Teresa and the entire Earnhardt
family(2-19-2001)
| Message from John Hendrick - Everyone at Hendrick Motorsports is deeply
saddened by the death of Dale Earnhardt. Our prayers are with his family
that they find strength during this difficult time. He was a great
competitor and a true friend to everyone in the NASCAR family. Dale`s
contributions to the growth and popularity of our sport are immeasurable. He
was also a great human being, husband and father. He will truly be missed.
We ask everyone to join us in our prayers for Dale and his
family.(2-19-2001)
| Morgan-McClure Motorsports' thoughts and prayers are with the entire
Earnhardt family, Richard Childress Racing and Dale Earnhardt Inc. Larry
McClure, team owner, offers the following thoughts: "Dale Earnhardt's
death is a tremendous loss to our NASCAR family and to the entire nation.
Whether you liked him or not, he stood as a hero. Many looked up to Dale as
a man who stuck to his convictions. Earnhardt set the stage in Winston Cup.
What he did, everyone followed. He was a fierce competitor, one that we did
battle with many times. He lived a life that was full. As a father, a
husband and a businessman, Dale experienced success. He showed people that
they can follow their dreams and reach their goals. Dale accomplished more
in his life than most of us ever could. It is unfortunate. All of us in the
NASCAR community live on the edge. The drivers are on the edge all of the
time, every weekend. This seems more of a shock to people, because the wreck
did not look that bad. When someone so talented is involved in such a deal,
it is unbelieveable. I know we will all go into the garage at Rockingham
next weekend and expect to see that sly grin that Earnhardt patented. It is
going to be tough on NASCAR fans and Dale Earnhardt fans. For those of us
who saw him and talked to him every weekend, it will take a long time to
deal with this horrible loss. Cherish the memories of Dale. Realize we were
lucky to be able to share his life with him. Finally, believe. If you
believe in Christ, the pain will be easier to handle."
On a personal note...My father died in a tragic accident two years ago of
the same head injuries that Earnhart died of. When he heard of my devasting
loss, he consoled me by talking of his own pain for the loss of his dad.
Earnhart's advice was to carry on and make my dad proud, as if he were still
present. I use this advice everyday in my life. It gives me a tremendous
desire to succeed and it helps ease the pain.(2-19-2001)
| Dale Jarrett and Jimmy Spencer have authorized Ford Racing to release the
following statements in reaction to Sunday's death of seven-time NASCAR
Winston Cup Champion Dale Earnhardt.:
DALE JARRETT - "As millions of race fans mourn the loss of the
man they knew as "The Intimidator," the sport and the race that he
truly loved has taken from me one of my best friends. I know I should feel
fortunate that I had the opportunity to race with, tangle with, sometimes
outrun, and like most usually finish behind, the greatest driving talent
NASCAR racing has ever seen. I am thankful for that opportunity but, more
importantly, I am most grateful that I had the chance to know Dale Earnhardt
in a way that so many people could only dream of. He was a true friend --
someone I could always depend on to give me an honest answer and, at the
very least, his opinion. I looked up to him not only because of his driving
skills, but because he was so much more to so many people, including me and
my family. Kelley and I choose to remember this incredible racer for his
caring and giving personality. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Teresa and
the kids in this time of mourning. But knowing Dale, he would rather this be
a celebration of his amazing accomplishments. This, we will do in his honor.
Just know, Dale, that we love you and we all are truly going to miss you.
Thanks for making our sport what it is today and for being my friend."
JIMMY SPENCER: "I really don't know what to say. I can't believe
Dale Earnhardt isn't with us anymore and that he's not going to be out there
every week in that black number three. There isn't anyone I loved racing
more than him because he was the best and you always want to challenge
yourself against the best. The thing about Dale Earnhardt is that there were
two Dale Earnhardts -- the Dale Earnhardt that raced you for every inch on
the race track and the Dale Earnhardt who cared about making people happy.
He loved my dad and he loved my mom. Every time he saw me he'd ask how my
mom and dad were doing. Every time he saw my mom he grabbed her hand and
would stop and talk for a minute. He did it just last week at Daytona. I've
got so many Dale Earnhardt stories I could write a book. I remember he came
to my mom and dad's house in Berwick (Pa.) and I'll never forget it. We
crashed three or four cars one night in my dad's junkyard and just had a
great time afterwards just laughing and eating dinner. Then there was the
time in 1988 when we raced up Route 136 from his old shop in Kannapolis to
his new facility. It was late at night. He had a pickup and I had a pickup
and he beat me. He never let me forget that and rubbed it in every chance he
got. I'll miss him. There isn't one person in NASCAR that won't say they'll
miss him. I was talking to my dad today and I said to him, 'What are we
gonna do as drivers?' We all congregated around him. He was always one of
the first drivers to go out for pre-race introductions and I don't care if
you were Rusty Wallace or Dale Jarrett or who it was, we all talked to him
because he was the guy. That 3 car scared every driver because they knew
what was coming. Dale Earnhardt never gave up. He didn't care if he was five
laps down, you were going to have to work to get past him. He would race you
just as hard for 20th as he would for the win and us as competitors all
realized that and expected that from him. I said some things a few weeks ago
that looking back in hindsight I wish I could take back. I'm sorry for what
I said, but at the time I felt I needed to speak up because T. Wayne
(Robertson) was like a father to me, and I just felt that Dale Earnhardt the
race car driver should have been there. I don't mean to slight any of the
other top drivers in our sport, but if there was an autograph session and it
was Dale Earnhardt against anybody else in the garage area, he would outdraw
them two or three to one. Why? Because they want to meet John Wayne. He
could probably outdraw any professional athlete in the world and maybe even
the President of the United States. He had that kind of power. It's really
hard to express just how sad I am. All I can think about is Teresa and the
whole Earnhardt family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to
them."(2-19-2001)
| | A Statement From Sears Point Raceway President And General Manager Steve
Page On The Death Of Dale Earnhardt: "Dale Earnhardt may have been the
most talented driver ever to climb in a stock car, but his loss will be felt
well beyond the racing community. Dale was one of the most distinctive
personalities in the world of sports. His image as a fierce competitor, as
the relentless pursuer in the black car personified the qualities that have
characterized history's greatest athletes. There were no fans more
passionate or loyal than Dale Earnhardt fans. On behalf of all of those fans
who have turned out to see Dale at Sears Point Raceway over the years, we
offer our thoughts and prayers to the Earnhardt family."(2-19-2001)
| Statement Attributable To August A. Busch Iv Group Vice President,
Marketing And Wholesale Operations Anheuser-Busch, Inc.: "All of us at
Anheuser-Busch are deeply saddened by the death of Dale Earnhardt. Dale was
a great man, a dear friend of my family, a true champion and a great
ambassador for NASCAR and the sport of auto racing. Our prayers go out to
his wife, Teresa, Dale Jr., and the entire Earnhardt family, as well as
everyone at Dale Earnhardt Inc."(2-19-2001)
| From Brett Bodine and Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire
Earnhardt family. We have lost the greatest driver to ever sit in a NASCAR
Winston Cup car. He was a fierce competitor and a true champion. We will
miss him terribly(2-19-2001)
| Statement from Atlanta Motor Speedway President and General Manager Ed
Clark about the tragic loss of seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup champion Dale
Earnhardt: "American auto racing has lost its Babe Ruth, Arnold Palmer
and Michael Jordan. To millions of Americans, Dale Earnhardt was so much a
part of what life was all about. He expressed drive and determination in
everything he endeavored to do. He loved his profession like none other, and
there is simply no way this void can ever be filled. Racing has lost its
best ambassador."(2-19-2001)
| Statement from Joe Gibbs regarding the passing of Dale Earnhardt: “On
behalf of everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing, we would like to extend our
heartfelt sympathies to Teresa and the entire Earnhardt family as well as
everyone at Dale Earnhardt Incorporated and Richard Childress Racing. While
Dale was a fierce competitor on and off the track and leader in the
community, he was a member of our family and as you can imagine, we are
grieving that loss.”(2-19-2001)
| Statement from Bobby Labonte regarding the passing of Dale Earnhardt:
“I, like everyone else, am in shock with the passing of Dale Earnhardt.
Besides being an incredible driver and spokesman for the sport he so loved,
he was a true friend and has been a major influence on my life and career.
Understandably, my family’s thoughts are with Teresa, Kerry, Kelly, Dale
Jr, and Taylor Nicole as well as all of the employees and their families at
Richard Childress Racing and Dale Earnhardt Incorporated. May God bless all
of them and watch over them in this time of need.”(2-19-2001)
| Statement from Tony Stewart regarding the passing of Dale Earnhardt:
“Dale Earnhardt made a difference in the world. On the track, he made us
all better drivers because he set a standard of excellence we all aspired to
achieve. He had a passion and a desire that took the sport of NASCAR to a
new level every time he climbed in the car. Off the track he was a kind,
giving, loving man who gave his all to his family and friends. He worked
tirelessly to make the world a better place for as many people as possible
who were less fortunate than he. I did not know him as long as most of the
other drivers but he made a huge impact on my life in the years I have been
in NASCAR. I am grateful and blessed to have had the benefit of his wisdom
and guidance. My heart and prayers go out to his wife Teresa; his children
Dale Jr., Kerry, Kelley and Taylor; and all his family and
friends."(2-19-2001)
The Flag at DIS on Sunday night in honor of Dale
| | Regarding the loss of 2000 IROC Champion, Dale Earnhardt in yesterday's
Daytona 500, series President Jay Signore said, "There are no words to
express the extreme sense of loss we are all feeling now. Dale's greatness
as a champion speaks for itself. The significant loss is of the man himself;
we've lost a dear friend. On behalf of the series' founders Roger Penske,
Les Richter, and the entire team, our condolences to Theresa, Kelly King,
Dale Jr., Kerry and Taylor Nicole, as well as to all those at Dale Earnhardt
Incorporated and the Richard Childress organization."(2-19-2001)
| Statement from H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler, president and general manager of
Lowe’s Motor Speedway about the tragic loss of seven-time NASCAR Winston
Cup champion Dale Earnhardt: “He was a good friend and I’m still in
shock. This is a terrible, terrible loss and, for me, it ranks right up
there with the death of JFK. Dale was the Michael Jordan of our sport. “We
always thought of Dale as being invincible, so when he didn’t climb out of
that car after the wreck I knew it was bad. “I talked to him this morning
before the race and he was poised to challenge for an unprecedented eighth
championship and was really looking forward to a fantastic season. “I knew
Dale’s father, Ralph, and I’ve know Dale since he was a little boy. He
had things pretty tough when his father passed away when he was young and I
was so proud of the way he turned out and the way he represented our sport.
“Behind that macho facade was a real sensitive individual who did a lot of
things for a lot of people and didn’t want any publicity in return. He was
part of a very loving family and was truly an extraordinary human being. To
think he is not around anymore is incomprehensible. “Right now, we’ve
got to do what we can do to help his family get through this terrible time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his mother, Martha, his wife, Teresa, and
his children—Kerry, Dale, Jr., Kelly and Taylor Nicole. “We will never
fill the void left by the loss of Dale Earnhardt.”(2-18-2001)
| “It’s hard to put into words what the loss of Dale Earnhardt means. I
feel without question he was the greatest driver we have ever had. At a time
when the popularity of NASCAR has been rapidly growing across this country,
we can thank Dale Earnhardt for a lot of that attention. The fan base he
enjoyed is unparalleled in this sport. Our hearts and prayers are with his
family," said Martinsville Speedway president Clay Campbell(2-18-2001)
| Statement from Johnny Benson On Dale Earnhardt's Death: "There is
really nothing I can say right now. I found out about Dale after I got home
(Cornelius,N.C) tonight. I'm very sad. NASCAR lost its greatest driver and
probably the greatest driver it will ever have. My heart goes out to his
family, his crew, his friends and his fans. There is no better group of fans
in our sport and I feel for them tonight also. Our sport will go on, but I
don't think it will ever be the same. NASCAR is about family, and I can't
think of a time in its history when it needs to pull together like a family.
I know everyone on our team and our entire sport sends its condolences to
everyone hurting."(2-18-2001)
| Drivers Reaction: IMMEDIATE DRIVER REACTION: EARNHARDT PASSES:
JEREMY MAYFIELD, Penske Racing; Mobil 1 Taurus:
"I don't know what to say. This is incredible, just incredible. I think
everybody is just in shock right now. "I didn't see much of what
happened up there (in the fourth turn). After the race was over, I heard
things didn't look very good but, man, Earnhardt. You figure he'll bounce
right back. Your first thought is, hey, he'll probably come back next week
at Rockingham and beat us all. My heart goes out to Theresa and Dale, Jr.,
Kerry and Kelly, and to Taylor Nicole."
JOHN ANDRETTI, Petty Enterprises; Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge:
"I feel like somebody kicked me in the chest. I'm stunned. And I'm
really sad. That's about all I can say."
KYLE PETTY, Petty Enterprises; Sprint Dodge:
"No matter where it happens or how it happens or even how prepared you
think you might be for it, losing somebody close to you hurts. My heart just
breaks for Theresa and the family."(Williams
Company)(2-18-2001)
| Rick Mast: "What can I say, the guy was my hero. I'll never
forget talking with him about doing one of my benefits in Lexington. He had
been hurt a few days before and he still showed up as if nothing happened.
Even after health problems, he was a man of his word to show up for the
benefit." The Rockbridge Baths driver added, "People don't realize
how generous this man was. Dale was very generous, especially behind the
scenes. Dale shoes will never be filled. He was a very, very talented
racecar driver. He was the best."(2-18-2001)
| President Bush called the widow of Dale Earnhardt on Sunday night to
express his condolences after the race car driver was killed in a crash at
the Daytona 500. Bush spokesman Gordon Johndroe said the president's
"prayers are with the Earnhardt family and the NASCAR community."
Bush has attended NASCAR events and considered Earnhardt and his wife,
Teresa, to be friends. In July, Bush visited Daytona Beach to serve as grand
marshal of the Pepsi 400 and shook hands with NASCAR fans, racing crews and
drivers. After greeting fans during the July visit, Bush sat in on the
pre-race driver's meeting, taking a seat in the front row next to Earnhardt.
Bush then watched the race in the private box of NASCAR chairman Bill France
Jr.(AJC/AP)(2-19-2001) |
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