Review by: Tia Caliente
February 18, 2001….a day that will live in infamy for all NASCAR fans. It was the day that we lost a great one….a 7 time Winston Cup Champion. Dale Earnhardt was only 49 years old. It was the first race of the season – the Daytona 500. If you are a NASCAR Fan (which I am), you either loved Dale Earnhardt (that would be me) or you hated him (that would be my dad). He was known as “The Terminator”, “The Man in Black”. Every driver will tell you that it would put immediate fear into their hearts when they would see that black car with the number 3 come up on their tail. He had no problem bumping other drivers; he felt it was just part of the game. But he also was a proud father of two sons (both race car drivers) and two daughters. He was a successful business man. He loved to hunt and fish. He loved country music and appeared in at least one video with Brooks & Dunn. He had a wicked sense of humor. And he had a smile that would light up a room.
As far as this book, I highly recommend it not only to fans of Dale Earnhardt, but also to anyone who wants to understand the life of a NASCAR driver. It doesn't always tell a flattering story; Dale sacrificed two marriages and time with his kids in order to become the success he was. And I hope it dispels the myth that NASCAR drivers aren't athletes; because what they put their bodies through is as physical as many other sports. I give this book 3 STARS.
Today, I watched the Pocono 500….as has been the case since Dale's death, the 3rd lap is silent, and the crowd holds up 3 fingers. Dale will always be in the thoughts of the drivers and fans of NASCAR. He is one of the greats. And he is missed.