As we near the 50th running of the Daytona 500. Who could forget about the most memorable win in the 500. Of course it was that of the late Dale Earnhardt Sr. 19 times he took a shot at winning the Great American Race. And 19 times he came up short. 4 times finishing 2nd. Close enough to smell victory, but yet not enough to taste it.

 His most painful loss had to be in 1990 when on the last lap. The enevitable happened. He was leading coming into turn 3. But coming out, he cut a tire. That eventually costed him the win. Dale earnhardt Sr. One of the most winningest drivers to ever take to the 2.5 mile oval. His 34 race wins on the famed oval is still a record that has not been touched. He would dominate the 125 mile qualifying races. Winning 12 of them, including 10 in a row. He was also a 6 time Bud Shootout winner. But the one victory that he sought after the most.

 Was always just a lap or two away from his grasp. Earnhardt had already won the hearts of many racing fans. But along with that love, also came the hate from those who didn't understand him. He was one of the true warriors of the racing world. Winning just about every race that any driver could ever dream of.

When restrictor plate racing entered the Nascar world. He was crowned king of the restrictor plates. Fellow drivers even confessed, that he was the only driver, that could possibly see air. He drove hard. And he was good. He was way beyond his time. He had his dirty side, but also had the respect of his fellow drivers.                                                      

Driving lines that they could only imagine. Earnhardt was the epitome of all drivers who ever had dreams, of someday becoming a Daytona champion. Then on that special day, February,15,1998. His dream finally came true. With 2 laps to go, John Andretti, Lake speed, and Jimmy Spencer got tangled up in a 3 car crash. At the age of 46, Earnhardt couldn't believe what was happening.

Were the racing gods actually on his side. Did what happen, actually happen. All that was needed, was for him to beat the other 39 cars back to the line. Remember, back then they didn't freeze the field when the caution came out. Earnhardt drove, as hard as he had ever driven. He said that his eyes started to water. He couldn't believe that on his 20th try. That he was actually gonna live a dream that eluded him for 19 years.          

He was finally gonna become a Daytona 500 champion. So excited. So relieved. That after crossing the line. He did doughnuts on the Daytona infield grass. Earnhardt finally got the mokey off of his back. Dale Earnhardt Sr, was finally a champion at the same track, that took his life 3 years later. 

No other driver had ever wanted something so bad. Even his fellow drivers knew it. They all lined up on pit road to give the man, who was so much deserving of the win, high five's and to congratulate a true Nascar champion. His race win is remembered, by a statue out front of the world famous speedway. Thanks for the many memories, but especially the one that all of your fans wanted the most, and it was that Daytona 500 win.