The world of NASCAR stood at a standstill on the night of February 18, 2001. One of the greatest heroes the sport had ever seen, Dale Earnhardt, lost his life in a tragic accident that night. What happened after the last lap of the Daytona 500 that year was unparalleled. Even the most hardened of people had tears in their eyes. Some couldn’t find terms with the way death came for their beloved racer. Others were stunned to the core. No one was at peace that night, except for the man loved and celebrated by everyone.

But maybe it wasn’t the end. Indeed, there was light at the end of the tunnel. At least that’s how the fans may have experienced when his son Dale Earnhardt Jr. won at the same racetrack five months later. As the then-29-year-old led for 116 laps, the entire NASCAR universe wanted Dale Earnhardt Jr. to win. Years later, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Michael Waltrip reminisce about the iconic moment. It seems that the NASCAR legend has gone back to relive that time.

Throwback to an emotional Dale Earnhardt Jr. finish

One can only imagine what Dale Earnhardt Jr. was feeling as he led the Daytona 500. With February’s past horrors flashing before him—self-doubt, tremors, and tears—he never relinquished his lead. It took his father 20 years to win this race; Dale Jr. wasn’t going to wait that long. His final push to victory was fueled by a deep, personal drive. The signature Earnhardt doughnuts were a poignant message: Dale Jr. remembers and honors his father, blending celebration with sorrow.

Years later, Michael Waltrip, the other member of the iconic 1-2 finish for Earnhardt Inc., fondly remembers the beautiful moment when their two cars sailed to the checkered flag and the celebrations that followed. Sharing the iconic moment, Waltrip described it as “The Daytona summer joy that is unmatched in my life,” in a story shared by Dale Jr. It made NASCAR fans remember the first time they could smile after the tragic death of Dale Earnhardt Sr.

The protagonist of that moment, Dale Earnhardt Jr., also couldn’t hold himself back from giving Waltrip a revert back on his post. The signal from Earnhardt Jr. was loud and Dale Earnhardt Jr. re-shared Waltrip’s post on his Instagram story and a NASCAR video before that, which aptly described the finish as “This one was bigger than racing.” Waltrip was not the only one who held a special place in his heart for this historic moment. Dale Earnhardt Jr. re-shared Waltrip’s post on his Instagram story and a NASCAR video before that, which aptly described the finish as “This one was bigger than racing.” Through these gestures, Earnhardt Jr. has shown how much he cherishes this race in his heart.

Michael Waltrip has been a longtime friend of the Earnhardt family. A two-time Daytona 500 winner himself, Waltrip has been associated with Dale Earnhardt Inc. from 2001 to 2005. He was a part of both Daytona in 2001 as well. The tragic one that took Dale Earnhardt away from the racing community forever. And then three months later, when Dale Earnhardt Jr. gave fans a reason to smile again. Waltrip is also a team owner, NASCAR analyst for FOX Sports, and author of the best-selling book, ‘In the blink of an eye.’

Not just in 2001, the Daytona 500 has been a remarkable feature of the coveted career of Dale Earnhardt Jr. The NASCAR legend’s record at the venue is the exact opposite of his father’s. While Dale Senior had to wait 20 years to achieve a win at the venue, his son impressed everyone at the venue throughout his career.

Daytona: A golden chapter in Dale Jr.’s record book

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The Daytona International Speedway has always been a special venue in Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s career. His Jr.’s coveted career includes 26 NASCAR Cup Series wins. Out of these, he secured a win at the Daytona 500 twice. Once in 2004, when the young Dale Earnhardt Jr. took an impeccable pass with 20 laps to go. The NASCAR legend would then maintain his lead to finish off first in some style. Another win came later on in his career. When a much-experienced Dale Earnhardt Jr. participated in the race in 2014.

After experiencing the longest race delay of six hours in its history, Dale Earnhardt Jr. started the 2014 Daytona 500 in a comfortable position. However, as the race progressed, there were severe challenges to his lead from Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski, and Jeff Gordons. Dale Jr. led the last laps and ended his 55-race winless streak.

Apart from the wins, Dale Jr. has also finished second in 2010 and a third-place finish in 2005.

What are your best moments from the extraordinary career of Dale Earnhardt Jr.? Tell us in the comments down below.