“Go or blow” was the moniker that raised eyebrows, catching the attention of the crowd long before the #3 Jet Black Chevy of the great Dale Earnhardt aka “The Intimidator” laid siege to the NASCAR world. Before the time of Earnhardt, old-school fans knew his father Ralph Earnhardt, who was known for his exceptional skill both as a racecar driver and a capable builder of them.

However, with years rolling by like pages in a book, new and younger fans of the sport don’t know the late veteran as much as today’s drivers. In fact, even his grandson and NASCAR’s most popular veteran, Dale Earnhardt Jr “learned a ton” about his grandfather.

With NASCAR enthusiast and historians dropping a well-edited video, the JR Motorsports co-owner couldn’t be thankful enough and hold himself back from sharing his thoughts as he reached out to the makers, appreciating their effort to spread the old-timer’s legacy and greatness to the new generation.

Unearthing Ralph Earnhardt’s forgotten past

Last year, Dale Jr got into NASCAR history books when he was inducted into the list of all-time greats of the sport. In the process, the veteran achieved another monumental acclaim. He became the third generation driver from the Earnhardt family to get the recognition after his grandfather Ralph Earnhardt and his father, the 7-time Cup Series champion, Dale Earnhardt was named in 1998.

While Junior was already a popular presence on the field, the greatest moniker only added to the Earnhardt family legacy. So what is this family legacy? Who started it all? Well, the short answer is Ralph Earnhardt, Dale Jr’s grandfather, was the first racer in the family that gave the community their favorite hero, Dale Earnhardt.

With little to nothing known about the old-timer, NASCAR historian, Brock Beard and nascarman shared a fascinating tweet into the late driver’s life, shedding light into his early career and intriguing tale. Following the tweet, Dale Jr retweeted the post, extending his gratitude and showing his appreciation with the caption, “Man this is incredible. I learned a ton of new stuff about my grandfather. Much appreciation @LASTCARonBROCK and @nascarman_rr.” 

Here while Dale Earnhardt Jr. is learning about his grandfather, 2 time Cup Series winner (or as it was called back then: Grand National Series Champion) recalled a moment from during his days when they competed.

WATCH THIS STORY: Tragedy strike Dale Earnhardt Jr as veteran employee Ryan Pamberton passes away 

Gone but not forgottten – Rival and friend, Ned Jarrett, details how it was like racing against Ralph Earnhardt

Trending

Richard ‘The King’ Petty Comes Clean on Legacy MC’s Cup Struggles With Heartbreaking Admission

“It Terrifies Me”: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Confesses an Unexpected Fear of His Iconic NASCAR Trophies

“This Is Such a Sticky Thing” – Dale Earnhardt Jr. Rescues NASCAR With Kevin Harvick’s Former Ally Breathing Down Their Necks

Joe Gibbs’ Star Ran Out of Talent, Claims Bubba Wallace Insider After Successive Kansas Fumbles

“I’m Not Doing It”- Denny Hamlin Confesses the Only Condition That Would Bring Carl Edwards Back to NASCAR

According to nascarman, Ralph Earnhardt, during his time in NASCAR, won over 350 races. Meanwhile, other sources say he raced 51 times in NASCAR but won 0. But the late driver did a lot to keep the food on the table for his family. However, what he was successful at was racing cars on dirt tracks. In the racing circle, he was known to keep his machine in immaculate condition and knew when and how to push the car and not destroy it like some drivers in the current generation are accustomed to.

Winning races with last lap passes was his forte. Very much suiting to his moniker, “Go or blow,” he was selectively aggressive with a distinctive charisma. His great rival and friend, Ned Jarrett, vividly recalled the incident when Ralph bumped Jarrett off the track, but only to say, ‘Ned, I didn’t mean to hit you going into that turn.’

Jarrett further added, mentioning his charming personality. He was also known for being an exceptional race car builder, with the driver taking great pride in the fact that he is one. According to Daily Independent’s 1959, August 16 publication, Ralph is quoted as, “I believe my reputation as a builder of raicng engines equals my reputation as a driver.” 

READ MORE: Martin Truex Jr’s Copycat Attempt Leaves Dale Earnhardt Jr in Splits Amidst JGR’s Broadcast Booth Mimicry