Very few father-son duos in NASCAR history have been as iconic as Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Who knows how much the duo could have achieved together on track had it not been for Dale Sr.’s untimely death at Daytona International Speedway in 2001? It’s clear as day that nobody misses ‘The Intimidator’ more than his son, and the 49-year-old appears to be opening up about his relationship with his father with every passing year.

On Dale Jr. Download, Junior spoke to his dad’s best friend Donnie Rives, and took a moment to admire Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s sheer determination in the face of adversity when the intimidator lost his father, Ralph Earnhardt.

A comparison of the Earnhardts and their journeys

They say when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. That’s exactly how Dale Jr. views his father, Dale Earnhardt Sr. The family has been involved in NASCAR for three generations, with Ralph Earnhardt starting his career as a cotton mill worker before becoming a dirt track racer as a means to uplift himself. Despite Ralph not wanting his son to pursue a career in the fast lane, Dale Earnhardt Sr. thought otherwise. He dropped out of school to pursue a career in racing, becoming one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history.

Reflecting on his grandfather’s death on September 26, 1973, Dale Earnhardt Jr. spoke about the difficulties Dale Sr. went through in comparison to his privileged lifestyle. He said, “When I lost Dad, I had a comfortable existence. I had a job and an amazing race team around me, and I had everything, right? When he lost his dad, he had nothing. He was working a job, at Great Dane or whatever, right? I mean, he had nothing.”

Further highlighting the hard conditions, Jr. added, “Barely enough food in the fridge to eat, no racing job; I think it’s so incredible that he made it out of sheer determination. I made it because I had so much supporting me at that moment. I had a lot of support around me. 74, 75, 76, 77 He’s just making it up, trying his hardest every day. I don’t know how in the hell he did it. It’s insane what he accomplished. Put in that position, losing his dad, his direction, his guidance, and being just left like a vessel out in the open sea, to figure out his way home.”

Nothing comes easy, and the Earnhardt family has had to earn their keep as well. Ralph Earnhardt was not just a dirt track racer; he was also a mentor to other drivers, a skilled mechanic, and one of NASCAR’s all-time winningest drivers with over 350 victories. It seems grit, hard work, and determination run in the family, as all three generations have made their mark on the racing world, with an unmatched legacy that has earned them royalty status within the NASCAR community.

In a true rags-to-riches story, Dale Sr. went from being a man struggling to make ends meet to become one of NASCAR’s all-time successful drivers, winning seven Winston Cup Championships, the same as Richard Petty and Jimmie Johnson. His many achievements came with his best friend Donnie Rives by his side, who was also with him when his father passed away in 1973 at the age of 45.

Donnie Rives also reflects on Ralph Earnhardt’s passing

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As one of Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s oldest friends, Rives has seen the Intimidator’s mercurial rise in the racing world. The pair were close to each other right until Dale Sr.’s demise.

Speaking to Junior, Donnie Rives said, “Well, it was a real shock, but when he passed away, that’s the same time the doctors had already told him he was going to have to lay off [racing]. During that time, I wasn’t down there as much, but I really missed him, and of course, I told Dale, I did.” Responding to how Dale Earnhardt Sr. overcame Ralph Earnhardt’s death, Donnie Rives also said, “It’s amazing what man can do if he has to do it.”

Ralph Earnhardt’s death came at a time when Dale Earnhardt was starting his NASCAR career. Whether it was Ralph Earnhardt’s passing, or maybe Dale Earnhardt Sr. was always destined for greatness, the legendary driver showed that everything can be achieved through talent, hard work, and determination. Traits that Dale Earnhardt Jr. continues to admire to this very day. God rest Dale and Ralph Earnhardt’s souls in peace up in heaven!