On February 18, 2001, the world of NASCAR changed forever. Dale Earnhardt, the sport’s biggest name, passed away during the final lap of the Daytona 500. He was doing what he always did: racing hard and protecting his team. As Michael Waltrip led the race and Dale Earnhardt Jr. chased him down in second, Dale Sr. held off the pack post that. He blocked aggressively. In Turn 4, a nudge from behind sent his black No. 3 Chevrolet into the wall.

It didn’t look like a deadly crash. But it was. A basilar skull fracture ended his life instantly. His death sent shockwaves through NASCAR, leaving fans, drivers, and colleagues devastated. Known as The Intimidator, Earnhardt was a symbol of strength on the track, and his rivalry with other greats, like Richard Petty, became the stuff of legends. Yet, beneath the tough exterior, many close to Earnhardt revealed a different side—a side that was often hidden from the public eye.

Humpy Wheeler, former Lowe’s Motor Speedway president, once said, “Behind that macho facade was a real sensitive individual who did a lot of things for a lot of people and didn’t want any publicity in return.” This glimpse into Earnhardt’s life beyond the track resonated deeply with many fans, who had always known him as a fierce competitor, a man who would never show weakness. Now, over two decades after his tragic passing, NASCAR fans are about to experience a side of Dale Earnhardt they never knew existed.

Prime Video brings unseen footage of Dale Sr.

Prime Video is bringing the legendary driver’s unseen legacy to light with a new four-part docuseries titled Earnhardt. The trailer and premiere date have fans buzzing, as they eagerly await the chance to learn more about the man behind the intimidating persona. The docuseries promise to reveal rare archival footage and intimate interviews with those who knew him best. Prime Video’s Earnhardt docuseries is set to premiere on May 22, just days before the network’s first-ever NASCAR Cup Series race broadcast.

The first two episodes, Ironhead and The Intimidator, land on May 22. The final two—One Tough Customer and Dale—arrive May 29. The trailer teases never-before-seen footage, emotional interviews, and insights into the man behind the helmet. The project is backed by heavy hitters. Imagine Documentaries, Everyone Else, and NASCAR Studios joined forces with Dirty Mo Media, Dale Jr.’s company, to tell the full story. However, the trailer drop has left NASCAR fans emotional.

One fan, reacting to the trailer, wrote, “Yeah, those are my heartstrings. Gonna need you to stop tugging at them, please.” That reaction mirrors thousands. People still feel Dale’s absence. Many fans, especially from the ‘90s and early 2000s era, grew up watching him. He wasn’t just a driver—he was part of the family. His impact wasn’t just on the track. His No. 3 Goodwrench Chevrolet is one of the most recognizable cars in sports. Even after his death, he shaped safety rules.

Notably, the docuseries will explore the life and career of Dale Earnhardt in detail. Episode 1, Ironhead, takes viewers back to Earnhardt’s early days in racing, highlighting his rise to stardom and the challenges he faced in his second season. Episode 2, The Intimidator, dives into the persona that Earnhardt crafted on the track. This was the bad boy of NASCAR, the driver who struck fear into his competitors. But behind the helmet, there were moments of vulnerability that fans will get to witness for the first time.

The following episodes, One Tough Customer and Dale will focus on Earnhardt’s quest for an eighth championship and his legendary relationship with his son, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Episode 4 will culminate in the 2001 Daytona 500, where Earnhardt’s tragic death would change the sport forever. It will be a powerful moment in the series, bringing fans back to that fateful day and offering a closer look at the legacy he left behind.

In addition to the Earnhardt docuseries, Prime Video has several other NASCAR-related shows lined up. Fans will get to enjoy a range of content, including the upcoming American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans, a documentary about NASCAR’s entry into the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2023. This will further cement Prime Video’s role as a major player in bringing NASCAR to a global audience. Apart from that in 2026, they will also produce a documentary on Kyle Larson’s historic Double attempt.

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Fans fail to hold emotions for Dale Earnhardt

The anticipation surrounding the Earnhardt docuseries is palpable, with fans expressing their emotions on social media. Many have shared how they have been waiting for a deeper look into the personal life of one of NASCAR’s greatest icons. One wrote, “I still watch the DALE documentary at least once a year. From what I heard, this is going to be a lot more in-depth with how he was as a person outside the track and as a father. It’s gonna be awesome.”

That sums up the emotional pull this new series carries. Notably, this won’t be the first documentary or series on Dale Sr. But this promises to be the first ever with real footage from NASCAR’s archives. Many pointed out the long-overdue deep dive into Earnhardt’s personal life. One user said, “That Earnhardt doc looks incredible. Prime got the archival footage NASCAR fans have been begging for. Intimidator’s legacy still looms large 20+ years later.”

Younger fans also feel the weight. “I was 11 years old in 2001. I still remember that 500. I’ve never been so ready to watch a documentary, but also not too knowing it’s gonna hit me harder probably than it did back then.” These reactions show that Dale Earnhardt’s death wasn’t just a moment—it was a collective trauma for a generation. The love hasn’t faded. Even new NASCAR fans know the No. 3. They know the name. That’s rare in a sport that moves on fast.

Another user echoed the sentiments, saying, “Lost my dad last month and @DaleJr and his determination to keep his dad’s legacy going is my pure inspiration to do the same.” Stories like this aren’t rare- Dale Sr. wasn’t just a racer, he was a symbol of resilience. And Dale Jr. has carried that torch like a pro. With Earnhardt, Prime Video is betting big on emotion, nostalgia, and storytelling. And judging by the early reactions, it’s going to work. Dale may be gone, but The Intimidator still drives the emotions of millions. And thanks to this docuseries, fans are finally going to meet Dale Earnhardt—the father, the son, the man, not just the myth in black.