Dale Earnhardt Jr is a veteran in NASCAR. He won 26 times across Cup events, besides winning back-to-back Xfinity championships. But he was also bested several times by his rivals. One such time, his adversary was none other than his father, ‘The Intimidator’ himself. The thrilling last-lap rivalry still sends goosebumps across the NASCAR community.

And it is the perfect time to bring up this historic incident. Last weekend, we witnessed a chaotic finish to the Richmond race, as Austin Dillon went rogue to cross the finish line. But as we head towards Michigan, it would be poignant to remember the last-lap finish that trumped Dillon’s bump-and-run.

Dale Earnhardt Jr recalls family rivalry

The golden age of NASCAR was famous due to a slew of talented racers. However, Dale Earnhardt Sr‘s name may be the most iconic, as his ‘intimidating’ tactics were legendary. Ranging from his ‘Pass in the Grass’ move in 1987 to spinning Terry Labonte in 1999, Dale Sr is hailed for his aggressive moves. However, the year 1999 also witnessed him battling with an unlikely opponent at Michigan International Speedway – his own son, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

NASCAR on NBC recently posted the final lap moments of the IROC race held that year in Michigan. The caption dug into the spicy details about the father-son rivalry. “25 years ago, Dale Earnhardt beat Dale Jr. to the line by just 0.007 seconds to WIN at Michigan in IROC.” Although many Cup races have unfolded on the racetrack since then, Dale Earnhardt Jr still remembers the moment vividly. So he captioned his feeling of regret at being bested by his iconic dad. “I had him!!! Dang it. 😡”

The 1999 showdown at the Michigan track was truly thrilling. The epic face-off saw the father-son duo run side-by-side for a while, as Dale Sr effectively used side-drafting to get ahead. Ultimately, the Intimidator beat his son by a razor-sharp margin of 0.007 seconds. In a 2017 interview, Dale Earnhardt Jr beamed with pride at the incident. “Dad drove to the bottom, so I just went around a little bit higher, and it stuck, and I got along his outside. I was going by, and he hit me. It seemed like only me and him were racing each other for the win. I was very proud of that because I thought he was the best in the sport at the time.”

In 2024, the projected winners would face the challenge of rain other than that of facing competitive rivals. Ford has maintained a 9-year streak in Michigan, and expectations are solid for 10 years. Chris Buescher, who has been winless so far this season, might defend his Michigan title. A non-Ford driver who is also catching attention is Kyle Larson, who owns three victories at the track.

However, Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Michigan comeback was a story to tell.

Dale Jr snapped a big dry spell

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After his dad bested him in 1999, Dale Earnhardt Jr would face nine long years before finally winning in Michigan. But after winning in 2008, another dry spell set in, this time regarding his NASCAR fate in general. Four years of agonizing bad luck almost snapped Dale Jr’s hope before a fateful day at Michigan in 2012. He accomplished it in dominating fashion – Dale Jr led 95 laps and beat Tony Stewart by 5.393 seconds to the finish line. And like his last victory, this one also happened on Father’s Day.

So while commemorating the late Dale Sr’s legacy, Dale Jr confessed he was afraid of another slip-up. “That was the worst feeling, riding around there with 15 laps to go, wondering what was going to happen — how you were going to lose.” He also celebrated the fan reception. “As soon as I got out of the car, that was my initial thought — was about how many people were in their living rooms screaming at the top of their lungs, or running out in the yard, or whatever they do. I just wish I could see it all at once.”

It has been 12 years since Dale Jr’s victory, and 25 years since his dad beat him in Michigan. Let us wait and see what dramatic tale this race holds in store for us!