Keeping his eye on the prize, NASCAR’s Intimidator would either cruise past his competitors or shove them out of his way to get ahead. An exceptionally talented driver with an aggressive driving style, Richard Childress Racing driver Dale Earnhardt is unarguably a legend when it comes to the world of motorsports. But is bumping competitors enough to qualify someone as an intimidator?
Of course not. NASCAR was left with an inexplicable void with Earnhardt’s sudden demise during the 2001 Daytona 500. And to date, no other driver has been able to fill that void. Probably because, apart from his skilled and aggressive driving style, Earnhardt’s off-track charm and charisma made him the iconic personality that we know today.
But has NASCAR finally found its new Intimidator?
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Kaulig Racing spotter names the ‘new Dale Earnhardt’
In one of the episodes of Door Bumper Clear, Kaulig Racing spotter Brett Griffin shared his opinion about who he thinks could be the new Dale Earnhardt. Explaining why he feels that the Trackhouse Racing driver Ross Chastain is the closest thing to the Intimidator, Griffin said,
“There is this guy, the new Dale Earnhardt. In terms of how he races. See, are people intimidated by Ross Chastain? Is that a fair question? Why don’t they do anything back to him?”
However, disagreeing with Griffin’s opinion, the show’s co-host Casey Boat said, “I don’t think they are intimidated by him. I don’t think he does it like ‘Oh! I just wanna wreck this person.’ I think he truly just wants to get to the front and doesn’t care who is in his way.”
However, reiterating his point, Griffin immediately added, “So did Dale Earnhardt. He meant to rattle his cage, he said.” Clarifying that he didn’t want people to be upset with his opinion, Griffin further encouraged fans to share their thoughts on Twitter.
Kyle Busch fans disagree with Brett Griffin’s statement
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Wait. Why are Kyle Busch fans mad about it?
Well, probably because Kyle Busch is also known for kicking people out of his way on the track while making his name with his extraordinary driving skills. Famous as ‘Rowdy,’ Busch does share some traits with the iconic #3 driver Dale Earnhardt.
Hence, disapproving of Brett Griffin’s opinion, several Kyle Busch fans shared their explanations of why they feel Rowdy is the closest thing to the Intimidator.
I would disagree. Kyle Busch is closest to Dale. For the most part, Dale didn’t go out and wreck everyone in his path every week. Sure he had some really controversial dust ups, but that wasn’t everything. He had amazing race craft and awareness. Kyle also has that. Ross doesn’t.
— Noah Moore (@maybe_its_noah) May 3, 2023
I think Kyle Busch has been far closer to Earnhardt then Chastain (def on his way)
— 2Z Designs (@2Z_Designs) May 3, 2023
It’s Kyle Busch.
— B-MAC (Brass Bonanza) (@Viva_La_Snowman) May 3, 2023
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Nope he's not. It's Kyle Busch.
— Tyler Reddick is the bestest (@rallyhyperion) May 3, 2023
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WATCH THIS STORY: 5 Times Dale Earnhardt Proved He’s “The Intimidator”
While there were some who agreed with Griffin’s statements, others suggested different drivers like Joey Logano and Tony Stewart as the next Dale Earnhardt. What do you make of that? Let us know who you think has been able to come close to the Intimidator in the comments below.