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Back in 1995, Jeff Gordon clinched his maiden NASCAR Cup Series championship. Around that time, the legendary Dale Earnhardt poked fun at the Hendrick Motorsports driver’s youth. Before the season, he made a bet that if Gordon won the championship, he would have to toast everyone with milk.

Later on, he went on to claim the Cup Series title, to everyone’s surprise. At the NASCAR post-season award ceremony, he recalled his bet with Earnhardt Sr. Gordon said, “I’d like to recognize the man who never let up on his efforts to win his eighth championship. Dale Earnhardt is a true competitor and a great champion. At this time, I would like to offer a toast to the man! Dale, great effort man! Here’s some milk.”

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Of course, an amused Dale Earnhardt showed that he was a good sport about the joke. He even toasted the newly crowned Cup Series champion, as he was forced to eat his words. Since then, Gordon has gone on to win the 1997, 1998 and 2001 Cup Series titles. Meanwhile, Dale Earnhardt Sr cemented his status as a NASCAR legend.

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Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt were fierce rivals back in the day

During that 1995 season, Dale Sr did his utmost to establish his seniority and experience. Around that time, Jeff Gordon was the new kid on the block, and Dale Earnhardt was notorious in the paddock. In fact, his nickname is the Intimidator, mostly due to his infamous ‘Pass in the Grass’ move in 1987 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

via Getty

However, Gordon refused to get cowed and held his ground against the legend. Furthermore, Dale Sr clearly recognized that Gordon was the future of NASCAR. Though he decided to be sure by testing him on the track and away from it. With this jab about milk, Jeff Gordon clearly proved that he can give just as well as he can take jabs.

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