Remembering Earnhardt: Why he was special, and why I hated him when he was alive

-The documentary "Dale," narrated by Paul Newman, was released in early 2007. The movie explored the life of Earnhardt on and off the track, and it helped to explain why Earnhardt achieved legendary status. 7 Winston Cup Championships, 76 Cup wins, Daytona 500 winner, etc., etc., etc...All that's nice, but just look at the guy. He rules.



His mustache could suffocate someone. He did opponents a favor by wearing sunglasses: his eyes would otherwise cause people to go up in flames. Lastly, he dropped out of high school to race...awesome. I know one thing, Earnhardt got straight A's in "Domination."



Earnhardt truly lived the American Dream. The product of a poor mill-town; he was relentless on the track and did whatever it took to win.



It's the win-at-all-cost mentality that led me to hate him a couple of years ago. But even his best friends would tell you that he was a prick on the track. Earnhardt was just doing what he had to do to be a champion. By being a champion, Earnhardt succeeded in avoiding the fate of other mill town casualties who lived below the poverty line in Kannapolis, North Carolina.



We can all take comfort in the fact that Dale is racing that 3 car with the angels now...and he is probably winning, because Earnhardt doesn't lose to anybody.