Fourteen years ago today, Dale Earnhardt, who emerged from the mill town of Kannapolis, N.C. and became the beloved “Intimidator,” died in a final-lap crash in the Daytona 500.
Today, the NASCAR community gets back to work in preparation for this year’s 500, but many within that community took a moment to remember Earnhardt on social media.
His son, Dale Earnhardt Jr., who last year one-upped his father by claiming a second 500 title, did so with this poignant tweet:
One this day I do not mourn his death. I thank God he lived. #DaleEarnhardt
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) February 18, 2015
His daughter, JR Motorsports co-owner Kelley Earnhardt Miller, also paid tribute:
Greatest NASCAR Driver ever. Gone too soon. Miss you Dad. pic.twitter.com/hxZdRwwSv2
— Kelley Earnhardt (@EarnhardtKelley) February 18, 2015
Former Cup champion and NASCAR on NBC analyst Dale Jarrett posted this nice garage photo of himself and Earnhardt:
Remembering Dale Earnhardt today. #nascar pic.twitter.com/AuE09PqL21
— Dale Jarrett (@DaleJarrett) February 18, 2015
And the team Earnhardt raced for, Richard Childress Racing, had a photo of him with his helmet on, ready to race:
Remembering Dale today. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/8SnZZ19Q68
— RCR (@RCRracing) February 18, 2015
Here are some other reflections from the Twittersphere...
It's hard to believe it's been 14 years. #DaleEarnhardt #NASCAR
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) February 18, 2015
When @DaleJr tweeted today was the day Sr passed away it made me sad, BUT Like Jr said I am happy Sr lived😀 pic.twitter.com/jkv2TXdx2n
— Kenny Wallace (@Kenny_Wallace) February 18, 2015
We celebrate a legend, we celebrate a friend, we celebrate a father...
— Richmond Raceway (@RichmondRaceway) February 18, 2015
The Intimidator #DaleEarnhardt pic.twitter.com/0HCfaH3WsP
14 yrs ago Mike Helton spoke those eerie words, "We've lost Dale Earnhardt."
— Kansas Speedway (@kansasspeedway) February 18, 2015
Today we remember the man in black. pic.twitter.com/Ql1DZJ0Jez
Remembering inaugural @NASCARHall of Famer Dale Earnhardt today. #RIP Champ
— Winston Kelley (@WinstonKelley) February 18, 2015
Lighting a candle in my memory today for Dale Earnhardt - an honor to have covered him. He will always be missed.
— Claire B Lang (@ClaireBLang) February 18, 2015
On this date in 2001, Dale Earnhardt passed away. We miss you Dale. pic.twitter.com/ooutIUGiGP
— NASCAR Memories (@NASCARMemories) February 18, 2015
A candlelight tribute was to take place tonight at the Dale Earnhardt Inc. complex in North Carolina, but because of cold weather conditions, the Dale Earnhardt Foundation has instead asked fans to light a candle in his honor at home.