The 2001 Daytona 500 race is one of the darkest chapters in NASCAR’s history. The sport not just lost their favorite driver, but also a team leader and mentor for his team, Dale Earnhardt Inc. Back then, the team was at a crossroads of deciding whether to return to the racetrack next weekend at the Rockingham Speedway. “In my mind, it was indecision, do we go to Rockingham or do we sit out?” Michael Waltrip revealed. 

Now the Intimidator wouldn’t want to see his passion project hit the brakes after his demise. If anything, he would’ve wished that his team, scaled new heights. Well, the guys at DEI came to an understanding that the best way to honor Dale Earnhardt would be to race their hearts out on the track. And well they did just that at the Dura Lube 400. Waltrip opened the account for the season at Daytona, and following up was Steve Park.

Park won the Dura Lube 400 on the iconic Rockingham track in 2001. Right after his victory, this veteran driver raised a #3 cap as a celebratory gesture and a tribute to his team owner. He was present at the Daytona International Speedway, where Dale suffered a fatal crash that took his life. As the No. 1 Chevy did the Polish lap on the frontstretch, the fans in the grandstands roared in remembrance of their hero. Even Waltrip joined the moment as he gave his teammate a high-five while running the tribute lap. It was an emotional moment for everyone, and Park couldn’t control himself in the victory lane.

Post-victory, Park said in an interview, “You know Dale’s the one that taught me how to drive in this place. He taught me to stay off the brakes and I stayed off the brakes all day long and I won this race. God bless the whole family. Thank God for this.” 

Steve Park’s gesture made the attendees emotional. They were still processing their beloved racer’s death. His victory wasn’t just a title but a win for the team and those who mourned Earnhardt’s death. Fox Sports’ broadcasting legend, Mike Joy, told in an interview with the Charlotte Observer, “The fact that one of Dale’s cars won that race, with Steve Park driving, I think gave everybody a chance to breathe and say, ‘OK, this is not going to be easy. It’s not going to be like it was, but we’re certainly in a better place than we were several days ago, and we’re going to move on. We’re going to move this sport forward because it’s what we all have to do.”

Park’s tribute to Dale Earnhardt wasn’t special because of the former’s victory, but also for the bond he shared with the Intimidator.

Steve Park revealed an unexplored side of the iconic Dale Earnhardt

In a discussion on the Door Bumper Clear podcast, this veteran driver revealed how Dale was equally intimidating outside the track. Speaking of how he once sent a jet to pick him, the former NASCAR driver said, “You see Dale on TV, he’s not that nice. So I’m like, I’m thinking it’s a friend, somebody playing a joke.”  Park recalled how he didn’t believe it until a reminder message from Dale. Then Randy Smith, his spotter, took him to the airport, where they discovered a Learjet with Earnhardt’s crest on its tail.

The 2001 Dura Lube 400 winner added, “I’m looking out the little window, and Randy’s looking out the window of the FBO, and I’m waving, and he’s waving like two little kids. Like we’re never gonna see each other again. Like Earnhardt kidnapped him, and he’s never coming back. And next thing you know, me and Dale are sitting in the back of his plane. Me and Dale Earnhardt. Like, for hours we’re talking about my family and my parents.”

Park was confused that Dale didn’t ask him anything about his career. However, what followed next was something that itched forever in NASCAR fans’ hearts- a revelation of Dale’s warm heart. Park continued, “Well, you wanna know a little bit about my racing career?’ He’s like, ‘No, I know all about your racing career. I wanna know more about you personally. Like your family, where you grew up. How you grew up.”

For Steve Park, Dale Earnhardt wasn’t just a colleague, but also a friend and mentor. While we’ve known Earnhardt for his fearless racing on tracks and the accolades he bagged, there was more to him than meets the eye. Perhaps the Amazon Prime docuseries will help fans understand the non-racer personality of the Intimidator, and that is going to be an emotional moment for the entire racing community.