Even if you are not a NASCAR fan, you probably know the name Dale Earnhardt. Most all of his driving career was for owner Richard Childress, a driver in his own right. For years he tore up the tracks of NASCAR, establishing and setting records along the way (including seven championships). He was a man's man and was known for driving his trademark black #3 Goodwrench Chevrolet. Fellow racers got so unnerved when they saw him coming up from behind that they nicknamed him the Intimidator. Sadly, Dale met his demise on the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500. Unlike most sports, numbers are not retired in NASCAR, but they do remain with the team owner(s). Fans have mixed feelings about the resurgence of the iconic black #3; but it has been warmly welcomed when it has been brought out for limited pre race tribute runs. For better or worse the Intimidator's black #3 will return to the Sprint Cup Series for the 2014 season. Ironically it will be driven by Austin Dillon, the grandson of Richard Childress. Hopefully the pressure to perform up to the Intimidator's standards won't cause undue pressure on Austin. You got to believe that he knows the tradition behind the seat he will be in when they drop the checkered flag for this years Daytona 500. Whatever happens, it won't be the same for a lot of us Dale Earnhardt fans. But; this is a new generation and I wish Austin well.
The weather here is freezing one day and warm (50-60 deg) the next.
ReplyDeleteWe are going to Sheveport, La Friday - hope the temps are warmer. I don't leave my money too often on stupid things like ONE HARM BANDITS, so I'm sure we will do a lot of sightseeing. The couple that is going with us -she loves to gamble but not her husband, he stays in his room and watches western movies.
Should be an interesting week end. Tell Missy to update me on her surgery.