[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Page 2676]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                       TRIBUTE TO DALE EARNHARDT

  Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. President, it has been almost two weeks since 
American sports lost one of its greatest legends. On a Sunday, just 
like any other Sunday, millions of NASCAR fans watched the concluding 
laps of the Daytona 500 race. But February 18, 2001 is a Sunday that 
even those who were not at the race track, or glued to their 
televisions, will never forget. This was the day that we lost the 
person who many say was the sport's fiercest competitor.
  I am, of course, speaking of Dale Earnhardt, a man who was aptly 
described as both ``NASCAR's greatest driver'' and ``the Intimidator.'' 
As fans, friends and family continue to mourn his death, he is also 
remembered by labels such as ``devoted husband'' and ``loving father'' 
whose fearlessness on the track was eclipsed only by the size of his 
heart.
  Adults and children alike are searching for the reasons why their 
hero was taken from them. Dale Earnhardt brought these strangers 
together, week after week, as a family devoted to following his career 
and celebrating his many victories. He became part of our lives through 
sports broadcasts and the media. He was only months away from his 50th 
birthday. He will not get to see his son follow in his footsteps and 
become a champion. But fans know that his devotion to the sport was so 
great that he was doing what he loved until the last moment.
  A week after this tragedy, before all of the tears had dried, NASCAR 
continued with the racing season, but Dale Earnhardt was far from 
forgotten. The respect for this man was so great that drivers and 
crewman, men who raced against him for years, wore black, red and 
silver caps with Earnhardt's number three on them to honor their fallen 
comrade.
  No one was ready to let Dale Earnhardt go. A man who had such spirit 
for the race of life as well as for the competition on the track will 
not easily fade into the past. His spectacular career statistics will 
certainly not let us forget and the way he lived his 49 years will be 
an even greater remembrance. He was admired in life and he will 
continue to be admired now that he has left us. He will continue to be 
a role model for drivers and fans alike. Dale Earnhardt will always be 
with us in our hearts, every time someone strives for greatness and 
every time someone takes the checkered flag.

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