Why 20 years later, Dale Earnhardt's NASCAR legacy is still apparent

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    It has been 20 years since NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. lost his life in a fatal, last lap crash during the 2001 Daytona 500. Even though much time has passed, his legacy is still engrained in the minds of fans and drivers of the sport today.    

Dale Earnhardt was one of the last drivers, who had worked their way into the sport from the ground up. Earnhardt really began his career in the garage, helping his father Ralph Earnhardt, build and prepare race cars, and eventually move up to race himself. Not too many drivers can say that these days, at most a handful.

It’s significant to note that Ralph Earnhardt, the 1956 NASCAR Sportsman Series Champion, didn’t even want his son to race. Dale dropped out of school to pursue his racing dreams, but didn’t hit the big time until his father’s untimely death in the Fall of 1973.

Earnhardt was, and will forever be, one of NASCAR's greatest stars. Besides having 76 career Cup Series wins, and being a 7-Time Winston Cup champion, he was role model for generations to come. Earnhardt would have an influence on just about every driver to come after him. Some drivers have made their inspiration known are: 

• Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
• Rusty Wallace
• Kevin Harvick
• Austin Dillon

Not every driver has made it known, although I believe that all the current NASCAR driver can say that Dale Earnhardt had some sort of influence on the driver they have become. Nobody could live through the sudden tragedy that was Dale Earnhardt’s death, and not take something away from it. Some drivers have paid tribute to Earnhardt in the past, with throwback paint schemes, and by showing three fingers out the car window. These efforts are clearly noticeable, but it would be a pleasure to see it go further, for NASCAR to honor Dale in a significant way.

I have some suggestions for NASCAR, ways that they could honor “the intimidator”:

• A throwback apparel run featuring 7-time Champion Dale Earnhardt
• What about a NASCAR event, or trophy named after Dale Earnhardt?

Just off the top of my mind, I can’t remember something significant done in recent years celebrate Earnhardt, and all of his contributions to the sport. He continues to live on today through his passionate fans, and I believe there is no doubt that they would appreciate NASCAR’s efforts to honor Dale Earnhardt. It’d the right thing to do, and I’d like see it happen.