Thanks DRIV3R!! You really make me wish that I had been a race fan back then! What exciting races! I am looking forward to your next post!

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Ryan Newman, Daytona 500 Champion!!
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#5. September 28, 1980--Martinsville Speedway
Old Dominion 500

Dale Wins in Martinsville
*Earnhardt Dominates
Kannapolis-born driver Dale Earnhardt enhanced what has already been a stellar sophomore season on the Grand National circuit by winning the Old Dominion 500. In capturing his 4th win of the season (5th-career, 6th total)-a record for a second year driver- Earnhardt overcame a spin, a loss of brakes, and Cale Yarborough to beat Buddy Baker to the checkered flag by 1.35 seconds. This was very much like any Martinsville race prior, and like the ones to come in future years, with numerous wrecks, blown motors, and assorted mechanical failures bringing out a record 17 caution flags for 79 laps. The event also boasted 21 lead changes among 9 drivers. Earnhardt took the lead for the final time on lap 488. It appeared Yarborough was headed for his 4th Martinsville win since 1976. Darrell Waltrip was in the lead when his engine expired on lap 308. Earnhardt took the lead on lap 345 after John Anderson spun his Chevrolet in the second turn. Yarborough was 2nd, but Earnhardt steadily pulled away to a comfortable margin. Yarborough would re-take the lead on lap 448 during a round of pit stops. Earnhardt's Chevy suffered a loss of brakes, causing him to overshoot his pit box. However, on lap 486, Cale cut down a right front tire, handing the lead back to IronHead. Yarborough would fall to 3rd, as Buddy Baker easily took over 2nd spot in the closing laps, he had taken 2 tires on the final caution flag in which Earnhardt and his nemisis stayed out. Earnhardt's win, worth $24,375, strengthened his lead in the standings, bringing it to a 105 point advantage. Earnhardt's car was hit in the right side by Dave Marcis on lap 218, sending him for a spin, nearly removing him from competition. Earnhardt lead 4 times for 174 laps, and took home a $3,000 bonus as part of Martinsville's Lap Leader Battle. Baker and Waltrip each took home $1,000 as part of the program.

Top 10 Finishers
1. Dale Earnhardt
2. Buddy Baker
3. Cale Yarborough
4. Benny Parsons
5. Dave Marcis
6. Donnie Allison
7. Terry Labonte
8. Buddy Arrington
9. Jody Ridley
10.James Hylton

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mrsmopar12 Fan Club Member #1
Intimidator1951-2001
If this was the 1950's, Jeff Gordon would be Pat Boone and Dale Jr. would be Elvis....both were great singers, but we know who had the most fans.

#6. October 5, 1980--Charlotte Motor Speedway
National 500

Earnhardt Wins National 500
*Dale Wins one for the Hometown Fans
On this day, Dale Earnhardt proved that dreams can come true. Ever since he was a kid growing up some 12 miles from the 1.5 mile speedway, he dreamed of winning a NASCAR Grand National race there. Combining his undeniable driving talent with that of his Rod Osterlund team - led by Doug Richert - Earnhardt made his dream a reality. Dale's #2 team won not only the race itself, but also almost every special incentive award offered for the event. By being the quickest team on pit road, the crew was given first place in the Sears Pit Crew Challenge. By leading 14 times for 148 laps, including the last 47, Earnhardt was given the Lead Foot Award. And the Osterlund team joined forces with rookie Lake Speed, who finished 7th, to win the $25,000 price in the Buck Stove Team Challenge. It was, to say the least, a near perfect day for the man they call IronHead, who also increased his point lead to 115 over Cale Yarborough. Once again, it was Yarborough that Earnhardt beat to the checkers to take this one home, winning by 1.83 seconds. This was Dale's 2nd consecutive victory following his win in the Old Dominion 500, and 5th this season (6th-career, 7th total), which ties him with Darrell Waltrip for most victories this season. The turning point of the race came on lap 280, when the #2 Chevy came in under green for their final pit stop, taking on right side tires and fuel in 13.1 seconds. Yarborough pitted 4 laps later, 2 tires as well, in 17.1 seconds. Yarborough was leading coming in, and came out 3rd behind Buddy Baker, and the new leader, Earnhardt. Dale had a commanding 5.5 second lead, as Yarborough piloted his Chevy past Baker on lap 309, to take over 2nd. Cale continued to reel in the #2 car, but ran out of time. Baker made a final attempt at getting by Yarborough on the final lap, he took to the outside in turn 4, but got sideways, he had to lift to keep under control, and came down across the track into the front stretch infield. He came home 3rd, just ahead of 4th place finisher Ricky Rudd. Earnhardt took home $49,050 for his efforts, bringing his season total in earnings to $432,675. With just 6 races remaining in the quest for the 1980 Grand National Cup, Dale has a great chance in becoming the first driver to eclipse the $600,000 mark in a single season.

Top 10 Finishers
1. Dale Earnhardt
2. Cale Yarborough
3. Buddy Baker
4. Ricky Rudd
5. Donnie Allison
6. Bill Elliott
7. Lake Speed
8. Jody Ridley
9. Kyle Petty
10.Dick Brooks

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mrsmopar12 Fan Club Member #1
Intimidator1951-2001
If this was the 1950's, Jeff Gordon would be Pat Boone and Dale Jr. would be Elvis....both were great singers, but we know who had the most fans.

Dale would go on to win the 1980 NASCAR Grand National Division (Winston Cup) Championship....becoming the first driver ever to win the Rookie of the Year and Winston Cup in consecutive seasons

Earnhardt would then go winless in 1981. Rod Osterlund sold his team, Dale left to go to Bud Moore's operation, and Wrangler singed on as the primary sponsor of Dale's #15 (that's where Micheal Waltrip/Paul Menard's #15 came from) -*gasp*- Ford....yes, Dale drove a Ford.

***now on to Dale's next Winston Cup Series victory***

#7. April 4, 1982--Darlington Raceway
CRC Chemicals Rebel 500

Earnhardt is a Winner Again...
*Takes Rebel 500
Dale Earnhardt won the 1982 Rebel 500 at Darlington Raceway, his first win in 39 races. Dale's last victory came in the 1980 National 500 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. This was the first victory for new primary sponsor Wrangler Jeans, who joined Earnhardt following his 1980 Championship campaign. Earnhardt started 5th, and led 10 times for 182 laps. His on-track rivals were aware that his #15 Ford was the fastest car on the speedway. That, however, does not mean this victory was easy. Dale's #15 Ford was followed closely for the final 36 laps. Like so many times before, Dale had to hold off Cale Yarborough to take this checkered flag. Darrell Waltrip, the defending champion of the Rebel 500, was eliminated following a crash on lap 269 in turn 1. On lap 327, Kyle Petty hit the 4th turn wall to bring out the final yellow flag. Earnhardt went ahead and ducked on in for his final pit stop, followed by Yarborough and Benny Parsons. Following the restart, Parsons would fall out of contention due to a cut tire. That left the race to Yarborough and Earnhardt, the Cale and Dale show, if u will. Yarborough made his move on lap 354, when he took the lead on the low side in turn 3. However, one lap later, Earnhardt would re-take the lead entering turn 1, and would never look back. On lap 367, the white flag lap, Yarborough made a move on Earnhardt exiting turn 4, but came up half a car length short. Dale Earnhardt took home $31,450 for his efforts, as well as $2,000 for winning the Gillette Lap Leader Bonus.

Top 10 Finishers
1. Dale Earnhardt
2. Cale Yarborough
3. Bill Elliott
4. Benny Parsons
5. Tim Richmond
6. Terry Labonte
7. Mark Martin
8. Buddy Arrington
9. Donnie Allison
10.Lennie Pond

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mrsmopar12 Fan Club Member #1
Intimidator1951-2001
If this was the 1950's, Jeff Gordon would be Pat Boone and Dale Jr. would be Elvis....both were great singers, but we know who had the most fans.

Very interesting indeed! You sure are bringing in some facts that I did not know! I love to learn/know these kind of things!

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Ryan Newman, Daytona 500 Champion!!
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WOW, Driv3r, this is awesome! I will keep reading. I started following Nascar the week after Dale died. So I don't know everything about his wins. I know a lot about him that's been published after he died but not about his winsl. Except Daytona of course...That was the greatest moment in Nascar history, everyone lining up on pit road to shake his hand and talk to him. Unbelievable. Thank you for your hard work.

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Go Junior Go. Go Smoke Go.

**tonite i got caught up with "ms. right now" and was unable to post the next victory in Dale's career, it's too late right now to write it up, but i will edit this post tomorrow with it, and post the next one after as well**

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mrsmopar12 Fan Club Member #1
Intimidator1951-2001
If this was the 1950's, Jeff Gordon would be Pat Boone and Dale Jr. would be Elvis....both were great singers, but we know who had the most fans.

Hey There DRIV3R # 8!

Why are theree no new articles about the #3 wins? I figured that I would have a lot of reading to do on this thread! Has "ms. right now" got you all tied up?~LOL~

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Ryan Newman, Daytona 500 Champion!!
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she actually did for a couple of nites, literally, lol
and its just been a busy week...i threw a huge party saturday nite, about 70-75 or so people came by....but i will get back on the proverbial horse shortly

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mrsmopar12 Fan Club Member #1
Intimidator1951-2001
If this was the 1950's, Jeff Gordon would be Pat Boone and Dale Jr. would be Elvis....both were great singers, but we know who had the most fans.

Your sig really touches MrsMopar's heart !! You are so sweet! When you find Mrs. Right, she will be one blessed woman to have such sweetheart as you!!!

Please tell ms. right now not to tie you too tightly!!! ~LOL~

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Ryan Newman, Daytona 500 Champion!!
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