in this thread, i will give the long time Winston Cup fans a chance to take a trip down memory lane....as well as give the newer fans a chance to see why Dale is arguably the greatest driver ever to turn left. each day, i will post up a new victory....today will obviously be his first Cup victory at the then named Bristol International Raceway in April 1979...
#1. April 1, 1979--Bristol International Raceway
Southeastern 500
Earnhardt wins!!!!
*First Rookie winner since Ross' 1974 Martinsville victory
Dale Earnhardt was believed to have the potential to reach the pinnacle of NASCAR Grand National racing, he just got there sooner than expected. Driving the Jake Elder-prepared, Rod Osterlund Chevy, Earnhardt more than fulfilled his promise Sunday by winning the Southeastern 500. In doing so, he became the first rookie to win in NASCAR's premier series since Earl Ross won at Martinsville in 1974 - some 132 races earlier. Earnhardt took the checkers with a margin of victory of 2.7 seconds over 2nd place Bobby Allison. Earnhardt started 9th that day, led 3 times for 164 laps. Buddy Baker led the first 138 laps, but then collided with Cale Yarborough's car exiting turn 4 on lap 210. That left the race to Earnhardt, Waltrip, and Allison. Waltrip had command at first, but then some fine pitwork helped turn the tide in favor of Earnhardt. He took the lead for the final time following a caution on lap 473. Earnhardt took home $19,800.
Top 10 finishers:
1. Dale Earnhardt
2. Bobby Allison
3. Darrell Waltrip
4. Richard Petty -4 laps
5. Benny Parsons -...
6. Donnie Allison -...
7. Terry Labonte -...
8. J.D. McDuffie -...
9. James Hylton -...
10.Ricky Rudd -...
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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.
Last edited by DRIV3R # 88 : 07-28-2006 at 12:49 AM.
Busch Clash (now known as "Bud Shootout"
February 10, 1980
50 miles....20 Laps Later
Earnhardt Best in Busch Clash
Dale Earnhardt might be just a second year driver in the NASCAR Grand National circuit, but he proved at Daytona International Speedway that he's ready to give lessons rather than receive them. Using a bold, calculated move, Earnhardt won the second annual Clash. In doing so, he emerged as the best in a 12 car field of the finest qualifiers of 1979. Earnhardt ran in the top 3 for much of the event, before making his move on the white flag lap to take the point from Darrell Waltrip. Earnhardt took to the outside of Waltrip's DiGard Olds in the final portion of the backstretch. Earnhardt had drafting help from Neil Bonnet, Cale Yarborough, and Bobby Allison, Waltrip would wind up 5th. Earnhardt took home $50,000 for his efforts. Buddy Baker had taken the lead on lap 1 from his 2nd place starting spot, however, the pre-race favorite and '79 winner would drop back to 6th in the early stages due to handling problems. He finished 7th. Waltrip and Bonnett led a 9 car break-away that left Harry Gant, Richard Petty and Joe Millikan in the proverbial dust. Waltrip led 11 laps (race high) and would hold the lead up until the backstretch of the final lap, only to be hung out to dry by Earnhardt and others.
Top 10 Finishers:
1. Dale Earnhardt
2. Neil Bonnett
3. Cale Yarborough
4. Bobby Allison
5. Darrell Waltrip
6. Benny Parsons
7. Buddy Baker
8. David Pearson
9. Donnie Allison
10.Harry Gant
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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.
What a great idea for a thread!!! I started watching the Nascar races in August of 1998 kinda after the Earnhardt "glory days". And I've always kinda, sorta wondered what all the hoopla was about with the #3 car. I look forward to these posts, as I feel the will help to educate me about this legend.
Thank you
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that's exactly why i'm making this thread mrsmopar!
i figured alot of racefans are "new school" and havent had the opportunity to see why Dale Sr. is as respected throughout NASCAR as he is.
glad u are enjoying it
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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.
#2. March 16, 1980--Atlanta International Raceway
Atlanta 500
Earnhardt on top in Points
*Surprise winner of Atlanta 500
Dale Earnhardt has shed his rookie stripes as smoothly as a snake sheds its skin. Starting 31st, he came through the field to win the 21st annual Atlanta 500, his first superspeedway win and second points paying victory of his career. The Kannapolis, NC native continues to dominate the standings with his 5th top 5 finish in as many starts. Engine trouble during first round qualifying prevented the team from gaining a good starting spot. In second round qualifying, Earnhardt's Chevy was a full second slower than polesitter Buddy Baker. (Up until the late 1990's, each NASCAR event had 2 rounds of qualifying.) The runner-up finisher was just as surprising as the winner. In his first ever Grand National start, 23 year old Rusty Wallace took home the 2nd place money. He finished 9 seconds behind Earnhardt's Chevy. The event boasted 27 lead changes among 11 drivers. Cale Yarborough took home the Most Laps Led bonus of $10,000 by leading 183 of the 328 laps. There were 7 caution periods in the event, totaling 45 laps.
Top 10 Finishers
1. Dale Earnhardt
2. Rusty Wallace -9.000 secs.
3. Bobby Allison -...
4. Dave Marcis -...
5. Dick Brooks -...
6. Jody Ridley -...
7. Buddy Baker -...
8. Cale Yarborough -...
9. J.D. McDuffie -...
10.Slick Johnson -...
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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.
#3. March 30, 1980--Bristol International Raceway
Valleydale Southeastern 500
Earnhardt Beats Bristol Again
*2nd Straight Win for Osterlund Driver
The "sophomore jinx," that strange malady which often strikes NASCAR drivers has been unable to infect Dale Earnhardt. After 6 races into the 1980 season, the '79 rookie of the year seems to be immune to racing adversity. This is the 28 year old Earnhardt's 2nd consecutive victory, 2nd win in the Bristol spring race, and was able to add to his Grand National Division point lead.(80 point lead over Bobby Allison) Driving the Rod Osterlund Chevrolet prepared by crew chief Jake Elder, Earnhardt beat Darrell Waltrip to the checkers by 8.7 seconds. Earnhardt led three times for 208 laps. Cale Yarborough had the pole for the event, and led five times for 187 laps. He appeared to be headed for his ninth Bristol win when his car broke something in the motor, dropping to 7 cylinders. Richard Petty decided to hop out early, complaining of flu-like symptoms, and was relieved by Richard Childress. Earnhardt would take over the lead for the final time on lap 366, and sailed easily to his 3rd career victory.
1. Dale Earnhardt Chevy
2. Darrell Waltrip Chevy -8.700 secs
3. Bobby Allison Ford
4. Benny Parsons Chevy
5. Cale Yarborough Chevy
6. Joe Millikan Chevy
7. Harry Gant Chevy
8. Richard Childress Chevy
9. Dave Marcis Chevy
10.Terry Labonte Chevy
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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.
#4. July 12, 1980--Nashville Raceway
Busch Nashville 420
Yarborough Fails to Rattle "IronHead"
*Dale Victorious in Nashville
Dale Earnhardt was on the ropes twice in the waning laps, but the young Kannapolis, NC native refused to lose the Saturday-night sizzler @ Nashville Raceway. Driving with the poise of a veteran of several hundred races, Earnhardt held off a furious charge by Cale Yarborough over the final 25 circuits to win the 23rd annual Busch Nashville 420 by four car lengths on the 0.596-mile track. Yarborough, who had won 7 of the last 15 races at the speedway, bumped Earnhardt several times in a classic duel to the checkers, but the 29 year-old sophomore known as "IronHead" refused to be intimidated. (Side note: Ralph Earnhardt, Dale's father, was known as "IronHeart", Dale was dubbed "IronHead" due to his recklessness during his early years in racing.) Earnhardt, Yarborough and Benny Parsons had a full house of 16,700 fans on their feet as the drivers did battle on the half-mile speedway. A late caution flag with 36 laps to go set up the eventual showdown. Bobby Allison, running on only seven cylinders since early in the race, spun out on the front stretch to bring out the only yellow flag of the evening. Earnhardt and Yarborough took on 4 tires each, while Parsons took rights only. Parsons led the lap-389 restart, but was passed by Earnhardt and Yarborough on lap 391 and was never a factor in the remaining laps. Cale started around Dale on the backstretch and almost bought a piece of retaining wall. After that, Earnhardt was in complete command, albeit Yarborough stayed within striking distance. Parsons ended up 3rd, more than a half lap behind the two Chevys. Earnhardt pocketed $14,600 for his efforts. His lead in the Grand National Standings increased to 48 points over Richard Petty. (Petty was relieved by Harry Gant, Gant finished 5th, 4 laps down to the leaders.)
Top 10 Finishers
1 Dale Earnhardt
2 Cale Yarborough
3 Benny Parsons
4 Darrell Waltrip -1 lap
5 Richard Petty -4 laps
6 Bobby Allison -...
7 Sterling Marlin -...
8 Jody Ridley -...
9 Richard Childress -...
10 Buddy Arrington -...
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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.
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