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Dale Earnhardt, (born April 29, 1951, Kannapolis, N.C., U.S.--died Feb. 18, 2001, Daytona Beach, Fla.), American stock-car racer who was the dominant driver in the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) during the 1980s and ’90s. •Born: 29 April 1951 •Birthplace: Kannapolis, North Carolina •Died: 18 February 2001 (automobile crash) •Best Known As: Nascar's "The Intimidator" Dale Earnhardt was a legend of American auto racing, nicknamed "The Intimidator" for his competitive instincts and hard-driving style. Competing in the NASCAR racing league, Earnhardt had 76 career wins and won the Winston Cup championship seven times; as NASCAR grew in popularity during the 1980s and 1990s, Earnhardt became one of America's most popular athletes. His sons Kerry and Dale Jr. followed him into racing. After years of success in other races, Earnhardt Sr. finally won the famed Daytona 500 in 1998. Three years later he was killed in a crash on the final lap of the same race. Earnhardt drove car #3... Besides "The Intimidator" he was also nicknamed "The Man in Black"... Earnhardt's father Ralph was also a popular auto racer. |