YOUthe Fans did it! You helped pass a law that will protect the privacy of autopsy photos! Thanks! 1951 ~ 2001 It is with a heavy heart that we returned home from Daytona on Sunday the 18th. Hardly able to breathe, grasping at straws hoping there had been some kind of mistake. This wasn't supposed to happen! Ironhead was 10 feet tall and bullet proof! He'd walked away from tougher scrapes than this in Talladega, so he just HAD to pull through. But before we left the infield, the news came that he was gone. His head injuries too severe. Waynes parents had joined us on this trip for their first ever racing experience, and they had really enjoyed themselves. It was all fresh and new to them, and they were as impressed with Dales driving style as we were. For the Daytona 500 we ALL had matching brand new Dale T-shirts, featuring the 3 car, and the Oreo cookie. By the end of Speedweek they were looking like seasoned racin veterans. Then the news came that Dale was gone. I couldn't hold back the tears. It was too horrible to believe! My precious 5 year old was so upset by the fact that Mommy and Daddy were crying, that he brought me his new Dale Earnhardt Teddy Bear keychain that he had begged for at the merchandise trailers. He wanted to cheer us up. But when Grandma explained to him that Dale Earnhardt was in a bad accident, and he had died, all he wanted to know was "If he's up there with God, why can't God send him back??" "If God is GOD, He can make him better, can't he?" Then we had to explain to our son that when God calls somebody home, he means for them to stay there. And someday, we will join them on the other side when our time comes. Dale Earnhardt taught me how to fight, dig, and claw my way back to the top, when I was down. He showed me through his own actions. When people were getting me down, he taught me to stand tall, and "consider the source". And hold my head high. Just keep on moving. As a fan of Dales, I was more eager to learn about the Racing Roots of NASCAR, and took the time to learn it's rich history. Through his mischievous grin, and daring driving style, he taught me to appreciate and utilize the phrase, "Age and Treachery will always overcome youth and enthusiasm" The only comfort I can find, is that Dale didn't suffer. His death was instantaneous, and he died doing the only thing he ever wanted to do in his life. Racing. He held back the pack of cars for almost 8 laps, to keep Mikey and Dale Jr heading toward that checkered flag. He gave Mike Waltrip that Victory that had eluded him for 462 starts. After all these years, Dale is now reunited with his Father. Revving up the 3 Car, and heading through the Pearly Gates and around the corner on two tires, to greet his Dad, as a Seven Time Winston Cup Champion. I know Ralph Earnhardt must be so proud of his son. All Dale ever wished for, was that his Dad could know how much he had finally accomplished in his lifetime. And he's finally able to go fishin with Neil Bonnett again. There never was a truer friendship. He's missed Neil since 1994, and I'm sure they're checking out the best fishin holes, and looking for lucky buckeyes. Nobody understood him like Neil. What a tragic irony that Neil also lost his life in the same turn, during Speedweek practice in 1994. When he gets to Heavens Raceway, I can see Tim Richmond leaning up against the fence near the garage, munchin on an apple, with a sly grin and the eagerness to continue the bump and grind racing where they left off. Harry Hyde will already be fussing and grumbling about all the wasted sheet metal. Poor Elmo Langley is about to have his Pace Car dented in the rear, and donuts put on his doors, when Dale starts leading the pack of those who have gone on before him. And finally, those that have heard the jokes about Davey and Alan getting up to Heaven, and seeing their cars waiting for them in the garage.. seeing the #3 car, and being told it was Gods' car he liked to drive on Sundays. Heard that one? Well...God's just gonna hafta get him another car for racin on Sundays. Cause there's a new Champion on Heavens Raceway, and he's comin to claim his Black Goodwrench Chevy. Show em' how it's done, Dale...Until the time we can meet in the Grandstands or the Infield of Heavens Raceway... Rubbin's STILL RACIN as far as we're concerned! Dale was part of our family. I saw him more than I've ever gotten to see my own family.We shared our livingroom with him every Sunday, and as far as we were concerned, in our eyes the sun rose and set on Dale Earnhardt each raceday. He endeared himself to us even more when he showed such open pride and love for his sons Kerry and Dale Jr, and their accomplishments. Yeah, he was tough on the kids, but you expected it from someone nicknamed "Ironhead". Our hearts go out to Teresa, Kerry, Kelly, Dale Jr, and Taylor . How hard it must be to take a step into the future without someone as strong and vibrant as Dale. The continued strength of DEI, as well as many other projects are at this point unknown. We pray God will give the family the strength and peace needed to handle what will be difficult decisions. There will never be another Driver like Dale Earnhardt. He was a Legend, and did more single handedly for the sport of Stock Car Racing than any other driver. Winston Cup will not be the same, and I really think NASCAR will suffer from the loss. You see, Earnhardt fans don't "switch" to other drivers. Earnhardt fans are loyal, and protective of Ol' Ironhead. They loved him and his driving style "warts and all". We took the good with the bad, and never once apologized for our decision to back the Man in Black. Anyone else just seems to be diluted, after the years we've cheered for the industrial strength of Ironhead. After all, where do you go, when you've already known the best? In our home, the Earnhardt T-shirts will still be worn, but probably with a little more reverance. Our winter coats will have a special meaning, as we proudly display the 3. And we will continue to display that #3 Goodwrench Flag, and fly it proudly with our precious memories. Because he will live on in our hearts as the true Champion he was. NO ONE can take his place. It will be hard to find any driver to measure up to our expectations, after all these years with Dale. The pain of our loss will never really go away. It will just dim, and become a part of our daily lives. He touched our hearts and our lives with his style, talent, and tenacity. As time goes on, I'm sure the memories will be sweeter, the antics on and off the track will bring a smile to our face. And we'll always wonder just what would Dale do in a situation. He was unique. An Original. Truly one of a kind. He left an indelible imprint on our Racing Hearts that no one will ever be able to compete with. He will be terribly missed. ©Wizards Our experiences in whole or in part of the tragedy of February 18,2001 and the loss of Dale Earnhardt are copyrighted, and not to be used without permission from those of us here at Wizards. Our page reflects our pain and our family experience with the loss of the Intimidator on that day in the Daytona Infield with our son. If that day stands out in YOUR mind, and you want to share it with others, we encourage you to write and share your own page and your own memories. Do not cut and paste this one, to save time or effort as we've found out others have done. Dale Earnhardt deserves the best you can give him. Not a copy. He was one of a kind. If you can't give that back to his memory, then don't bother. He was an original. Wizards Wayne and Dena Great photo... Harvicks Polish Victory Lap in Atlanta. Thanks, Rick! Email to Rick Seymour, or visit his collection of photos HERE! Super teamwork by Rick for his photographic talents, and John Nassif for his computer graphics talents. Email to John Nassif I think this photo says what we all feel. Dale's all around racin, still looking over us at EVERY track, and still bigger than life. To ME it's one of the most comforting photo/graphic enhancements I've seen of all the Memorial ones done. Even those in the stands holding up 3 fingers, look like they're holding them up and pointing at "Big E", who's looking over them. Kewl! Dale Earnhardt Photo Gallery ~ Page One Dale Earnhardt Photo Gallery ~ Page Two Earnhardt Memorial Cartoons Unfortunately, we cannot control the broken links that may be found on the Cartoon site, sorry. Heavens Raceway A Mothers Love Wizards Awards Page Back to Wizards New Front Page Wouldn't it be nice to drop what you're doing, and just drift back to a simpler time? Click Here to Go Back, and revisit a wonderful time that will never come again..... Stop in here and sign our guestbook. Sorry, we ran outta tissues in there a long time ago. But at least we know that we're not the only one's hurting, ya know?? Or just click on Taz to email us Below ~ Fan Contributions From Deb Willis Truly Black Sunday ~ In Memoriam Dale Earnhardt April 29, 1951 ~ February 18, 2001 Click here My Hero By Barb Kerr The greatest man I never met, has run his final race The pain I feel is showing, in the tears upon my face With the love of a father, and that of a friend He protected Mike and Junior, right to the end In that special ,unselfish move, for all the world to see He showed why we love that BLACK#3 We have lost the heart of racing, it will never be the same But he was far more than just a racing name His skill in driving was beyond compare But it was the man himself that made me care Those steel blue eyes, that sly dawg grin The way he cared , all part of him The loving husband,the faithful friend The proud father, memories that will never end He lived for Sundays,the race to win To beat the odds, was life to him To hear those engines roar to life Was second only to God and his wife Strapped into the number 3, after Teresa's kiss Calm, relaxed, ready to race.Nothing was amiss As he made that final turn, in the number 3 I wonder if it was more than air, the MAN IN BLACK could see Did he see his daddy, and Neil Bonnet standing there And all of heaven angels, when all we saw was air I think that God was standing there to meet the elder E The one that he's been waiting for to drive Heaven's #3 I do not know how long this ache, will tear apart my heart It may never happen, it may never start No one can replace him, in our hearts or on the track Rest in peace my hero, I'll always love the Man in Black Email to Barb Kerr 02/19/01 Thanks, Kenny Email to Kenny The Final Lap A thrill was in the air that day As the number three flashed past Shouts and cheers rose on the wind As his car sped by so fast. The race had been so thrilling The finish line just ahead The thought did not occur to us We'd see tragedy instead. The final lap came all to soon For a hero we held dear Little did we know that day That the end for him was near. Our hearts are filled with sadness Our hero had to leave To race across the Heavens now While we are left to grieve. The gates of Heaven opened His final trophy gleaming bright He slowly gunned his engine As he drove into the light Dale Earnhardt April 29, 1951---February 18. 2001 By Charlotte Anselmo DALE EARNHARDT A fine Daytona afternoon, the season just begun, My boys were runnning one and two, and I was having fun. I probably could have won the thing, but something held me back. I was busy watching Dale and Mike-and holding off the pack. I was looking toward the front and not really to the rear, Something tapped me on my bumper, but still I felt no fear. I thought it might be Sterling - I knew he was nearby, When Sterling smells the checkerd flag, I'll tell you, he ain't shy. I slipped a bit, I turned the wheel, I sensed something very odd. It wasn't Sterling's tap I felt. It was the tap of God. "Not Now", I said. "I'm racing hard. There's work still here to do" "Your time is up" He whispered low, "So say a quick adieu" I wasn't ready, but I didn't have a choice. He'd tapped me on the bumper and I'd heard His hallowed voice. So I did as He instructed, I just packed it in and left. I guess it can't be helped that I left some of you breft. Did you see those birds upon the wall as they scattered in the breeze? Will it make it easier to know that they were really me? There was also Davey, Dad and Neil and some other guys I've known. And they all came to Daytona just to escort me on home. Hey - congratulations, Mike!! You made a worthy run. I wish you many, many more. Your wins have just begun. All that fun you had in Victory Lane, I was proud as proud can be. Did you see a seagull flying low? Yeah, Mikey, that was me. So, friends and fans and family, don't mourn me for too long. Get on with life- take care of things- be brave and proud and strong. I'll surely miss you every one. About that I will not lie. But as long as you remember me- I didn't really die. Bethany Coulter Bardstown, KY Back to Wizards Front Page 2001 was truly a year with too many losses. It will take a long time for the wounds to heal, but with the renewed Faith in our God, Country, and Fellow Americans....nothing is impossible! Wizards
YOUthe Fans did it! You helped pass a law that will protect the privacy of autopsy photos! Thanks!
1951 ~ 2001
It is with a heavy heart that we returned home from Daytona on Sunday the 18th. Hardly able to breathe, grasping at straws hoping there had been some kind of mistake. This wasn't supposed to happen! Ironhead was 10 feet tall and bullet proof! He'd walked away from tougher scrapes than this in Talladega, so he just HAD to pull through. But before we left the infield, the news came that he was gone. His head injuries too severe.
Waynes parents had joined us on this trip for their first ever racing experience, and they had really enjoyed themselves. It was all fresh and new to them, and they were as impressed with Dales driving style as we were. For the Daytona 500 we ALL had matching brand new Dale T-shirts, featuring the 3 car, and the Oreo cookie. By the end of Speedweek they were looking like seasoned racin veterans.
Then the news came that Dale was gone. I couldn't hold back the tears. It was too horrible to believe! My precious 5 year old was so upset by the fact that Mommy and Daddy were crying, that he brought me his new Dale Earnhardt Teddy Bear keychain that he had begged for at the merchandise trailers. He wanted to cheer us up. But when Grandma explained to him that Dale Earnhardt was in a bad accident, and he had died, all he wanted to know was "If he's up there with God, why can't God send him back??" "If God is GOD, He can make him better, can't he?" Then we had to explain to our son that when God calls somebody home, he means for them to stay there. And someday, we will join them on the other side when our time comes.
Dale Earnhardt taught me how to fight, dig, and claw my way back to the top, when I was down. He showed me through his own actions. When people were getting me down, he taught me to stand tall, and "consider the source". And hold my head high. Just keep on moving.
As a fan of Dales, I was more eager to learn about the Racing Roots of NASCAR, and took the time to learn it's rich history. Through his mischievous grin, and daring driving style, he taught me to appreciate and utilize the phrase, "Age and Treachery will always overcome youth and enthusiasm"
The only comfort I can find, is that Dale didn't suffer. His death was instantaneous, and he died doing the only thing he ever wanted to do in his life. Racing. He held back the pack of cars for almost 8 laps, to keep Mikey and Dale Jr heading toward that checkered flag. He gave Mike Waltrip that Victory that had eluded him for 462 starts.
After all these years, Dale is now reunited with his Father. Revving up the 3 Car, and heading through the Pearly Gates and around the corner on two tires, to greet his Dad, as a Seven Time Winston Cup Champion. I know Ralph Earnhardt must be so proud of his son. All Dale ever wished for, was that his Dad could know how much he had finally accomplished in his lifetime.
And he's finally able to go fishin with Neil Bonnett again. There never was a truer friendship. He's missed Neil since 1994, and I'm sure they're checking out the best fishin holes, and looking for lucky buckeyes. Nobody understood him like Neil. What a tragic irony that Neil also lost his life in the same turn, during Speedweek practice in 1994.
When he gets to Heavens Raceway, I can see Tim Richmond leaning up against the fence near the garage, munchin on an apple, with a sly grin and the eagerness to continue the bump and grind racing where they left off. Harry Hyde will already be fussing and grumbling about all the wasted sheet metal.
Poor Elmo Langley is about to have his Pace Car dented in the rear, and donuts put on his doors, when Dale starts leading the pack of those who have gone on before him.
And finally, those that have heard the jokes about Davey and Alan getting up to Heaven, and seeing their cars waiting for them in the garage.. seeing the #3 car, and being told it was Gods' car he liked to drive on Sundays. Heard that one?
Well...God's just gonna hafta get him another car for racin on Sundays. Cause there's a new Champion on Heavens Raceway, and he's comin to claim his Black Goodwrench Chevy. Show em' how it's done, Dale...Until the time we can meet in the Grandstands or the Infield of Heavens Raceway... Rubbin's STILL RACIN as far as we're concerned!
Dale was part of our family. I saw him more than I've ever gotten to see my own family.We shared our livingroom with him every Sunday, and as far as we were concerned, in our eyes the sun rose and set on Dale Earnhardt each raceday. He endeared himself to us even more when he showed such open pride and love for his sons Kerry and Dale Jr, and their accomplishments. Yeah, he was tough on the kids, but you expected it from someone nicknamed "Ironhead".
Our hearts go out to Teresa, Kerry, Kelly, Dale Jr, and Taylor . How hard it must be to take a step into the future without someone as strong and vibrant as Dale. The continued strength of DEI, as well as many other projects are at this point unknown. We pray God will give the family the strength and peace needed to handle what will be difficult decisions.
There will never be another Driver like Dale Earnhardt. He was a Legend, and did more single handedly for the sport of Stock Car Racing than any other driver. Winston Cup will not be the same, and I really think NASCAR will suffer from the loss. You see, Earnhardt fans don't "switch" to other drivers. Earnhardt fans are loyal, and protective of Ol' Ironhead. They loved him and his driving style "warts and all". We took the good with the bad, and never once apologized for our decision to back the Man in Black. Anyone else just seems to be diluted, after the years we've cheered for the industrial strength of Ironhead. After all, where do you go, when you've already known the best?
In our home, the Earnhardt T-shirts will still be worn, but probably with a little more reverance. Our winter coats will have a special meaning, as we proudly display the 3. And we will continue to display that #3 Goodwrench Flag, and fly it proudly with our precious memories. Because he will live on in our hearts as the true Champion he was. NO ONE can take his place. It will be hard to find any driver to measure up to our expectations, after all these years with Dale.
The pain of our loss will never really go away. It will just dim, and become a part of our daily lives. He touched our hearts and our lives with his style, talent, and tenacity. As time goes on, I'm sure the memories will be sweeter, the antics on and off the track will bring a smile to our face. And we'll always wonder just what would Dale do in a situation. He was unique. An Original. Truly one of a kind. He left an indelible imprint on our Racing Hearts that no one will ever be able to compete with. He will be terribly missed. ©Wizards Our experiences in whole or in part of the tragedy of February 18,2001 and the loss of Dale Earnhardt are copyrighted, and not to be used without permission from those of us here at Wizards. Our page reflects our pain and our family experience with the loss of the Intimidator on that day in the Daytona Infield with our son.
If that day stands out in YOUR mind, and you want to share it with others, we encourage you to write and share your own page and your own memories. Do not cut and paste this one, to save time or effort as we've found out others have done.
Dale Earnhardt deserves the best you can give him. Not a copy. He was one of a kind. If you can't give that back to his memory, then don't bother. He was an original. Wizards Wayne and Dena
Great photo... Harvicks Polish Victory Lap in Atlanta. Thanks, Rick! Email to Rick Seymour, or visit his collection of photos HERE! Super teamwork by Rick for his photographic talents, and John Nassif for his computer graphics talents. Email to John Nassif I think this photo says what we all feel. Dale's all around racin, still looking over us at EVERY track, and still bigger than life. To ME it's one of the most comforting photo/graphic enhancements I've seen of all the Memorial ones done. Even those in the stands holding up 3 fingers, look like they're holding them up and pointing at "Big E", who's looking over them. Kewl!
Dale Earnhardt Photo Gallery ~ Page One
Dale Earnhardt Photo Gallery ~ Page Two
Earnhardt Memorial Cartoons Unfortunately, we cannot control the broken links that may be found on the Cartoon site, sorry. Heavens Raceway
A Mothers Love
Wizards Awards Page
Back to Wizards New Front Page
Wouldn't it be nice to drop what you're doing, and just drift back to a simpler time? Click Here to Go Back, and revisit a wonderful time that will never come again.....
Stop in here and sign our guestbook. Sorry, we ran outta tissues in there a long time ago. But at least we know that we're not the only one's hurting, ya know??
Or just click on Taz to email us
Below ~ Fan Contributions
From Deb Willis Truly Black Sunday ~ In Memoriam Dale Earnhardt April 29, 1951 ~ February 18, 2001 Click here
My Hero By Barb Kerr The greatest man I never met, has run his final race The pain I feel is showing, in the tears upon my face With the love of a father, and that of a friend He protected Mike and Junior, right to the end In that special ,unselfish move, for all the world to see He showed why we love that BLACK#3 We have lost the heart of racing, it will never be the same But he was far more than just a racing name His skill in driving was beyond compare But it was the man himself that made me care Those steel blue eyes, that sly dawg grin The way he cared , all part of him The loving husband,the faithful friend The proud father, memories that will never end He lived for Sundays,the race to win To beat the odds, was life to him To hear those engines roar to life Was second only to God and his wife
Strapped into the number 3, after Teresa's kiss Calm, relaxed, ready to race.Nothing was amiss As he made that final turn, in the number 3 I wonder if it was more than air, the MAN IN BLACK could see Did he see his daddy, and Neil Bonnet standing there And all of heaven angels, when all we saw was air I think that God was standing there to meet the elder E The one that he's been waiting for to drive Heaven's #3
I do not know how long this ache, will tear apart my heart It may never happen, it may never start No one can replace him, in our hearts or on the track Rest in peace my hero, I'll always love the Man in Black
Email to Barb Kerr 02/19/01
Thanks, Kenny Email to Kenny
The Final Lap A thrill was in the air that day As the number three flashed past Shouts and cheers rose on the wind As his car sped by so fast. The race had been so thrilling The finish line just ahead The thought did not occur to us We'd see tragedy instead. The final lap came all to soon For a hero we held dear Little did we know that day That the end for him was near. Our hearts are filled with sadness Our hero had to leave To race across the Heavens now While we are left to grieve. The gates of Heaven opened His final trophy gleaming bright He slowly gunned his engine As he drove into the light Dale Earnhardt April 29, 1951---February 18. 2001 By Charlotte Anselmo
DALE EARNHARDT
A fine Daytona afternoon, the season just begun, My boys were runnning one and two, and I was having fun.
I probably could have won the thing, but something held me back. I was busy watching Dale and Mike-and holding off the pack.
I was looking toward the front and not really to the rear, Something tapped me on my bumper, but still I felt no fear.
I thought it might be Sterling - I knew he was nearby, When Sterling smells the checkerd flag, I'll tell you, he ain't shy.
I slipped a bit, I turned the wheel, I sensed something very odd. It wasn't Sterling's tap I felt. It was the tap of God.
"Not Now", I said. "I'm racing hard. There's work still here to do" "Your time is up" He whispered low, "So say a quick adieu"
I wasn't ready, but I didn't have a choice. He'd tapped me on the bumper and I'd heard His hallowed voice.
So I did as He instructed, I just packed it in and left. I guess it can't be helped that I left some of you breft.
Did you see those birds upon the wall as they scattered in the breeze? Will it make it easier to know that they were really me?
There was also Davey, Dad and Neil and some other guys I've known. And they all came to Daytona just to escort me on home.
Hey - congratulations, Mike!! You made a worthy run. I wish you many, many more. Your wins have just begun.
All that fun you had in Victory Lane, I was proud as proud can be. Did you see a seagull flying low? Yeah, Mikey, that was me.
So, friends and fans and family, don't mourn me for too long. Get on with life- take care of things- be brave and proud and strong.
I'll surely miss you every one. About that I will not lie. But as long as you remember me- I didn't really die.
Bethany Coulter Bardstown, KY
Back to Wizards Front Page
2001 was truly a year with too many losses. It will take a long time for the wounds to heal, but with the renewed Faith in our God, Country, and Fellow Americans....nothing is impossible! Wizards
