Dan Crenshaw: “one week ago, the Nation watched stunned as one of its favorite sons, Dale Earnhardt, died in a tragic accident at the…”

“one week ago, the Nation watched stunned as one of its favorite sons, Dale Earnhardt, died in a tragic accident at the Daytona 500. Representing a small portion of the city that hosts the famous Daytona 500, I have witnessed the coming of age of racing, as it spread from rural America to the suburbs to the cities. Daytona Beach entertains more than 8 million visitors every year, and no small number of them comes to the city to see the most famous NASCAR speedway. While racing has only recently mushroomed in popularity, bringing new and vibrant personalities into everyday lives, Dale Earnhardt has been legendary in racing circles for more than 25 years. He was a pioneer in a pastime that has become as much a part of popular culture today as baseball. I had the pleasure of meeting Dale Earnhardt when I served as Grand Marshall for the Pepsi 400 in 1994. Though known as the Intimidator, I found him to be easy-going and warm. Before the race, he took the time to show my daughters and me all the fun, behind-the-scenes secrets of racing. And, afterward, when he had won the race and had even collapsed from heat and exhaustion, he put me immediately at ease with his friendly sense of humor. Racing fans have watched Dale Earnhardt nurture his family before their eyes, passing his love of racing along to his son, Dale, Jr., who now carries on his father's legacy. His skill on the racetrack and his easy-going charm will be sorely missed.”