An Emotional Return
All in all, it was a difficult and emotional weekend for NASCAR. Sunday's Pepsi 400, saw the series return to Daytona for the first time since February's season opener in which Dale Earnhardt was tragically killed. With thoughts of the accident still painfully fresh in the minds of everyone, a quiet, incident free race was hoped for. Fans, drivers and team members alike, just wanting to get the event over with, pay their respects, and get back to a sense of normality. In the days leading up to and including Sunday's race, Earnhardt's ghostly presence could be felt around Florida's famed 2.5 mile oval like a chilling winter breeze. In the end, the race itself was fittingly won by Dale Earnhardt Jr, the son of the 7 times Winston Cup champion. It was a perfect ending, a finish not even Hollywood could have scripted, and upon 'Little E' taking the chequered flag, there was not a dry eye to be seen in the speedway.
It had been a performance ripped from his fathers book of driving genius. Leading for 112 of the 160 lap event, Earnhardt Jr dominated the proceedings but was nevertheless made to work hard for the win. Dropping to 6th place with 5 laps remaining, 'Little E' muscled passed his competitors and was followed across the line by team mate Michael Waltrip. Paying homage to his father in victory lane afterwards, Earnhardt Jr said: "I don't know what to say. I'm worn out. He was with me tonight. I dedicate this win to him. No one else I could dedicate to." An emotional Waltrip added, "That's the way it was supposed to be done, right there. I just wanted Dale Jr. to win so bad and I wanted to be a part of it." Had Waltrip considered attempting to pass Earnhardt Jr. for the win? "I didn't even think about it," he said. "I wasn't going to pass him for nothing."
The months of turmoil since the Daytona 500, have seen support for Earnhardt Jr increase dramatically. Fans struggling to come to terms with the loss of the "Intimidator", have found comfort in cheering for the one man they see fit to continue his fathers legacy. Speaking shortly after Earnhardt's death, long time rival Rusty Wallace was supportive and willing support for Dale Jr. "Who else is capable of doing it? Who else is able to continue the family name? Dale was an enigma, the man we all wanted to beat and his passing is gonna take a long time for us to get over. We're all gonna be cheering for 'Little E' from now on."
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