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Like Intimidator, like son The Earnhardts are ready to roll
Posted: Friday February 18, 2000 10:44 PM
By John Giannone, CNNSI.com DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - On June 11 of last year at the Michigan Speedway, the two drivers were locked in a dead heat as they raced down the stretch on the final lap toward the finish line. "It was just one-for-all and all-for-one when we came to the flag," said Dale Earnhardt, Sr. When it was over, the IROC event would read: Dale Sr. 1, Dale Jr. 0 "It's, you know, it's just dog-eat-dog," said Earnhardt, Sr. "Come down to a last lap deal, it couldn't have been any better." The same can be said of this most unique father-son relationship. A bond nurtured with love and bolstered by mutual respect ... but fueled by an unearthly thirst to compete at 200 mph. And every week this season, 48-year-old Dale Earnhardt and his 25-year-old namesake will quench that thirst together on the Winston Cup circuit. It will be the Intimidator and the Imitator. "When we get in the race, I can see that edge of competitiveness that he has, that I've had over the years," says the elder Earnhardt. "I mean, it's there. I think you could about measure it equal." "He's competitive on a more professional level," countered Dale Jr. "I'm like stingy competitiveness. I'm not real mature with my competitiveness." In fact, says dad, it's "all or nothing." The younger Earnhardt's maturity is manifested in his ability to win races, which he did often en route to two Busch Series titles. And that, coupled with his lineage, has placed "Little E" squarely in the glare of a blinding spotlight. "You're there to make the money and not let the money make you," he says. "So it's just, you know, you've got to be careful not to forget who you are. You're not a rock star, you're not an actor, you know. You're not a celebrity. You know, you're just a race car driver." Dale Sr. was quick to offer some fatherly advice for his son just in case. "Maybe when his head gets too big for his helmet or he gets too big for his britches, then I might have to whip him or spank him. "One thing my daddy always told me, that his daddy always told him that I always told this kid is you don't get above your raising. Just keep your feet on the ground. If you keep your feet on the ground, then you'll go a long ways." Another lesson father has imparted to son is the motto Earnhardt has preached for two decades: Victory lane is his domain and he'll arrive there by any means necessary. But that steely racetrack demeanor actually belies a softer side that fans, and son, should see more often this season. "I pat him on the back and give him a hug once in a while," the veteran driver said. While the younger Earnhardt says that's something that doesn't happen very often, both men know they have a relationship that is based on family. "I tell my kids that I love them more," Dale Sr. admitted. "And he [Dale Jr.], of course, he tells me once in a while he loves me. I'm proud of him. Proud of all my kids, actually. I got some pretty neat kids." And racing bumper to bumper with one of those kids will be pretty neat for NASCAR.
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