Christopher Bell reflects on favorite Dale Earnhardt moment as Prime Video docuseries premieres

The highly anticipated Dale Earnhardt docuseries launched its first two episodes today on Amazon Prime Video, bringing renewed attention to the legacy of the NASCAR icon. As the four-part series dives into Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s remarkable racing career and explores the Earnhardt family’s intricate relationships, Christopher Bell reflects on his favorite Dale Earnhardt moment, underlining the series’ emotional impact and its relevance to both fans and drivers.

NASCAR Drivers Share Standout Dale Earnhardt Memories

To celebrate the debut of the docuseries, NASCAR’s public relations team interviewed current Cup Series drivers about their most cherished Dale Earnhardt Sr. moments. Featured in these conversations were Christopher Bell, Austin Dillon, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., each offering personal insights that connected Earnhardt’s enduring legacy to their own journeys in racing.

For Christopher Bell, who competes full-time for Joe Gibbs Racing in the No. 20 car, a specific quote from Dale Earnhardt Sr. carries the most weight. Instead of recalling a singular race or on-track incident, Bell emphasized how Earnhardt’s words continue to resonate within NASCAR’s competitive spirit.

“What was the quote? ‘I didn’t mean to turn him, I just wanted to rattle his cage…something like that.”

Austin Dillon, the driver behind the wheel of the famed No. 3—once piloted by Dale Earnhardt Sr. for Richard Childress Racing—holds the 1998 Daytona 500 victory as his top memory. For Dillon, witnessing Earnhardt finally triumph at Daytona after 19 tries stands out not only for its racing significance but also for its lasting emotional imprint. Dillon himself would secure a Daytona 500 win in 2018, continuing the number’s legacy.

Christopher Bell
Image of: Christopher Bell

“Got to be the 1998 Daytona 500,” said Dillon. “Getting to go to victory lane as a kid and seeing all the happy faces in victory Lane.”

Ricky Stenhouse Jr., another prominent Cup Series competitor, pointed to the Bristol Motor Speedway in 1995, when Dale Earnhardt spun Terry Labonte. Stenhouse shared that this dramatic and controversial moment encapsulated Earnhardt’s relentless approach and left a broader cultural mark.

“It’s iconic (of) him spinning Labonte at Bristol. Man, I don’t know, I did a whole senior project on Dale Earnhardt.”

The Prime Video docuseries brings these personal accounts to the fore, giving fans new insight into the ways Earnhardt’s career continues to inspire those on the track. With the final two episodes set to release on May 29—days after NASCAR’s 66th annual Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway—the buzz around the Earnhardt story remains high. The Coca-Cola 600, which will air on Prime Video in 2025 as one of five live NASCAR events, further highlights the growing partnership between NASCAR and the streaming service.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Embarks on New Chapter with Amazon Prime Broadcast Team

The docuseriesdebut also coincides with another major development for the Earnhardt family, as Dale Earnhardt Jr. prepares to join Amazon Prime’s Cup Series broadcast booth in 2025. After a six-year stint with NBC, the Hall of Famer teams up with Carl Edwards, Adam Alexander, Steve Letarte, and Danielle Trotta for the new broadcast lineup. Pit reporting will feature Trevor Bayne, Kim Coon, and Marty Snider, bringing both veteran insights and fresh perspectives to fans.

As the Coca-Cola 600, the season’s longest event, approaches on Sunday, May 25, Earnhardt Jr. has begun intensive preparations for his broadcasting role. Sharing his thoughts after a practice rehearsal using FOX’s program during the Kansas race, he highlighted both excitement and a sense of limitation regarding the brief Cup Series streaming schedule.

“We had a little practice rehearsal over (the May 11, Kansas) race using the FOX program and my bosses were texting me when we got done, ‘What did you think?’ ” the NASCAR Hall of Famer said. “I said, ‘I’ve got one problem. We only get to do this five weeks.’ I had a lot of fun and it’s going to be here and gone in a snap of a finger. I am all about doing 600 miles.”

Fans can tune in to the Coca-Cola 600 from 6 pm ET via live broadcast, PRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, with Christopher Bell entering as the defending winner. This intersection of on-track competition and streaming technology, highlighted by the Prime Video series and upcoming live events, demonstrates NASCAR’s evolving media landscape and the ongoing appeal of Earnhardt’s story among both fans and rising stars.

As the legacy of Dale Earnhardt Sr. continues to shape the sport, the new collaborations and recollections from figures like Christopher Bell, Austin Dillon, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. will keep his memory alive for longtime followers and a new generation of viewers.

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