Dale Earnhardt Jr. reflects on grieving advice from Teresa Earnhardt, remembering the devastating events of February 18, 2001—the day his father, Dale Earnhardt Sr., died at the Daytona 500. The tragedy not only changed NASCAR but also left an indelible mark on Dale Jr., who received unexpected guidance from his stepmother during his greatest moment of loss.
Processing a Devastating Loss at Daytona
The 2001 Daytona 500 stands as the most heartbreaking event in NASCAR history. Dale Earnhardt Jr., who came close to victory while racing teammate Michael Waltrip, found himself in the midst of tragedy when his father was fatally injured during the final moments. While the motorsport community reeled in shock, Dale Jr.’s grief was deeply personal, intensified by both his career and family connections.
Teresa Earnhardt Offers a Controversial Perspective on Grieving
Reflecting in a recent Washington Post interview, Dale Earnhardt Jr. revealed the unique and haunting advice he received from Teresa Earnhardt, his late father’s wife and the co-founder of Dale Earnhardt Inc. The sudden emptiness that followed Dale Sr.’s death weighed heavily on the entire family, but one conversation stood out to Dale Jr.:
“Teresa said something really interesting one day very recently after he passed away…she said that missing someone you love is selfish, because you want them there for you.”
—Teresa Earnhardt
This statement lingered with Dale Jr., prompting self-reflection as he navigated his grief:
“I always kind of kept that in the back of my mind. It made me try not to be selfish…But I do miss him. God, I wish he was here for me. I want him. I want to hug him. I want to talk to him, and I need him.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Complex Relationship Between Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Teresa Earnhardt
Dale Jr. and Teresa have shared a challenging relationship, shaped by both family dynamics and grief. Looking back, Dale Jr. characterized their early years together and the adjustments required for a blended family, especially after the loss that bound them together:
“When I was a kid, man, me and Teresa, we’d butt heads hard…We were sprung into her life…and she’s gotta adjust her expectations of her future with Dad.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Moving Forward Amid Unbearable Grief
Despite the pain and strained relationships, Dale Jr. has learned to continue living. In a recent Barstool Sports interview, he reflected on the reality of life’s persistence after loss:
“And I’ve learned too, you get up the next morning, the day after dad died, you look out the window, people are going to work, people are doing their s***.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr.
The Events That Led to Tragedy
The final moments of the 2001 Daytona 500 were marked by a fatal collision caused by Sterling Marlin’s contact, sending Dale Sr.’s car into the wall. Ken Schrader, both a competitor and close friend, was involved in the wreck and witnessed the scene firsthand, bearing emotional scars that remain two decades later:
“What I saw in the car that day, that will stay with you. I saw a friend in trouble. I didn’t know for certain [he was dead], but I would have bet. That sticks with you.”
—Ken Schrader, NASCAR driver
The Ongoing Legacy of Dale Earnhardt Sr.
The question of moving forward after losing someone so integral surfaces repeatedly, for both family and friends. Over twenty years have passed, yet NASCAR continues to feel the void left by Dale Earnhardt Sr. The loss, woven into the very fabric of the sport and family, serves as a constant reminder of both the dangers and the close ties that define racing.
