In a moment of racing history, Dale Earnhardt Jr. outpaces father at Rolex 24 during their only team-up at Daytona International Speedway in 2001, as the legendary Earnhardts shared a race car for the first and last time. The event showcased their fierce but playful rivalry amid the grueling Rolex 24 endurance race, marking a significant chapter for NASCAR and Corvette Racing.
Father and Son Join Forces for a Singular Racing Experience
After spending 23 seasons in the NASCAR Cup Series, Dale Earnhardt Sr., a seven-time Cup champion, seized the opportunity to race with his son, Dale Earnhardt Jr., shortly after Junior’s standout rookie year. Together, they formed a special four-driver team for the renowned Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2001, a collaboration made even more exceptional as it coincided with the early days of Chevrolet’s ambitious Corvette racing initiative. Their partnership included fellow drivers Andy Pilgrim and Kelly Collins, alongside Corvette Racing manager Doug Fehan.
Competitive Spirit and Memories from Historic Team-Up
During a recent episode of the “Dale Jr. Download” podcast, Earnhardt Jr. reflected on the unique experience, saying,
I remember being competitive with him (Dale Earnhardt Sr.) about our times. And I remember needling him a little bit, and he’s like, ‘It’s not time to race yet.’ And this is a 24-hour race, it ain’t about the fastest. And I was poking him, poking him, poking him—he would not play along or get worked up.
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR driver
This dynamic illustrated a persistent, good-natured rivalry between father and son, even in high-pressure environments. Fehan and Pilgrim also recounted how their four-driver configuration came to life. After Corvette Racing’s victorious showing in the 2000 Petit Le Mans, Earnhardt Sr. sent a congratulatory note to Pilgrim, hinting at the desire for a future racing partnership. This message became the foundation for the team’s entry at Daytona the following year.
How the Historic Lineup Was Formed
The process took off when Corvette, inspired by Earnhardt Sr.’s initiative, reached out to him through Gary Claudio, a figure familiar with NASCAR partnerships from prior work with Pontiac. Arrangements were quickly finalized, setting the stage for the 2001 endurance race at Daytona International Speedway, with the team conducting crucial testing at Sebring International Raceway in Florida.
Recalling the pre-race period, Earnhardt Jr. shared insights from those sessions, stating,
I wish I had the sheets in front of me, but I felt like at Sebring, I was quicker—even though I probably beat the car worse than he did. And then in testing at Daytona, I was a little quicker than he was. And I’m like, dude, what is going on? And he’s like, ‘It’s not race time yet.’
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR driver
Their friendly contest over lap times was clear, with Junior showing on several occasions that he could best his father in speed, igniting a subtle family rivalry in the midst of this team effort.
Legacy of the Rolex 24 Race Weekend
The Earnhardt-led group performed admirably in the 24-hour challenge, ultimately securing fourth place overall and finishing second in their class. The result was noteworthy, reflecting the synergy among household names like Dale Earnhardt Jr., Dale Earnhardt Sr., Andy Pilgrim, Kelly Collins, and the enduring support from manager Doug Fehan.
Despite the success, the event’s context would soon carry a heavy emotional weight: just two weeks after their collaborative debut at Daytona, Dale Earnhardt Sr. tragically lost his life during the final lap of the Daytona 500. The race weekend, once a celebration of family achievement and camaraderie, shifted in meaning for NASCAR, Corvette Racing, and fans across Daytona and beyond. Today, both the partnership and the competition between father and son are remembered for their impact on the legacy of endurance racing and the enduring spirit of the Earnhardt family.
