NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. has taken a close look at the final moments of the 2001 EA Sports 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, revealing new insights into Tony Stewart Talladega race strategy that helped shape the outcome. As the race reached its last lap, a key decision by Stewart shifted the dynamic, playing a pivotal role in a chaotic finish that would be remembered for years.
Examining the Climactic Final Laps at Talladega
During the final stretch of the 2001 EA Sports 500, Earnhardt Jr., driving the No. 8 Chevrolet for Dale Earnhardt, Inc., made his move for the lead as the white flag was waving. He dove low to overtake Bobby Labonte, who was piloting the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Pontiac, while Tony Stewart, also from Joe Gibbs Racing in the No. 20, chose to follow Earnhardt instead of assisting his teammate.
At the same time, Labonte turned his attention to a competitive battle with Bobby Hamilton in the No. 55 Andy Petree Racing Chevrolet, fighting for position on the upper part of the track. This aggressive exchange led to Labonte being flipped, and Johnny Benson Jr. in the No. 10 MB2 Motorsports Pontiac colliding with the barrier. The incidents resulted in a massive pile-up that took out 16 cars behind the race leaders.
Up front, Earnhardt and Stewart continued to race side by side, with Jeff Burton, representing the No. 99 Roush Racing Ford, making a late push right behind them. The action-packed finish added another layer of drama to a race already filled with tension and high stakes.
Young Earnhardt’s Victory Amid Turmoil
For Dale Earnhardt Jr., the 2001 Talladega race was especially significant. Still in his second NASCAR season and a few months removed from the tragic loss of his father, Dale Earnhardt Sr., at the Daytona 500, the younger Earnhardt secured his fifth career victory and third that season by a narrow margin over Tony Stewart.
As the dust settled, questions lingered about Stewart’s split-second judgment—to fall in line behind Earnhardt rather than link up with his teammate—ultimately shaping the race’s outcome. This decision sparked debate and deeper analysis among racing fans and insiders.
Dale Jr. Reveals His Theory on Stewart’s Move
Recently resurfaced footage of the race’s final laps prompted Earnhardt Jr., now age 51, to use social media to shed light on Stewart’s actions in that crucial moment. Earnhardt posited that Stewart’s decision was influenced by a subtle but critical aerodynamic change.
“Why did Tony Stewart not stay with his teammate when I make that pass on Bobby for the lead at the S/F line? I think I have an idea,”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. commented. He continued,
“Many won’t catch it. But as I crossed over Bobby I clipped his LR quarter panel and flared it out quite a bit, like a sail. It wasn’t intentional but I had to make the pass so last minute to avoid being blocked. But I think Tony saw the damage, briefly hesitated, and decided Bobby’s aero was compromised.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
This perspective adds fresh context to Stewart’s reaction. With Labonte’s left rear damaged, Stewart may have felt that following Earnhardt offered the best chance at victory, rather than sticking with his teammate whose car’s performance was suddenly diminished.
Drivers Reflect on the Intensity of the Finish
Race aftermath interviews further illustrated how intense and unpredictable the final moments were. Labonte, looking back, reflected that the crash was nearly inevitable without extraordinary circumstances intervening.
“You ride around for a long time and wait until the end,”
said Bobby Labonte, Driver.
“The grandstands are full and everybody is OK, so I guess it’s OK.”
—Bobby Labonte, Driver
Earnhardt, too, described the chaotic finish and the physical nature of the last laps. He referenced the roughness of the race and what it meant to win under such circumstances.
“We’re sitting here in victory lane so it doesn’t matter. We got a run from somewhere on the front straightaway and that got us in a position to win. Bobby Hamilton pushed me and Tony Stewart pushed me down the back straightaway. We really needed this win. I won a fan $1 million so she has to be excited.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
The Legacy of a Pivotal Racing Decision
Tony Stewart’s split-second judgment during the final lap of the 2001 EA Sports 500 remains a major topic in the broader conversation about Talladega race strategy. By choosing to follow Dale Earnhardt Jr. instead of his teammate Bobby Labonte, Stewart’s observation of a compromised car ahead helped define both the race result and the ripple effects throughout the field.
This moment not only cemented Earnhardt Jr.’s comeback after personal and professional loss but also provided valuable lessons in strategy for future competitors. The incident showcased the complexity, unpredictability, and drama that define NASCAR races at Talladega Superspeedway, leaving fans and drivers alike to revisit and debate these pivotal decisions for years to come.
