2001 Pepsi 400 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Emotional Victory

Probably one of the most emotional wins in NASCAR History, along with Steve Park's win at Rockingham and Kevin Harvick's win at Atlanta. This was the first Daytona Cup race after Earnhardt Sr.'s fatal crash, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins the race with his teammate, Michael Waltrip finishing 2nd. This video features the last 3 laps, Tony Eury Sr.'s interview, and the emotional celebration in the infield.
Credit goes to NASCAR and NBC.

[@4373fg]

I'm probably 1,000% sure that Michael Waltrip had no intention of passing Junior for the win that night. All he cared about at that point was pushing that boy to the victory

[@quentindiaz9418]

4373fg in his book, he was thinking about passing him, but when the time came, he just didnt. He said he felt an odd feeling and just stayed in the back, he thought better of it lol

[@FordEntertainmentGroupFEG]

Yep. He had no intention of passing. Just blocking the cars behind him. Much respect.

[@donerae8682]

Yeah they let him win it was only right

[@Lbyt21]

Might be, but it was the smarter move to stay behind in 2nd to provide the blocking so that they could go 1-2 instead of risking a crash and having both cars out.

[@heathergautreaux1024]

He said in "the day" he wasn't going to to pass him. He said it was his way of making it right and it felt like it was his redemption.

[@buba4267]

You can bet that Dale Sr was looking down from above and saying " that's my boy"

[@Aaron-tv7jo]

I bet he was in that car with his son coaching his son. You can do this!

[@thomasc.5219]

@@Aaron-tv7jo Nascar for sure staged this. Everything just is too perfect for someone's hands to not be involved in pushing this race with a certain plan in mind. Really that whole season is full of coincidences. This race finish was on every front page the next day and was a massive story. Nascar really benefitted from this, amazing that it worked out in a most perfect way...

[@razormc954]

@@thomasc.5219 Do you have ANY idea how good the DEI cars were at Daytona at this time period?

[@NR2003Live]

@@thomasc.5219 Spoken like a true idiot.

[@Ob1tuber]

@@thomasc.5219 explain why Tony Stewart was Black Flagged then

[@vccstudents]

"All right, Mikey, you never got to celebrate your win in February. You celebrate now." What a great line at 5:01-5:07. People got choked up seeing Junior and Michael hug at the end. It was a great moment in Daytona and NASCAR history.

[@vccstudents]

Jeremy Nafus Yes, it was fixed by the second gunman behind the grassy knoll.

[@vccstudents]

Jeremy Nafus They were teammates. Waltrip knew he didn't have the stronger car, so of course, he's going to help Junior win.

[@vccstudents]

Jeremy Nafus Buddy, I grew up in Daytona, and I saw this race live. Junior had the strongest car on the track. Late in the race he dropped out of the lead for a tire change and quickly pulled back up. Is it coincidental? Yes, I'll give you that, but racing at Daytona can be very unpredictable. Just look at Dale Sr. How many times did he have the strongest car only to have misfortune cost him before he finally won. This almost sounds like Bobby Allison saying Richard Petty's July win in '84 for win number 200 was rigged because President Reagan was in the broadcast booth at the time.

[@vccstudents]

Jeremy Nafus I've made up nothing, Dude. I can't have this conversation. You obviously don't know what you're talking about.

[@vccstudents]

Jeremy Nafus Whatever

[@soxnpats4lyfe]

the wins surrounding his death are story book. Waltrip wins for DEI in the race that took Dale Earnhardts life. Steve Park wins for DEI the race the following week. Harvick, the kid who has to climb in the car and take over for Dale wins in his 3rd race since climbing in Dale's #3. Finally they go back to Daytona for the first time since the wreck and Dale Jr wins that race. you cant write it any better.

[@ecardona53]

Hmmm...that gets me wondering

[@Wium43]

***** ILLUMINARTTITITITITITITITITTTIITTIITTITIt In all seriousness, what a great year.

[@quentindiaz9418]

+Ryan4233 and after that Dale Jr took several more wins, including Talladega. Gordon also won his last championship that year too, (he could win #5 this year but i don't think so), he may not have been a teammate of Dale's but Sr surely was a good friend to him and was always said he was the next best thing after him

[@DKrueger1994]

+Ryan4233 also, Rusty Wallace picking up his 54th win, which fell on Dale Earnhardt's birthday as he would've been 50 years old that year.

[@jasongillespie13]

Amen!

[@johnturner3096]

That's called closure. That was what everyone needed, to see an Earnhardt win at Daytona in 2001. After Jr.'s win, we got a chance to heal. 3.

[@acedelta12]

It showed that it was okay to celebrate at Daytona. It allowed us to celebrate both the Pepsi 400 and the Daytona 500. It was okay.

[@bobbyjohnson9438]

This should be remembered as one of the greatest sports moments of all time

[@UCOMacKing]

In my opinion 2001 was the most poetic season in Nascar history. Dale's death protecting the 1 2 finish for mikey and jr, Park winning the next week at the Rock, Jr winning when they come back to Daytona and Gordon winning the title. Poetic

[@MTJfan2017]

And harvick winning at Atlanta

[@MEUProductions]

The fact that Waltrip drove over there to celebrate with him and hug him made me tear up.

[@MotorsportxManiac]

When Jr. got on-top of the car along with Mikey and hugged him, I literally burst into tears. Such an emotional moment.

[@bigtst36]

every freakin time I watch it that happens!

[@thomasnorton2655]

Hunter Wofford I agree dude I was there right at the start Finish Line third from the top row down and I'm a Michael Waltrip fan so I had double Happiness best time of my whole life and I had three honeymoons and check it out so exhausted I sat there for hours after the race and Junior ran up to the fence throwing lug nuts over the fence to the few remaining fans and then went running down the track screaming I mean it was Unreal nobody was there in the stands maybe 20 they had to tell us to leave

[@chrisbarnett4719]

Hunter Wofford me to

[@yammmit]

Hunter Wofford ‘on top’ does not need a hyphen.

[@hamlettelmah441]

who the f decides it's time to start chopping onions out of nowhere, what a moment in history. #goosebumps

[@davidmills4674]

even the commentators couldn't help but cheer jr on. especially benny parsons. what a moment. one of the greatest ever

[@TwizslurD]

Been almost 20 years and I still can't watch this without tearing up. This was the greatest day in Nascar history.

[@TheLOOKOUTSquad]

Amen

[@sebfettel]

I think I agree with you

[@kellark]

Agreed .. I was going to post the same thing

[@kjprodouctions9050]

22 years now

[@tennesseeridgerunner5992]

I 100% agree with you. We were all jumpin' up and down cryin and raisin' hell that night! The greatest sports moment of my life, although it'd be close with Sid Bream's slide in the 1992 NLCS. I'd hate to live on the difference. Such a shame how NASCAR has alienated the Southern fan base and destroyed the sport. They didn't "dance with the one that brung'em".

[@Ghostmanetx]

I remember watching this moment with my pops we were screaming our heads off when Mikey passed up to get to behind Jr. Arguably one of the best if not the best feel good moments in NASCAR. Pops died this past weekend but I’m glad I was able to witness this moment with him.

[@dcstar7772]

My condolences, those memories are special...

[@johnjuhasz9125]

There have not been many teammates with the chemistry Junior and Michael had, in a while.

[@samuelalmanza49]

What?? Labonte and Stewart were hands down the best set of teammates then and on. Innovation of radios between them directly using switches on the steering wheel. Hendrick tried to model there teammate ideas after seeing what Gibbs was doing and how Bobby and Tony worked with each other

[@xXMindfreakFan01Xx]

I'm not a huge Nascar fan, but I know enough to know how emotional and how important this win for Jr. was. There will never be another like Dale Sr. This moment gave me more chills than any other moment in sports history. This is the kind of thing you can't make up. Good on you Jr., you can't go wrong with The Intimidater watching over you.

[@sidepipe360]

I just read Waltrip's book "In the Blink of an Eye" and he writes about his thoughts and emotions during these last few laps. Great read.

[@vflrockytop]

Man I'll never forget this. I was just a teenager but after the emotional rollercoaster of that year after dale died and 9/11 it will always be a hard year to forget.

[@RolePlayingGarchomp445]

2001 was the most important, and emotional season of NASCAR to date.

[@davidokoroafor3706]

Agreed

[@adamwilson2002]

Role Playing Garchomp best season? Dale died. It's not the best

[@retroguy1976]

it was a emotional season but competitive as well steve park winning at rockingham, harvick just three races in winning in the 29 car at Atlanta then dale jr's big wins in Daytona, dover after 9/11 and Talladega capturing the Winston no bull thing. after 2001 it went to shit tbh

[@JJfan48]

5:10 if this doesn't make you a NASCAR fan, being the story behind this and the recent events this year, I don't know what will. I love this sport to death.

[@javierleacock7675]

JJfan48 Me too

[@jaydenh922]

Same!

[@pamelamaloy9778]

Junior climbed out of his car Took his helmet off gazed up to the grandstands and with wet eyes blew a kiss up to his fans. The True Earnhardt believer will tell you that something magical happened just then,that the kiss kept on floating up and up,all the way to the heavens🌞❤

[@bud881160]

With NASCAR I’ve noticed you get the grief, sadness, hopefulness. You get pissed off and the next week you’re all better when you watch it because of all the excitement whether your team wins or losses. It’s all the emotions it brings out in us.

[@michaelluby3297]

I WAS THERE!!! Dale JR. entering Hall of Fame brought me here today. UNREAL night!

[@patluvsvettes]

I remember very well watching this race on TV with my brother. We were both shouting and so excited when Jr. took the lead, and then went on to win. Best NASCAR race I have ever watched!

[@benvanhook5069]

One of the most important and emotional wins that will be experianced

[@rain-el9381]

I wish NASCAR was this good today but it sucks to see it die like it us

[@rain-el9381]

Is*

[@NurseNoodles67]

I hope Jr can win again at Daytona before he retires.

[@zalbert19]

it's sad, they just removed a TON of seats from Dover Downs, sport is just slowly dying

[@emtcowboy1968]

I remember this day very well... I was at a sports bar watching it on a huge screen... the place went wild....

[@oNegLeEk]

i freaking cried that night one of my favorite race's this was amazing

[@paulanderson6481]

+oNegLeEk i was there in febuary when dale died and then again in july wearing my dale hat always been a long time fan and to see jr come across that line i looked at my dad and even though he was a gordon fan we cried tears of joy that night with everyone i get chills thinking about that season.

[@oNegLeEk]

+Paul Anderson just like the announcers said there wasn't anybody there who didn't want to see that.

[@Ghostrider6A]

When I saw this race live, I cried (tears of joy) when the checkers fell.

[@scarletgrayfire]

I noticed a pattern. Dale Jr was pushing micheal waltrip and he won the 500 and waltrip was pushing Dale jr In this race And both were at daytona!

[@GinaNavarra]

Greatest moment in NASCAR on NBC history. And I'm even more excited that NBC will be broadcasting NASCAR once again in 2015 :)

[@meaninglesscog]

I miss this NASCAR...not the tragedy that came before this, but just this time period. I miss Mikey and Jr racing together. Best commercial combo ever.

[@kykrazy6050]

Ifn you look reeeeaaal close you can faintly see the outline of Srs. black chevy with that big ol' #3 on it thats about 4 car widths wide behind Jr.

[@joshwilson2008]

i was at this race right off turn 4. My dad took me to it for my 15th birthday (born 7/4/1986).. By far the the best race I've been to and definitely one of best in NASCAR history... The Big 3 done by spotlights during the fireworks was awesome too... This day will always be special to me in many ways for the rest of my lif3.....

[@CloudStrife8894]

Old school Jr. is coming back slowly but it's coming :)

[@kimberblake4215]

I was there and it was amazing! What a cool moment to witness!

[@TB-it4qu]

I was there too.Unreal.

[@kimberblake4215]

Troy Butler just watched it again, wow. Such an emotional win.

[@BradyEikleberry]

@@kimberblake4215 I watched this race on KZbin like 1000 times and it’s my favorite dale jr win but I wasn’t born yet when this happened

[@donaldcampbell9483]

That hug on top of the car just sent chills down my spine. RIP Dale #3

[@sebfettel]

One of the best sporting moment in history

[@Beils33]

Favorite Sports moment of all time!!

[@nancyharman4795]

In 2022 I still get tears... One of the best finishes in history!!!

[@sonicthehedgehog7202]

2:16 Micheal Waltrip in 2nd, but it’s going to be Dale Earnhardt Jr.! Using lessons learned from his father to go from 6th to 1st and score the victory of the Pepsi 400! Most emotional words in NASCAR history from Allen.

[@TheLOOKOUTSquad]

We Miss you dale thank you for everything your life had for you and giving us an incredible son in racing we will never for get you dale #3 Dale Earnhardt 1951-2001 RIP in nascar heaven in gods house and thank you god for keeping our legend safe for all eternity

[@10910roma]

It's hard to even imagine something like this happening in today's time. One the greatest moments in the sport's history.

[@michellewhitfield9309]

The best part Michael Waltrip helping Dale Earnhardt Jr to win

[@ftvideosandclips]

The beginning of an era that has now come and gone.

[@michaeldavey3376]

20+ years ago and I still cry seeing this clip to this day. This was alot of clouser for the fan base, RCR, DEI and Jr and Mikey that day.

[@Mechamjr88]

Waltrips pass on Bobby was so amazing. Bobby put such a wall but Waltrip made a very gutsy and brilliant move to pass him. Wow. Great moment MW and DEJr went 1 and 2 then 2 and 1 at Daytona. What a moment.

[@SpudEater]

I was 5 years old when Dale Sr passed away, my father and I used to watch and cheer him on and after his passing we turned to become fans of his son, I remember that night quite vividly 17 years on.

[@civmike]

Love the bond between him and waltrip, he was holding 2nd not letting anyone get close to dale..

[@Heyoo414]

What a sport it used to be. I miss this NASCAR more and more everyday

[@americanbassist9973]

I cried a little at the end.. Beautiful... Just beautiful

[@andrewmcconnell5699]

Chocolate being the first over there to congratulate Jr hurts my heart every time too. Jr winning that was some closure for him as well

[@GARTHBOOTS]

I will never forget this day it was so special and that boy did it they made me cry it was a bitter sweet moment.we love u dale

[@dustinartrip3298]

WOW! You can just feel the power of this video! so glad for Jr. I remember watching this when I was 11 years old! Rusty Wallace was my driver but im so glad Jr. won for himself, his Dad, and family. Just incredible for this young man!!!!

[@ethankendrick1936]

I remember this when I was 5 watching it with my old man! He kept shouting Go Jr. Go and I said it with him! After the win, he had me on his shoulders and boy he had a big smile on his face cheering loudly! Nascar has never been the same in 20 years since Earnhardt Sr died!

[@Hydraprowrestling]

Man they need to bring back this race in July it’s better in July not August

[@andrewmcconnell5699]

The voice break followed by all the excitement gets me every time still. And I still absolutely love that Chocolate was the first crew member out there to congratulate Dale Jr

[@mackenziek8383]

"white flag, and you got your teammate behind you" at 1:30 gave me goosebumps

[@HiOctane62]

still brings a tear to my eyes with joy.

[@DaToyGamer]

Best win in my books

[@hectorlopez1069]

I miss this nascar era.

[@AlexWBell15]

When Dale died on that tragic day, I was 3.and even then I knew NASCAR had lost a hero, a legend. I remember this race like it was yesterday. Yeah I was 3 but I knew this is what Everyone needed. Then when Jr won in the 3 wrangler car in 2010 and I knew then it was a perfect tribute. I cried that night and im not afraid to admit it. R.I.P Dale. We will never forget. 3

[@hamartime17]

I don’t EVER want to forget this! My favorite sports moment of all time

[@mountainnewsnow1832]

I wish JR still was racing. I lost interest after he retired. Because idc what happens in nascar Nextel whatever it’s called but this was by far one of the best emotional wins of all time!!! RIP INTIMIDATOR DALE SR. And all who lost their lives in racing of all kinds

[@ColinHudson]

Best commentary ever by an announcer to capitalize on a historic moment

[@JuanPDuran-bp4fy]

Emotional! And a great tribute to his father at a race track that his father dominated Daytona! #3

[@stephenholloway6893]

This was NBC's 1st (full time) NASCAR (then Winston Cup) race other than the 1999 and 2000 Homestead Miami races. By far, one of the best moments of both NASCAR and NBC. Great win for Dale Jr.

[@music_holds_my_fading_soul]

this was really one of gods good ones

[@ClasherQueen]

2018 and this still makes me cry

[@jbenson7300]

I still get teary eyed watching this race. That was Dale sr in that car willing Jr to the finish line!! #ripdalesr #intimidator3

[@ObamaTookMyCat]

every time i watch this it still gives me the teary eyes.

[@SpontaneousSubstance.]

4 Daytona 500 wins between both these boys. Love it!

[@LDNT14]

i lovd that moment :´). R.I.P dale earnhardt sr ;´)

[@stormkelleh]

The thing of this race is, you got Jr. Whose car is absolutely FLYING around the track, you got Waltrip, Jr's best defensive stratify in 2nd. And both those guys just drive off like a push from heaven

[@chadking7956]

one of the best days in nascar

[@thomasharkins4779]

1,000TH LIKE!!! Seriously, what an amazing finish to a great race. So glad to see Junior win after his father's fatal accident.

[@nikopappas8484]

This looks just like last night oh my god :')

[@mattthomas3207]

DEI was a powerhouse in restriction plate racing and that was when it was a blast to watch. Had dale not died they would have won alot and still be winning

[@bettelyoun2009]

I AM NOT A BIG NASCAR FAN AT ALL BUT THIS IS REALLY COOL OF EARNHART JR AFTER THE DEATH OF HIS FATHER. THIS WAS A EMOTIONAL DAY FOR EVERYBODY INVOVLED

[@barbaradulin7604]

I love this I watch it often. I love Dale Sr and Junior and Michael

[@the_elmeister]

2:17 This always makes me tear up when Bestwick said that he used lessons learned from his father

[@sportslife5129]

My father would get drunk and usually say "if Waltrip and Jr. finish 1-2, this race is fixed!!" Well, screw you, pops.

[@Snivyisaboss]

That was probably one of the most amazing nascar races in history. WOOO!

[@keelandavis9681]

Damn that was the first time I've seen this in years. Gets me everytime. I was so sad for him and loved Nascar when I was 12 the year this happened. I couldn't believe he'd won.

[@ocihc_]

am i the only one crying?

[@MrMcfly125]

no sir

[@helvetier100]

MrMcfly125 nope

[@nascarcrazy397]

Not at all

[@odualumna4766]

Nope!

[@elmer0308]

Cried when I saw it live & still gets me every time I watch it now. Love when Eury Sr is being interviewed & Steve Hmiel comes in screaming "We can celebrate!" since they never got to in February. Also how Chocolate Myers was the 1st guy out to hug Jr. Met him & Childress when they were on a USO trip in Germany in '03. Awesome guys!

[@T1Earn]

I'm bout halfway through this video and my mom decided to start choppin onions at 9pm at night...

[@masonteague4039]

Hard to believe this was 19 years ago today!!!

[@alexherget834]

that was awesome

[@Andohish]

Wow man. One of the most touching moments/wins in NASCAR.

[@simracr94]

dale jr and waltrip are one of the best duos out there in racing

[@burton0078]

I WAS THERE!!!

[@JML.136]

Dale and Michael were the best!

[@marcconte3275]

this moment always gets me choked up.

[@C_Gibby304]

One of the most memorable wins in Dale Jr's career.

[@tnwhiskey68]

This always felt like winning the last ever world championship of everything! It felt so much bigger than a Pepsi 400

[@steved3515]

Still WOW factor!!They love that kid...... (REM.#3!!!)

[@speedy4569]

man i doesent matter if your a die hard kb fan a jimmie johnson fan or anyone else that win you have to respect

[@wezzlyn]

I miss those awesome paint schemes... Looked forward to them every Pepsi 400 back in the day.

[@TruthBombz]

One of the all time best NASCAR moments.

[@rattmausch]

Not calling it a fix but I knew Dale Jr. was going to win this race months before.. Though it was awesome to see Elliot Sadler have the great run he did. You could tell the difference between DEI and Sadler once they hit the white flag, just how Waltrip and Jr. pulled away from him..

[@BurnNotice2023]

Greatest Nascar crowd ever