1998 Daytona 500: Victory Lane celebration

Dale Earnhardt pulls into victory lane a champion of the Daytona 500 at long last, as CBS' Ken Squier is there for the interview. Track president John Graham presents Dale with the Harley J. Earl trophy for his victory.

[@raygreene971]

Shows the character of Dale...biggest win of his career and he congratulates a crew member on his baby being born.....

[@skooby_doobie_doonkann3334]

I feel like a lot of people misunderstood dale. That was heartwarming when he briefly stops celebrating the win to congratulate the crew on his baby

[@evanwilliams6406]

That was David Smith one of his tire changers. He was featured in the segment in the 1997 Diehard 500.

[@bizzy24100]

@@evanwilliams6406 I heard he passed away of cancer four years ago but it's good 2 know he's upstairs now working on dale's car again, Dale always said he was considered as a spiritual leader, he led Dale's team in a prayer in 1993 after Davey Allison was killed.

[@bizzy24100]

@@skooby_doobie_doonkann3334 yup even Wessa Miller ( girl who gave Dale his good luck penny), her family thought Dale was supposed 2 be a tough mean guy but as they saw how he made time for their daughter, they understood how special of a man he was and still is. Dale even wants 2 challenge her 2 a wheelchair race once when she joins him in heaven one day.

[@evanwilliams6406]

@@bizzy24100 Yes, David also served as crew chief for Dale in 1996 before going back into his previous role on the team.

[@FloridaManRacer]

I personally get a kick out of that moment when Skinner walks into victory lane, smacks Dale on the chest and says, "You are one baaaad maaan!" How right he was.

[@dolantho]

The thank you buddy gets me 😢😢

[@AlimonyCheck]

"20 years of trying, 20 years of frustration. Dale Earnhardt will come to the caution to win the Daytona 500!" Best line ever in a broadcast.

[@Slidejob01]

Hutch214 pro the most famous

[@christianmarche993]

Imagine the green white checker caution line bullshit. Overtime... blah blah blah

[@webby3943]

"Michael Waltrip in second, but its going to be Dale Earnhardt Jr., using lessons learned from his father to go from sixth to first to score the victory in the Pepsi 400."- Alan Bestwick

[@bryankramer3567]

When I look back at this race, I'm actually glad that Ken Squier turned the play-by-play reins over to Mike Joy on CBS the previous October at Talladega. I don't think the call and enthusiasm would've been quite as memorable as Mike Joy made it.

[@jesuschristislord6790]

@@christianmarche993 Green white checker. Three wide into turn one. Earnhardt, Labonte and mayfield crash. Chad Little is your 1998 Daytona 500 champion.

[@robertjames6041]

I remember watching on TV when they made the final run to the caution and white flags. The last lap when Dale was coming around under caution to take the checkered flag seemed to be the longest caution lap I had ever seen. I miss Dale. He was my childhood hero since the time I was just 4 years old. I'm 33 now and he still is my hero to this day.

[@fredziffel3430]

A perfect example of why I find him to be such a great man. Just won the 500 and he's congratulating a crew member on his new baby, and thanking a fellow team member. I literally loved this man, who reminded me of my car racing father who died when I was 10. Dale became Ken Julian to me.

[@slimonion1975]

the intimidator...one of the greats who will always be missed...may he rest in peace #3

[@bizzy24100]

+jamie carlson not just one great he was da best no one could drive a race car like he did.

[@slimonion1975]

agreed

[@harrydoyle1408]

Just to touch on what kind of person Dale Earnhardt was. In the middle of the interview when he finally wins the Daytona 500, he congratulates one of his crew members for his new baby. Also telling Mike Skinner he was next. There just isn't a person like that in sports anymore and alot of people could learn alot from him.

[@naciremasti]

Just to show, 3:54

[@scoobyboyludwig]

we won it we won it we won it

[@ebonygentleman79]

Dale Sr, the tears shed in your memory are truly deserved. What a hero, and what a helluva man!

[@jasonbu]

im your 3rd comment like!

[@rossum3451]

what a guy. there will never be another like him

[@joshuasudduth1364]

This is a driver we lost too soon.

[@billwebington1769]

Love how dale thanks the lord first and foremost. Then congrats someone for having a baby. This guy was never about himself. You don't see A lot of men like this anymore in the national spotlight.

[@bizzy24100]

he never was as he said in his special documentary narrated by Paul Newman not a day or race goes by that I think I'm doing it by myself. If I ever start saying I did this or I did that I hope Richard Childress would come and shove his fist at my mouth.

[@briantalbert9285]

JB Scott

[@SWMP1523]

Bill we bington Unfortunately we don't see men like him anymore, that's why I try to be a person like him

[@danielgantt3362]

I miss him

[@bizzy24100]

@@briantalbert9285 I'm guessing u were gonna add on perfectly said

[@shawnpickett5220]

Thank you Dale Earnhardt #3 for all of the memories!

[@DarkSector20]

He is the best Legend. RIP my friend.

[@MackenzietheCollie]

I could watch this forever!

[@CharlesB9496]

well i know what I CAN NEVER WATCH again!!!....... The movie from which your avatar came from. Zootopia!

[@MackenzietheCollie]

My profile picture is Bowser.

[@Moose6340]

1:07 that look. Breaks my heart that he got taken from us 15 years ago next Daytona 500.

[@bizzy24100]

yup his signature grinning smile somewhat mischievous after all he feared nobody on da track.

[@ericmonaco2276]

Moose6340 16 years

[@DixytheGoat9]

Moose004 Now 20 years

[@M1lesJames]

@@DixytheGoat9 nope, 18 years. 20 years would be 2021

[@DixytheGoat9]

@@M1lesJames This was 1998 not 2001

[@dhariomartinez5206]

The greatest race of history

[@makedragon]

Almost, the greatest one was Atlanta 1992, 5 Drivers with real chances of winning the championship, The final of Richard Petty and the very first race of Jeff Gordon!

[@chemicalspore]

WE WON IT. He did not take full credit. He commends his team. Congratulates a team mate on his baby being born on his big day, great man.

[@Schommes]

so sad we lost him 3 years after this race

[@Nickbotmax]

In the same race too

[@tinarex1173]

At least he went out seeing his team win

[@bizzy24100]

@@tinarex1173 exactly it's why Dale's death is never a tragedy, he died doing what he passionately loved doing.

[@Hullstarr]

Nascar was never the same for me after he passed away

[@TDDDDDDDO]

His ghost was on top of Dillon's car in 2018

[@Fultonfalcons86]

He is the greatest driver in the history of NASCAR R.I.P Dale #3 forever his popularity brought NASCAR to the world stage............

[@andrewhaskett904]

Over 20 years later and I still get chocked up watching this

[@bizzy24100]

most defining moemnt of Dale's career u can tell at 1:07 wit his big grinning smile, it was da one moment he wanted in his career and finally got. It was simply a day where Dale just raced his heart out for nothing else but his pure heart, all da other races he won were 2 pay da bills, but dis one probably paid off after many years of patience and dat's what he said it would take 2 win dis race.

[@SiVlog1989]

You can hear the relief in his voice when he said, "the Daytona 500 is ours, we've won it, we've won it, we've won it!"

[@fatpatlives1998]

500 is the crown jewel most drivers will never win a title in the sport but that 500 is different

[@SiVlog1989]

@@fatpatlives1998 no doubt, but somehow, given the wild nature of Restrictor Plate racing, sometimes winners of the 500 can have little to no success thereafter (Trevor Bayne for example scored his one and only Cup Series win at the 500 and never got close again), with Dale Senior, it was almost like, despite all the titles he won, 7 championships from 1980-94, he felt like his coming up short in the 500 until 1998 put an asterisk next to his name. It was almost like he thought his legacy was incomplete by not winning the 500

[@fatpatlives1998]

@@SiVlog1989 yeah plate racing is way different now than it was back in 98...you pretty much knew who was going to have a legitimate chance at winning the 500 leaving January testing. Dale sr,JG24, Dale Jarrett, Sterling marlin, later on Dale jr and MW but now days it's a crap shoot last man standing type racing

[@SiVlog1989]

@@fatpatlives1998 just wondering, what is the 500 that you love to rewatch the most? For me, it's the 2012 race, more than just the jet drier incident, it looked like a thrilling race from start to finish

[@gregoryallen1050]

As another season comes to an end (and congrats to fellow NJ and Wall driver Martin Truex Jr), I reflect on the great moments of the sport. I was at this race in 1998 as a 12 year old who had just started racing cars a few years earlier at Wall Speedway in NJ. I looked up to the top of the sport for how to carry yourself as a racecar driver. What I found instead were drivers like Dale Sr who taught me how to carry myself as a man. Gone but never forgotten by those who were there. Thanks for the memories.

[@brandoncurtis9491]

every time i watch this and it gets to 1.07 i break down R.I.P to the greatest driver to ever strap into a race car.

[@f.b.i2644]

"We won it! We won it! We won it!"- Dale Earnhardt - February 15th, 1998.

[@jonathontaylor8368]

Dale Earnhardt is da man and a awesome racer #3

[@dalejr183]

The race that gave him so much hell for 20 years after winning every thing else at that track also took his life 3 years later its a sad irony bout fate but also the weird wins that would come after his death by his son and Kevin Harvick in 3's as in 3 races and winning on anniversaries and three years later just so many weird things to be coincidences. I've strayed from spirituality but there's no denying there is something there after this life.

[@EricEbac22]

@jvfunn3000-- We all miss Dale Earnhardt, regardless of whether or not you were a fan of Dale Earnhardt or even a fan of NASCAR. It didn't matter then, and it still doesn't matter now; everyone misses him.

[@collinjamesguitar]

Mike Skinner coming into victory lane saying “you’re the man. You a BAD man!” Made me smile haha. Awesome

[@zlinedavid]

Classy move from Skinner.

[@haynes1776]

Rest in peace, legend.

[@DumpedClutch]

those old regulation engines sounded so good

[@thomasmcginley7944]

Back when there were only American made cars on the track. F*** toyota

[@DumpedClutch]

No Toyota is pretty cool lol

[@thomasmcginley7944]

+DumpedClutch WHY?! You do know I am talking about the same car make that shit out the prius? Right?

[@DumpedClutch]

Thomas McGinley and toyota is also the same company that made some of the most badass racecars ever...

[@DumpedClutch]

they have road races on all of those tracks. Thomas McGinley

[@da324]

It gets to me me every time I watch him and Richard hug, especially when he says 20 yrs. You can tell what kind of commitment those two had with one another to keep trying after so many heartbreaking losses.

[@JeffTaylor-dl6hp]

God this was an awesome day! The greatest of all time. NASCAR misses him!

[@lynseybrasi9883]

"Hey man! Congratulations on ya baby!" 🥺🥺🥺 he really was thinking about that guys baby after he won the biggest race of his life.

[@quentinparhiala9415]

This was an awesome win for Dale Earnhardt in 1998 at Daytona the biggest win of his career and it's sad that he died 21 years ago in 2001 and he was a great driver

[@jonijenkins8006]

All these years later,I still cry! Love and miss him so much. Racing died for me when we lost number 3

[@swvastories3498]

Love this clip. I remember this day and was so happy for Dale. Kind of a funny moment- they give Dale the trophy which looks pretty heavy and then the presenter keeps trying to shake Dale's hand at 4:40. It's like dude, give him a minute to set that thing down first!

[@michaeldye5257]

It’s really surreal and depressing knowing that both of these great impactful Men are gone now the Intimidator and the Voice of NASCAR with Ken’s recent passing it ever opens up another hole in NASCAR that will never be filled no matter how hard you try. Never got to see Dale Race live on television and never got to see Ken commentate in his prime but this video is such an awesome piece of American Stock Car History. May God continue to be with Dale and his family and now Ken and his family. May they experience the Great American Race from on high. Great Video!!!

[@joeharris5851]

Just got done watching replay of this race and still in 2020 puts cold chills on my arms.

[@thatwolverinefan_85]

I will never forget the win he had in the 50th anniversary of NASCAR and the 1st Daytona 500. Never forget the history. We miss Dale Sr. 3 for life!

[@ericmonaco2276]

2:01 That picture right there we will remember the Intimidator

[@dookie4life04]

this moment was the greatest of the daytona 500 dale sr's career and nascar. #2 would have to be when jr won in 2001 after his father's death, so much emotion from both races.

[@zachdoster1206]

Long Live Number 3

[@jamesfarmer3759]

I remember that day

[@JJA1987]

Dale dominated Daytona 34 All Time wins. But none tops his 500 win after 20 years of hell trying to win it. Their will never be another Intimadator. Who would've known Dale would die 3 years later in the 500 on the last lap. R.I.P

[@ragingbull154]

RIP to my sports hero. So glad I saw your career from beginning to the tragic end. NASCAR hasn't been the same since you were lost.

[@YoSuey]

Love how his eyes light up and stau lit after teresa came to him finally after the race

[@tme1982]

1:07-1:09...the classic Earnhardt grin...i was an Earnhardt fan when i started watching nascar in the early 90s and i was in tears watching this...he will forever be THE MAN

[@StraightTruckinSnowman]

Without a doubt my favorite Daytona 500 of all time. Dale Earnhardt will always be the GOAT.

[@havoknexxuz5585]

20 years and...... senior congratulates his crew member on his baby... CLASS, SIR ....THAT'S CLASS.

[@sabercruiser.7053]

THNX FOR THE UPLOAD. RIP III

[@theone2225]

remember watching this race with my dad. He reminded me so much of Dale Sr, blue collar hard working man who loved working on cars. I never saw him cry but he got choked up when Dale won and was doing donuts in the grass.

[@adriananderson76]

I remember this very well, I was 11 years old when he won the Daytona 500! ! I was like YES! HE DID IT! ! !

[@dirtycavemen]

i miss him so much still. this sport needs him so badly. the excitement is gone. the fans going crazy is gone. the big rivalries has died down. his presence being gone has changed this sport so much. i was in tears during all this. miss you Dale

[@jada9655]

Dale talking about his mom got me like 🥺

[@jeffcummings5688]

The Legend Lives On in his Competitors on the track and his Loyal Fans.I’m glad I got to meet you Dale in a little Chevrolet dealership in Churchville,NY just outside of Watkins Glen and I have your autograph when I gave you a Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Coin for good luck at Watkins Glen.God Bless R.I.P.

[@evanwilliams6406]

This was also Dale's only credited win with Larry McReynolds atop the pit box. The others were his Twin 125 Qualifiers in 1997 and 1998. He and Larry never really got going, they were good friends but for some reason it was hard to work together. They eventually switched crews later during the season and Earnhardt and Skinner both had better results. I had nothing against Larry Mac, but I just felt like he just wasn't a good fit for Dale. Some of the stuff he did with Davey and Ernie just didn't work for Dale and plus he drove a Chevrolet. Larry Mac worked with Ford drivers and he never had much success before being hired by Yates.

[@marieprovencio288]

Still amazing video!!!! Thank goodness!!!! He was my King!!!! What a champion!!!!!

[@tyvulpintaur2732]

Back when NASCAR was NASCAR, and not the sorry excuse it is today. How many drivers would call Brian France "Mr. France" like Dale did to Bill France Jr?

[@deejayferguson5015]

I just watched an interview he did after the 2000 snoozefest of a 500 and I was thinking the same thing. As upset as he was he still referred to him as "Mr. Bill France" He might have been the "intimidator" but the man was a class act and NASCAR lacks that these days

[@fatpatlives1998]

@@deejayferguson5015 he was talking about Bill Sr at the time but dale and Bill Jr was really close dale was one of few drivers who had direct connection to Bill Jr

[@PonySparkle69]

Austin Dillon makes the #3 20-year comeback, 20 years later.

[@TailsFan369no2]

A younger version of him somewhere in this crowd

[@mattlatorre9084]

I was born less than a month before this, so I wish I got the chance to watch it when it happened. I was born the same day that the Denver Broncos won the Super Bowl... which is funny because before this race Dale said that if John Elway could finally win the Super Bowl, then he could finally win the Daytona 500.

[@deltonwilliams2454]

Dale Earnhardt Sr Forever #3 🏎🏁 (1951 - 2001) He Still My Hero

[@rogerewing6033]

I was at Daytona USA in 1999. Got a great pic of his name plate on the trophy.

[@30AndHatingIt]

If I was first to talk to him as he started getting ready to get out, I would’ve told him “Dale, you were supposed to cut a tire or run out of gas on the last lap… what the hell do you think you’re doing?!?” Lol

[@E180TEKNO]

Serious a most great racers of all time for me for the years 80s/90s

[@vintagehawk1613]

I miss this man a legend

[@grainofsalt4934]

What a great man! I miss him so much

[@TOPGUNCANADA00]

i was 12 at the time, and i remember i was home by myself since my parents were working, and waiting to turn the race on when it started, i sat on the corner of the couch from the very start until the finish and never got up once, then i remember telling my dad over the phone about Dale winning when he called to check-up on me.

[@patrickjamessimpson7268]

nascar will always show this moment. its greatest driver, the greatest story. dale v the daytona 500. whatever happens Dale will never be forgotten

[@jozwiakeric]

1:07 Gets me Everytime.

[@CJODell12]

Very proud grin

[@vesubioromo9425]

That black #3 Goodwrench is a classic. I hope it's in a museum. I wonder how old JR was when his dad today.

[@Johnnywiseify]

Such a great moment. From him being so relieved and happy and him congratulating his crew member bout the new Born. Rip Dale. And idk why, but I really like it when Ken brings up the soda. Coming from pop country

[@foxtrotbr9284]

1998 the 3 is in the victory lane of the daytona 500 then 2018 the 3 is again in the victory lane of the daytona 500 history does repeat is self

[@brmillgr]

Deep down, Dale was everyones favorite.

[@TheRockmart]

i still choke up everytime i see this video

[@FINFLEX88]

Same here it was amazing see everyone line up

[@SlyHobbit]

8 years ago and I just still have such a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that he is gone. I just still cant believe it. During some races I catch myself for a split second thinking "Wheres Dale at?" because thats what I watched NASCAR for then. Just too tough to swallow that he isnt here anymore. GO DALE JR IN THE BUD SHOOTOUT TONIGHT!!!!!

[@Ringoluck]

I love Dale so much

[@j2mesp4c]

Great To See Him Win That Race, But Still Very Sad What Happened Three Years Later!!!!!

[@rdtli]

even here in my country the earhardts have fans ... i think i am the most... very simple person , true racers , jr is a gentleman driver , i can t wait to see him became a champion ..... long live to southern u.s .... cheers from brasil

[@gloriaannopperman2734]

Our man Dale Earnhardt Sr! Have loved him and his racing ever since Jerry and I married 1991. Best of the best. In 2001 February God called his racer Home to race in Heaven as Dale raced thru the gates of Heaven! Rest in peace Dale! I will join you and Sugar Bear and Fred and Cliff and Dale Sr when I get Heaven! Gloria and Bear

[@Mcdnldmchl]

After 20 years of trying to win the Daytona 500, he finally got it done in 1998.

[@donaldthomason4588]

We love and miss the hell out of you Dale!

[@mattmay7109]

Arguably the biggest win in NASCAR history.

[@DixytheGoat9]

I am so glad i was born 29 days before this race

[@travispavich1694]

He may have been the intimidator on the track, but off the track, he was all class. Congratulating a team member on having a new baby, to when he was the first one there to congratulate Jr. early in his career. He is so sorely missed. It’s hard not to think about where the sport would be if Dale was still here.

[@EricEbac22]

I think everyone, Dale Earnhardt fan or not, was excited to see Dale finally win the Daytona 500 after nearly two decades of frustration and so many tries at winning, only to come up short and have so much disappointment; I don't think anyone who watched this race, myself included, will ever forget it.

[@akalawada]

Welling up reading all these comments. The greatest of all time!

[@RobertNielsen1970]

Best line 1A: "This will be the **LONGEST RECEIVING LINE** in the history of celebrations!!"

[@sergeantmasson3669]

Dale Sr would later state that car was the best race car that he ever drove. He put his crew through hell to make sure that they got the car right to his satisfaction.

[@richardgrace7377]

That was a great day. FINALLY...

[@briangray5809]

21 years ago

[@scottcarterr7796]

PERFECT. DALE. 👌

[@dbird8886]

3:40 "My mom, thank you mom!"

[@7647486894944]

WE WANT IT! Great Race Earnhardt!

[@ZWeinstein15]

Ken Squier is THE VOICE OF NASCAR.....I know he did pre-race in New Hampshire and I believe does PA at Lowes Motor Speedway...I miss him because he excelently described races.....espically Daytona

[@Pifmeister]

a lot of fans definitely said it in '98. The DAYTONA 500 was his. He led the most laps. I remember watchin this race. I was 4 yrs old

[@christopherlucas4620]

4:42 did he really try to shake Dale’s hand while he held that trophy? First time I’ve ever noticed that

[@hamartime17]

This race, he was almost cursed. He won it. Then the 500 took him from us..😢