there will Never Ever be another driver like Dale Earnhardt

[@ZaccoOfficial]

60 minutes ago I knew nothing about NASCAR. Now, I'm grieving over a man I previously knew nothing about.

[@samuelstahl5828]

Watch “the day Dale Earnhardt”

[@stayhydratedkingsqueens]

Same

[@graysonrachels5832]

I actually live in the city he was born in

[@katevgrady]

I was a kid during the zenith of NASCAR, and I was 10 when he died. My family were huge fans, we had a cookout with what felt like 100 people over. When this happened, the devastation was unreal. First time I saw my dad cry.

[@katevgrady]

@@graysonrachels5832 Kannapolis now compared to how he knew it feels like a metaphor for NASCAR now compared to when Dale knew it.

[@cry_stain]

Came in with 0 knowledge of Nascar or racing Went out with tears in my eyes

[@davidrodrigues9758]

Same here, this is just amazing.

[@xPoDaH]

same, i'm european so i have never seen a nascar race in my life. i knew the name dale earnhardt and that he died, but oh boy this may be the most amazing story in all of sports. kudos @EmpLemon for this amazing video.

[@shippo72]

Honestly, I'm so happy EmpLemon went from making KZbin Poops to quality content like this. I was thoroughly entertained for the entirety of the video.

[@theamericanwolf4731]

You knew nothing about him and it still effected you. Think how heart wrenching it was for the millions who loved him and there sundays revolved around getting to watch him race. Quick story.... the day he died I had on a Earnhardt black button up racing shirt on. I was a 30 year old grown man watching that race when he died. I cried like a baby wiping away the tears and my nose with the sleeves and bottom of that shirt. Afterwards I took the shirt off and told my wife never to wash that shirt...never. I wore that short only one time after that. Later that year they raced at Daytona again so I pulled it out of the closet and wore it one more time in Hope's it would bring his son some kind of luck and sure as anything Dale Jr won that race. So again I took it off put it plastic and hung it back up. I'm now 51 years old and it still hangs in my closet the same. First thing hanging all the way to the left so I see it every time I walk in to my closet. I think people loved him cause he was one of us. He never did anything to embarrass his fans or nascar. As fans you just felt like you could call him up and say.. hey Dale wanna go grab a beer or go fishing? And would say sure is this Saturday good? I know that's not reality but it's just how you felt as a fan. Anyhow your comment got my attention and has endeared you to millions of Earnhardt fans across the country. Welcome to Earnhardt Nation.. Now you gotta get tickets to a nascar race and see it in person atleast once. Even though it's not what it use to be it's still wild and fun to see live for the first time. Get there early cause there plenty of stuff to do and see at the track before the race. Also now that your part of Earnhardt Nation every time driver Jimmy Johnson does somthing or his name is announced you must booo!! loudly it's the proper thing to do...

[@Nashvillecoug]

Been a fan of NASCAR for my whole life, and never had a favorite driver, but know I do!

[@coyote_bandit7026]

“Is it worth the risk?” “Yeah, to win.” -Dale Earnhardt

[@dkman2461]

after watching the last dance he is very similar to MJ in that respect

[@TheKoloradoShow]

@@dkman2461 MJ?

[@51Dutchman]

Kolorado Michael Jordan

[@Zachattack1cub]

Read that as it was said, and had to do a double-take

[@dry1197]

*Sure

[@calebmarinelli15]

"... and his final memory was his own drivers speeding toward the finish line with nothing but open racetrack in front of them." *I choked up so bad*

[@diapollockal8962]

Today I went down to the Quaker State 400 Kentucky Speedway to watch the "Buckle Up In Your Truck" race. Who won was the #17 truck with a young 18yr old inside, is first race, his first win. I came back to this video because of Dale Earnhardt's final race, where he carried his team to victory with the cost of his life. He and his son, his team, won. Sad, but beautiful ending.

[@shadebike1594]

I got hit hard in my feelings

[@davidoke3909]

It’s enough to make a grown man cry

[@Animetion293]

@@davidoke3909 right? Teared me up.

[@prophswrld]

And thats ok

[@Gokanaru]

I went in knowing nothing and came out wanting to know everything. Thank you for caring Emp... it really shows man.

[@ryanmckay6152]

Hey, you're here! Love your content!

[@hondoohnakaproductions]

If you want more whatch cars 3 it give you a really good example of it Side from the talking cars

[@hunnerd4566]

You gonna watch Phoenix this sunday too?

[@MS-rg6ku]

It's the h3h3 king bully himself

[@slothbro1574]

Wow you’re here! Cool

[@funkymonkey2882]

I was raised in Kannapolis. As a kid I was jokingly taught to count "1, 2, Dale, 4, 5, 6, 7, Junior, 9, 10..."

[@somethedan61]

Hey I’m in kannapolis rn but let’s not meet

[@777orment]

@@somethedan61 JEEZ THAT WAS MEAN

[@tomnook2612]

Pog

[@zuzumakiu9296]

Hey I'm from cannabonis, how do you Doddles do? Groink! uuhm... Ups! a quantum fun from me 🤓

[@icee711]

@@zuzumakiu9296 what

[@Cipher71]

Didn't cry until 40:39 Seeing the man hug his wife and son for the last time... man.... No words

[@Nick-ov9gi]

I know. I understand time moves people on, but it doesn't seem possible that being killed in a race is the only thing most people watching this know about Dale Earnhardt.

[@TehDOVAChief]

Don’t usually comment, but I actually have a somewhat personal story about Dale. My family and I live near Bristol Motor Speedway, and I believe it was during the 1998, or 99 season, my Papaw drove over to the track during qualifying, and news crews were interviewing Dale, and he was surrounded by security and NASCAR officials and such. Well my Papaw saw Dale on the other side of a fence being escorted away from the public, and being the Earnhardt fan he was, he happened to be wearing a #3 hat, and asked Dale if he could sign it for him. He said that all the NASCAR officials and security around Dale told him that he wasn’t doing autographs and he wasn’t stopping for anymore people, and Dale, being the down to earth dude he was, told my Papaw to toss the hat over the fence, and he signed it for him. He keeps it locked up in a gun safe.

[@midgetman4206]

truly invaluable

[@DomStu700]

"He keeps it locked in his gun safe" Lol

[@DomStu700]

Cool story

[@briang6994]

@@DomStu700 great story but that gun safe thing had me cryin 😂😂.

[@DomStu700]

@@briang6994 lol

[@LASTCARonBROCK]

I've been a NASCAR fan since 1991. I've written the first biography about J.D. McDuffie, the last driver to lose his life in a Cup race before Earnhardt. And I have to say, you absolutely nailed this video. You managed to present a tremendous amount of information efficiently without being exhausting, and you wove it together in such a way that you don't have to know anything about the sport to become invested, to laugh, or to feel something deeply profound. It's clear from this that you truly cared about Earnhardt, and for NASCAR, which is getting harder to find even among some who still cover the sport today. I can't thank you enough for treating this story with both maturity and humor without causing the two to conflict. Stock car racing is an absurd and humorous sport in many ways, but the people involved are brave and committed to their craft. Few exemplified that better than the man in No. 3. With all due respect to Jon Bois, I'm glad you tackled this subject instead of him - your mix of statistics and emotional storytelling were perfectly suited to the task. Thank you.

[@kimjunguny]

I wish NASCAR wouldn't die. Jeff gordon leaving was the final straw that sent nascar into a steep spiral. There are no drivers we can be fans of, no one has been dominating for multiple seasons. Not only that the car packages have ruined this sport. The trucks are the only interesting races to watch, as the cars are difficult to drive and make for good racing. Nascar needs a change, and a big one if stock car racing is going to stay alive in the US

[@whac1c]

Agreed 100%, Brock. 100%. Well said. Note about Brock: A lot of people that watch this video may not know the impact Brock has had on the entire racing community on KZbin. He's one of the most well-known people in this community and while he has stepped away from making videos for the most part, he's still arguably one of the best at what he did. A compliment of this caliber from someone like Brock is almost like someone like Peyton Manning telling you that you did a great job in a football game.

[@airless7005]

@@whac1c I honestly didn't know. Thats pretty cool

[@gageb28-95]

Brock Beard there were several drivers that died after JD and before Dale Earnhardt

[@LASTCARonBROCK]

@@gageb28-95 Yes, sadly. But J.D. and Earnhardt are the two most recent examples where it happened during a Cup race, not practice, qualifying, etc.

[@SolZaer]

I was stone cold until he said, "his final memory was watching his own drivers speeding towards the finish line with nothing but open racetrack in front of them." I teared up.

[@machineball]

i remember when i first watched stis video i teared up too.

[@Number8forlife]

I know that hit me

[@CHURCHISAWESUM]

The man sacrificed himself so his people could have the win. Holding back all those other cars on his shoulders like an olympic god

[@TheSixStringGuy]

Watch the podcast with Micheal Waltrip and Dale Jr, Jr explains that day in great detail and with Dale SR. Holding the entire pack off of his boys just So they could get the win....thats an emotional podcast. Michael knew when he was in victory lane something wasn't right and rushed out of there to check on SR. Oh I almost forgot, Any racing game I ever play where it gives me a # or Decal I always use #3 in memory of the Intimidator. R.I.P #3 ❤🤘

[@CallDitto750]

My heart broke 💔

[@claykennedy6790]

53:45 - It might be true in some places that people only know Dale as "some guy who died" but in the South his name still carries a quasi-religious reverence. It will be a very long time indeed before the memory of Dale Earnhardt is forgotten down here.

[@moonasha]

hell I live in a rural part of new york and i remember the day after he died, kids were crying in school. Kids were traumatized

[@millennialchicken]

"Dale Earnhardt was Nascar's Iron-Man." "... and his final memory was his own drivers speeding toward the finish line with nothing but open racetrack in front of them." "He finally caught up with his fathers ghost." Goddammit Emp, I came here to laugh like a gullible consoomer, not to cry like a widowed spouse. You did racing proud. You've done NASCAR proud. And most of all, you've done Dale Proud. Thank You Emp, Ya did it for Dale.

[@bigblockchevy427]

I heavily agree. Those quotes cut through my heart like a hot knife, and I felt like i was crying over my ex or something.

[@CornyWhiteBoy]

And just like Iron Man died in order to see his team succeed.

[@nexonsartori1816]

I held it together for a long while. But that line... "... and his final memory was his own drivers speeding towards the finish line, with nothing but open racetrack in front of them." That goddamn heart-wrenching line...

[@somebonehead]

43:13 45:17

[@frosbitfire]

#3

[@doggybandit]

45:08 “Even though Dale Earnhardt’s death was a devastating shock for the millions of fans watching, you could at least take solace in knowing that he probably wouldn’t have wanted to go out any other way. Dale Earnhardt died doing what he loved, and his final memory was watching his own drivers speeding towards the finish line with nothing but open racetrack in front of them.” Beautiful stuff

[@SpeltzGDZ]

That quote genuinely made me cry, the first time I’ve ever done so just by listening to a video.

[@landiemoonkurshey5468]

It make me tear up man :')

[@InformerMaz]

Legit started to read this just as this quote came up in video. Damn, some great words.

[@TweezersUnlimited]

"But NASCAR had no other option, but to push forward" > the most heartwarming sequence I've ever seen follows

[@Apolloneek]

That quote actually made me feel better about it even after all these years.

[@laletraf5568]

This man died and still finished 12th. That's how good he was.

[@AutoRockinRacing94]

To be fair, the big one wiped out so many cars that there was less than a dozen cars that completed all 200 laps.

[@totifaddye6587]

Atleaat he did it for his Kids to win

[@omega1575]

Even in death, he still beat a lot (if not most) of the other racers

[@justderp5713]

Victory... Royale?

[@giveittomebaybe5112]

Damn if thats true dale was one driving ma sucka.

[@freeze1305]

All you need to know about him is when he finally won the Daytona 500, he didn't say "I won it". He said, "We won it".

[@dustinjames1268]

A man of his skill is aware that his performance is meaningless unless everyone else is on point It doesn't matter if you can save 0.1 seconds on the track if you're gonna lose that in the pits It takes an entire team for a race to go well

[@tnos6268]

@@dustinjames1268 I think he meant it for him and his dad, Have a great day

[@MrDude-sp6et]

@@tnos6268 he meant it for his crew. Its a team effort. Without those boys in the pits, he doesn't have a race.

[@nemo5335]

@@dustinjames1268 Not to mention the army of mechanics, engineers and support staff who make sure the car is ready to race in the first place. It doesn't matter how good you are if your car is smoking in the pits.

[@HighItsBubba]

​@@tnos6268he was definitely talking about his crew too. His crew was mostly with him for all of the losses in the Daytona 500 and he knew he can be the best driver ever but without a good crew he would never win shit

[@TheCountofToulouse]

Dale was a good guy. As much as he's know for his "Intimidator" persona, he was really the FIRST guy to support Tim Richmond when NASCAR was trying to keep him off the track. Dale respected talent and he gave credit where it was due. His races always had a 'what's next' quality to them. Him and Rusty Wallace used to make for some great drama. Rusty really was kind of a SHORT track king and Dale was master of the BIG tracks.

[@darthhull85]

Good driver. Garbage father.

[@el_dank_sinatra]

When Davey Allison and Ayrton Senna died, he won both races after their deaths and tributed those races to them. He said after the Allison death, “Davey, I’d run second to you in a heartbeat if it meant I could bring you back.” Source: 9 Types of Winners in NASCAR History by SlapShoes

[@Nick-ov9gi]

​@@el_dank_sinatra I have to say.. I commend you for having the sense to source you're comment. Something everyone should do that no one does.

[@TrevorMoore_]

My dad was probably one of the biggest Earnhardt fans out their. He has at least one of every single piece of merchandise they made, from birdhouses to hats, he's got it all. Dale will always be my favorite NASCAR driver. Even though i was born is 2000. And didn't get to catch much of his racing, he will always be my favorite driver. I've been looking for a dale car or truck to buy and restore, even if its just a recreation of one of his cars. My dad was at the race when dale passed, he was sitting right across from where his wrecked car finely stoped. He still gets emotional when NASCAR gives a remberence for dale. Dale Jr is my next favorite driver, but unfortunately he has retired from racing. When I can, i try to make it to a NASCAR race. When Dillon brung back the 3 car, I was so happy to see the car back, but no one can replace Dale Earnhardt. In my opinion, i don't think NASCAR will die, it may get smaller, but eventually, it will come up. Just give it time. Thank you emp for making this. Honestly, this is the first time I've cried in 8 years. Thank you.

[@four-en-tee]

Considering Nascar is a personality-driven sport, its only a matter of time until they find someone as talanted and interesting as Dale.

[@westsidefilms8169]

*there

[@TheSkypetube]

@@four-en-tee I doubt it since our culture changes, Dale raced with thousands of people watching who were excited about the sport and now things won't feel the same by the way this sport is made safer and is also failing. Personality doesn't shine anymore in this modern age of NASCAR

[@darlahays2471]

For years I drove Earnhardt Monte Carlos. Until my last one....when a texting teenager totaled my car and broke my heart. I hope to one day drive another one. My Dad had bought it for me at Dale's dealership in NC.

[@ravenspromise4925]

i cried reading, my dad was a big fan , my dad did pass in 2012 but i do hope he managed to shake dales hand

[@frozenbinarystudio]

The fact he was holding off the entire rest of the race to see his team, and his son tear ahead of him unchallenged is nothing short of heroic.

[@Battlemage15]

His place in history was undisputed and he had his Daytona 500. He was literally passing the torch.

[@mikemck4796]

I’m a huge Dale fan, but it certainly wasn’t “heroic.” It’s was a slight on competition and against his nature. It’s sad he died, and even worse he did so possibly the first time he tried to lose a race.

[@universome511]

I think it cheapens your son's victory when you do that.

[@mikemck4796]

@@universome511 Especially when nearly everyone believes Dale could have passed them if he wanted to.

[@universome511]

@@mikemck4796 Jr or Sr

[@Los3rGam3s]

Dale with a restrictor plate was like Senna in the rain, they hate it, but still dominate.

[@-NGC-6302-]

"Dale Earnhardt would enter his black #3 for the final time." chills

[@dedreduxx]

With my dad being a huge Dale Earnhardt and Earnhardt Jr. fan (I'm a Tony Stewart fan.), I was holding back tears for most of this. That line opened the waterworks.

[@spiderman4207]

When he said that it sent so many chills through my body

[@Frostflame]

“Daytona International Speeway”

[@HirokaAkita]

I was so happy when i see this documental the first time. Everything was interesting... until, at 40:09 he said those words... the smile that i had on my face just fade out, and i realized that, the hard part, was about to come. And, the song... dude... it's just perfect for this... This song means something for me. This is the kind of music you would play right before the final battle. That definitive battle, of which: Or you come out victorious and alive, making the future bright for you and everyone, and leaving you a story of triumph and glory that you can tell forever ... OR... The end of a martyr story. The sad end of a person who faced the ultimate enemy in a final battle, managing to destroy him and ensure that he never managed to threaten his own again ... but paying the ultimate price ... causing a legend to be remembered for eternity, but leaving insurmountable suffering to his own. Sadly, in Dale's case... *it was the second story.*

[@mrguriila]

I’ve watched this video 3 times through just for that one line with the music

[@groodey5714]

This felt like a professional documentary, but with WAY MORE personality and relatabillity. Good work Emp

[@mistertagomago7974]

It really does feel professionally made.

[@glxck19]

This is amazing.

[@Arbiter099]

He says others compare him to fellow youtuber/sportswriter Jon Bois and I would agree with this comparison. Bois is an incredible videomaker, I've watched everything he's made and I am not a big sports guy. So to say I find this video of a similar style and quality is a big compliment.

[@luisgoncalves2505]

couldn't have said it better

[@FartsInTanks]

Best. Ever. Driver. period This is excellent work and oh so true!

[@JungleJim737]

Dale ain’t dead, he’s just a lap ahead

[@wheatleythe_bigmoron_1179]

F

[@URangryX]

Indeed.

[@TacticalJay62]

Wow that’s good

[@punyhunk8686]

F

[@coleschowe7706]

u built like a protractor hell yeah he is

[@OfficialNinjaSkillz]

You know it’s a good documentary when you start with 0 interest on the topic plus 0 knowledge of the people in question but you leave feeling like you lost a legend.

[@basement3301]

damn right

[@acegarcia3719]

@@basement3301 They'll be hundreds of them for sale at the end of next year when nascar is bringing out brand new cars and all the old ones will no longer be allowed to race.

[@stevenphelps625]

I know man. I cried.

[@DGARedRaven]

I, a Formula 1, Formula E and - at a most! - Nürburgring 24h fanboy, native to Germany, can wholly subscribe to this. I may not like NASCAR even today, but I *get it* now.

[@Tex_Mex_A_Lex]

But we did lose a legend 😔

[@mrswb]

"Dale Earnhardt remained one of the best drivers in the sport until the day he died, and even then, he still finished ahead of 30 other drivers." truth

[@nohbuddy8354]

My mother loved Dale Earnhardt, and by extension so did I. I was 4, my entire room decked out in 3's. I had a race-car bed in 2001, and I barely understood anything about racing except "vroom vroom #3 yay!" and that was enough for me. One day my mom, tears in her eyes, told me #3 wasn't racing anymore. He was dead. Dale's accident was my first real time putting together the finality of death. I never watched Nascar again. Sometimes if I had to sit out there during a race, I would sit facing the other way while my parents enjoyed the show. Something about finally revisiting this topic some 18 years later was one of the greatest experiences I've ever had on this platform. I spent at least half of this video with tears in my eyes, of every different sort. Even if I write my own personal experience with this story off, it's a great watch. 3/3 would recommend to others.

[@_texan306]

Noh Buddy I was in tears when emp said “and his last memory was of his team with nothing but open road ahead of them”

[@stormcloudtheory]

Noh Buddy This is probably the best comment I've read this year. This video is really a reminder to myself that there's still something valuable on KZbin, in spite of its issue's today. What EmpLemon has done here to bring out the most commonly shared sentiments in all of us is phenomenal. I don't know why I haven't done this already after the Spongebob and Raw video's, but I'm gonna subscribe to him.

[@arthur...barros]

Dale Earnhardt might embody to US what Ayrton Senna did for Brazil

[@crazydrummer181]

Yep, that reminds me of the video of Earnhardt paying his respects to senna after his win at Talladega that fateful day. Rip to both

[@bam_henry]

Yup. Earnhardt = Senna, Petty = Fangio, Johnson = Schumacher, etc.

[@Toxic2T]

@@bam_henry As an Argentinian, well said.

[@KyleGD]

Oh

[@KyleGD]

May Ayrton rest in peace and may God bless him. 🙏

[@Free_Krazy]

"even with all this money, is it still worth it to race?" "Yeah, to win"

[@brzblake]

Music got me there

[@Sh4d0wAntrax1TTV]

That's just really haunting in the end

[@blastermaster5039]

Similar to some boxers, martial artists and all types of fighters/mma out there. Why do it when you have the money? To win

[@r5obiwan]

​​@blastermaster5039 it's never about the money for people like Dale. It's a love of racing. The money just helps justify it

[@1in7billion94]

When Dale died, the best and most wise man I know, my grandpa, or papa as we called him, who has loved racing all his life said "I don't have a reason to watch racing no more." Sad day.

[@i.suk.6146]

Ive never been interested in racing, but I bet it was.

[@finnmacmanus5723]

1 in 7 billion that’s the saddest shit I’ve read in my life

[@larkinhardaway]

"You've got plenty of money, don't need that to keep racing. is it still worth the risk to keep on going?" "Sure, to win." I have no idea why but that hit hard.

[@joshhoward6223]

What a great quote and what a way to end the video too. It truly showed his personality. Chills

[@zecaoalfredo4242]

@@joshhoward6223 lol, thats one of the best endings.

[@PursellJr88]

That was so bad ass when he said that😎

[@dazzlemasseur]

@larkin#3639 When you set yourself a goal, something you want to reach or a state of being so great in your eyes, that it represents a victory like an oval races of cars against life and hardships. All you want to do is : To win.

[@nutsackmania]

dudes a real racer man

[@tescoshortage]

There will never, ever be a sportscaster like Ken Squier. In the booth for the thrilling ‘79 Daytona 500 finish and there to narrate the near-eternal saga of Dale versus Daytona. Forever The Voice of NASCAR. Thanks, Ken.

[@hecku]

As I grew up a young child, 2002-2010 Dale Earnhardt was practically a saint in my home of rural North Carolina, even after his death my family of NASCAR fans continued to support Jr. in chasing the success of his late father. While I never quite watched NASCAR with as much interest as them, I always appreciated the motor sport just as much as them. After those years of greatness for NASCAR, the early-late 2000s saw NASCAR just trying to hold on to its former popularity, and for that time frame listed previously it did, but the 2010s have been near-lethal to NASCAR, it just barely hangs on to its former glory if at all. It is quite sad, and after Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s retirement I don't think there is much left at all to keep watchers coming back, all of those relatable drivers are gone. Even my father who grew me up watching NASCAR, watched it on TV every week barely ever watches it anymore if he even does. I have to thank you very much for making this video, it is a love letter to anyone who watches or watched NASCAR, and those who supported the late Dale Earnhardt. Never will I forget the vivid memories of sitting down with my father as a young child on a Sunday afternoon, and hearing them recite the national anthem before every race, and such a memory is almost I have left to remember of what NASCAR used to be. Seriously, this video made me fucking cry harder than anything else I have seen in the past year, I literally took a moment in my tears to think to myself "jesus fucking christ why is this so sad". Thanks Emp for shining a light on something so deserted and forgotten.

[@sunburner_ray]

I cried and I don’t even like nascar

[@Cheeseball786]

boomer

[@TurtleSauceGaming]

Used to watch in the early 2000s with my father. After Earnhardt died, we rooted for jr. Interest kinda faded though, and we both stopped watching. A new friend of mine came over once this past summer and we watched the race. It doesn't have the same flair it used to.

[@dannyx1ify]

When I was a kid I used to watch NASCAR with my late grandfather (he died when he was 103) He never knew what NASCAR was until that first Daytona 500 (the family was snowed in) and after that he became a huge fan. Most Sundays when I was little in the early 2000's we would watch the race. He would have a beer and I would have a soda. It was really the best part of the week. NASCAR has IMO lost what it once had (especially with the introduction of stages which I find really annoying) but I still watch it whenever I get the chance. Honestly whenever I'm stressed out I start to think about when I used to watch NASCAR with him and it puts me in my happy place.

[@ParadoxBoxx]

I think your dad would really appreciate the video too.

[@smfcx4685]

I don't know why, but i cried watching this video. I'm not even american and i've never heard of Dale Earnhardt before.

[@wackyness3319]

Same my guy, same.

[@thespanishinquisition4078]

Emp is just THAT good a storyteller. And this story is just THAT incredible.

[@Crabs4B]

Don't forget the chills

[@spinningchurro]

So did I.

[@1lowisuzu661]

Definitely got choked up myself. What a story

[@christopherjohnson5961]

Great homeage to a true giant, EmpLemon. I actually met Dale Earnhardt as a kid one time. He was with his race car at the opening of a Target store in Alabama. They were giving out free hot dogs and drinks. He just sat on the curb eating his hotdog by himself and he didn't seem to mind being interrupted from his dinner to stand and pose for pictures with the kids. He was such a down to earth guy it's easy to see why so many loved him. He seemed like a genuinely nice guy off the track, and there's no denying he was a legend on it. Rest in peace, Dale...

[@jade8956-k7q]

he is such a nice guy off the track. i wish i could've met him but we can't change the past can we

[@xXHomerSimpsonXx]

I also had the privilege of meeting him as a kid. It was at the base exchange in Fort Bragg.

[@everythingiscool6228]

i wich he was still around.

[@kickazz3638]

My old neighbor used to educate a class of special needs children who just had disabilities, like hard of hearing ect. Told me a story of how they got money to have the kids go out to the track, apparently Dale went out of his way to make sure the kids had a good time, even stopped jr to spend some time with the kids. The guy was absolutely a true top notch chad.

[@SouthernEngineering24]

My dad used to take me to races and I met him twice myself. The dude was so down to earth it kinda blew my mind. The last time i saw him he was eating a moon pie and to this day i remember thinking "A multi millionaire and he still eats the same country stuff we do"... A true salt of the earth type dude for sure.

[@mikemorris5681]

What makes dales crash more heartbreaking is that the driver he got caught up with Ken Schrader was a family friend and he was the first person to see what had happened

[@wavywebsurf]

emp this video is insane man, great work

[@frankrevare4405]

Hey, I love your new content

[@patrickdyer1224]

If I have one issue he really ripped the sound fx design from Jon bois and Sb nations

[@talentedhack]

Love you wavy, you too Emp

[@gorgehennon9188]

Hey wavy

[@patrisco8448]

bae

[@Razz415]

That line at the end: "Is it worth the risk" "Sure, to win" It gets me every time. Uncompromising in his drive to be the best. Legend.

[@Lu_Bu__]

HES TAKIN ANOTHER LEFT TURNNN

[@esst7673]

@@Lu_Bu__ shhhh Formula Red Bull fan

[@bradsanders407]

@@Lu_Bu__ how do you do it? I mean you just ooze originality. I bet you're ceo of a fortune 500 company that you started.

[@mclovin2155]

@@Lu_Bu__ thats why F1 drivers suck at it.

[@jace2802]

The rising sun playing gets me everytime, dale was a modern cowboy and deserves a the praise in some ways maybe it's for the best rather than living to be old and seeing the sport he lives dwindle in a popular

[@ihnder]

As a Formula One fan and having little knowledge about American racing, this is one of the best videos I've seen about racing...

[@elrifle24]

I have yet to find a more compelling story in racing. Heartbreaking and inspirational at the same time

[@r3uvsgaming]

what's more astounding is that this channel was almost never about motorsports until this vid

[@MyILoveMinecraft]

@@elrifle24 Michelle Mouton. The fastest girl alive. Made her name in Group B. Her driving style was quite unique. While many drivers were wrestling their car (Röhrl mastered that style. But his story is an epic on its own) she had such a smooth style that got her many many wins. And a pikes peak record (fastest run on gravel).

[@memeparkworldwide8196]

Hamltion enters the chat

[@edicreynaga5368]

Awesome to see you broaden your spectrum

[@32RH]

To this day there is no piece of media that brings me the same emotion as that montage set to Gusty Winds Galaxy.

[@LINK67890]

He died looking at his son and legacy win, protecting the life of some and making up for his father. He died like a champion.

[@TnAMinecraft]

@@zacklance7798 implying Hitler didn't reach people

[@jojololo9157]

I remember me and my family watched every nascar race and we all rooted for dale and i remember like it was yesterday the race in which he died. They didnt tell the audience until after, but that was the last race me and my family ever watched. A lot of viewers here probably arent old enough to remember watching dale live. That dude was like a hero to me.

[@Ellivation]

He passed in 01 right? I just remember my English teacher trying her hardest not to cry and then just lost it at the end of class

[@wallyman292]

Waldrop won, not Jr.

[@thegoodmudkip3652]

@@Ellivation god, 2001 was a terrible year.

[@parkee8331]

43:11 "Dale Earnhardt was Nascar's Ironman" Well that has new meaning to it.

[@leetorry]

Trainmaster98 ...and I...am Dale Earndhardt...

[@ChrisSantino]

I thought terry labonte was the ironman due to all the starts he had over the years.

[@JimmyDean59]

Maxbotnick It’s not how they died, it’s their legacy they left behind.

[@aidenconley3378]

@@Nickbotmax The other chief difference being I gave a shit when Dale died

[@ryancoggswell]

💀💀💀 man

[@piingoo]

i just watched a 54 minute on nascar and was hooked 100% of the time. didn't even realise an hour had passed. great video

[@treble8921]

Wow I watched this video and scrolled the whole way to this relatively obscure comment before it made me check… that really was an hour! No wonder my girlfriend is giving me dirty looks 😅

[@enoztheprotogenshadeyboii7074]

55 minutes if you round

[@PoptartParasol]

I know nothing about nascar, and yet this was probably the most interesting video I've come across when it comes to sports retrospectives. Never thought I'd ever say NASCAR has a really interesting history haha

[@TheCanadianGuy56]

I wish I could say the same about Nascar.

[@SlickBillByron]

@@PoptartParasol Me and the NASCAR fans that spend 4 hours on the couch every Sunday watching these guys drive and circles: How does this not entertain you?

[@KieranColl-i1w]

Today is February 18, 2024, 23 years since the 2001 Daytona 500. Given the date I felt obligated to rewatch this. Rest easy Intimidator.

[@hash.6250]

My dad worked as a regional manager for GM Goodwrench and part of his job was promoting the motorsports they were involved in. Growing up, I was fortunate enough to do a lot with Dale and NASCAR in general. This really bring back memories. One of my fondest memories involved picking him up from the airport for an autograph signing in Kansas where we lived at the time. I had to leave early for a baseball game and before my mom and I could make it out of the building, he came running up to say goodbye. This was also like a couple weeks after he broke his collar bone and sternum at Talledega. I found out later he asked my dad where I went and I guess he just took a break from signing autographs just to come tell me goodbye. I've always viewed him as an amazing driver, but an even better person. Seriously, "The Intimidator" and "The Man in Black" never really fit his true persona. He was genuinely just a great person and I cried like a baby the day he died. Also, I've avoided watching this particular video as I knew it bring back some emotion, but I'm so glad i finally did. Thanks for making this! Now to find some tissues..

[@danielpruitt8550]

Yo met Dale Sr? wow that's incredible. I was born in 2000 after watching this video i am sad i'll never get to fully comprehend and watch dale Sr drive in NASCAR I will definitely watch the sport when it begins next year, i live in NC so i have many friends who like NASCAR.

[@sandyman6054]

Coming from a city big that’s pretty cool

[@prophswrld]

it’s so inappropriate to wank during a sad video do it in the happiest moments of the video my guy

[@carlvieira9649]

Not only you....Not only you ol friend. How awesome Nascar was back then. R.I.P. Dale. This video is a great Earnhardt homage. Thanks for posting.

[@rwncrower1049]

Every one is posting these long emotional comments and I can bearly connect

[@cursed6994]

Got me crying for someone I learned about just today

[@martymcfly88mph35]

Same. 30 year old dude here shedding a tear over a racer I never knew. The power of good story telling.

[@jamesmichael5762]

Raise Heeeeelllll praise dale.

[@samuelstahl5828]

Watch “the day” Dale Earnhardt. You’ll really be in tears

[@jazzy_jaymond]

Same thooo got me cryin in the club rn

[@GoopVideos]

My father was the biggest Earnhardt fan back in the day and I don’t think even he knew this much about him

[@DB1Dragoon]

You gotta show this video to him

[@Teh_Hats]

That huge comeback in his last win ever was astonishing. I was still a kid when Earnhardt was in his prime, but I still remember sitting with my dad and watching NASCAR, and how much my dad loved the black 3. I didn't fully appreciate the finer details of NASCAR or who Earnhardt was at the time, though. Only in retrospect and through videos like this have I started to realize just how incredible he really was.

[@majik5194]

Dale Earnhardt is the most American looking man ever

[@JustNakita]

Not really look at Kyle Busch XD

[@mackenziechin3667]

Grim_ReaperZ gaming have you seen brad?

[@JustNakita]

Ya XD

[@JoRgEChavez-to2xd]

Carroll Shelby is the physical incarnation of the United States of America.

[@mackenziechin3667]

JoRgE Chavez oh definitely

[@apaulsgaming8008]

“And his final memory was seeing his own drivers speeding ahead of him with nothing but open race track”. Got me in tears ngl Emp you are the goat

[@wormxdream]

God, that line really got me too.

[@camrongray3406]

Yeah I cried

[@jackiethompson7446]

...still am

[@brantznascar4645]

Well I mean tbh, not to break the emotion, but there was more than enough time for him to realize he was going straight into the wall sadly 😔

[@jefffillion981]

i still have zero interest for nascar but yeah, this line made me shed a tear

[@yourwiiddealer4388]

"Have you ever seen a nascar fly?" Now, one of the most iconic lines of KZbin. Change my mind.

[@espressodepresso8294]

So iconic. With the music playing right after I always get chills. I've watched this video at least 10 times already and it's always an experience anew

[@warcrimereal]

Yep. The song is called Home - We're finally landing (IIRC), which makes it even better.

[@klownary]

chills every time

[@Butter_Warrior99]

I unironicly cried in the video, it's so fucking good.

[@DiamondMinerDJC00]

The question that went through my head in response was: "No, do they fly like Mercedes?"

[@FanFicnic]

I have watched this video a few times and the moment all the pit crews line up to salute him makes me cry like a baby every time

[@fribblenaut9773]

My grandpa still has stories about dale, he always said "The roughest, toughest, and meanest man you don't want behind your tail." That's one hell of a way to go out. Holding back a load of cars with an open stretch of debris, track, and his two apprentices rolling down with no contest.

[@raymonderrity1419]

Not to mention one of those apprentices being his own son.

[@Zmanj413]

One story that’s been told to me that I remember is A rookie is going 3 wide. He looks to his right and see a more experienced driver holding onto the steering wheel so tight his knuckles are white. He looks to his left and sees Dale Earnhardt holding the steering wheel with one hand and looking back at him. Intimidated by this he drops out of the 3 wide.

[@enigmatologist7198]

As a Formula One fan, who never gave a shit about NASCAR, my eyes have been opened. Incredibly well-written and edited video, coming away with new found respect for the under-rated sport, thank you for making this.

[@substatikvideos]

This video is a master piece.

[@benselectionforcasting4172]

As a former NASCAR Fan and current F1 Fan.... This brought back why I loved NASCAR, Earnhardt wasn't my favorite, but I respected him, and its both the lack of personalities and the fact the France Family are a bunch of idiots.

[@carlosb1]

The 90's and Early 2000's were great in Motorsports, I used to watch both NASCAR and F1. I also watched CART. Now they are all crap.

[@tilburg8683]

@@carlosb1 what about the 80s, what's better than group B?

[@carlosb1]

@@tilburg8683 You are right Group B nothing better than that, I just said that those decades were great.

[@Judgement_Kazzy]

The fact that he died pushing his son to glory really hit me. Most people could only dream of having a moment like that.

[@pulski]

I was watching, and had no idea until later... Amazing end to an amazing man.

[@pulski]

I should add, that it sucked that it happened, but I don't think he'd have had it any other way.

[@PettyClipper]

mike aint his dad XD

[@fluoridejunkie]

its really beautiful

[@docsgearheadgaming2503]

@@PettyClipper maybe not but Mikey was also like a son to Sr. Need to watch Jr's show here on youtube. they have an amazing episode where they go into detail

[@Outlaw_Actual11b]

He died knowing that he fought his ass off to protect and defend his team, his friend Michael, and his son. As he hit the wall he knew they had won, and his mission was accomplished. RIP Dale

[@drumnbasssakuga9352]

I watched this while eating. From 40:26 to 42:52 I was staring wide-eyed at the TV and couldn't get myself to take a bite for a few minutes after. Really gripping and poetic storytelling. I hope this video reaches as many people as possible.

[@azrael6280]

"Sure, to win." What a quote.

[@LieutenantJoey]

Azrael dong lap.

[@lilgreenguy8757]

Damn straight

[@Lochnessmonstor727]

Emp, this was beautifully written. I hadn’t cried at a KZbin video like this in a LONG time, thank you

[@Mathtriqueur]

I'm not crying. just holding back tears.

[@MIITRIN]

I'm glad I'm not the only person who almost cried.

[@raptyrn1290]

Good music choices too. Ever seen a Nascar fly? God damn. That hit hard.

[@Squrtie]

Hell, I've never cried at ANY youtube video before

[@jayalpha9163]

I teared up too! I'm not even sure why honestly.

[@neumoniad]

I don’t care about Nascar. I don’t care about Wrestling. Hell, I don’t even care about Spongebob, but you manage to make video essays that are brimming with passion, dragging the viewer in, and THAT is a very refreshing thing to see in KZbin. Please keep up the good work!

[@alfa01spotivo]

id recommend wrestling though

[@jacobr6712]

@@alfa01spotivo and spongebob and nascar

[@winup9417]

spongebob is good though.

[@danielrein5503]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKnRfoR_pKmgeK8

[@Geo_0369]

Welcome to this channel lad

[@irmaobarbado]

I first watched this video back in 2019 and when I heard the first notes from "We're Finally Landing" on 40:16, I knew there was something special about this song. Now it's 2024, I just finished the recordings for a documentary about an old railroad deactivated in 1971, with historic testimony about people who lived those days, period-correct images and now, for a credit-rolling song, I can see no other than this song for celebrate the whole journey for myself, the people who lived and builted that, and pay some respect to everyone somehow involved in production. And it all started here. Thanks EmpLemon, you may not know (neither I knew back in the day), but you and this song started an idea and now, after some long years, it's all coming to an end. A perfect cycle.

[@tigerwareagle1485]

Dale put it perfectly; “Richard if they don’t do something to these cars it’s going to kill somebody.” Tragic irony.

[@Mister_Matt_X]

That his last words to his team owner but his official last words were to a driver named Andy Pilgrim who competed with Dale Sr. and Dale Jr. in the Rolex 24 Hour Race at Daytona just a few weeks short before the Daytona 500 that February just moments after the Big One accident on the backstretch when Dale Earnhardt talked to Richard Childress unexpectedly during the red flag at the 2001 Daytona 500 was waived and during the ensuing caution after the clean up on the backstretch.. Earnhardt: So, you got any advice for me here coming up? Pilgrim: No, man, I haven't got any advice for you. Just keep doing what you're doing. Earnhardt: Okay, just wondering. Pilgrim: Cheers; talk to you later. Pilgrim had no communication with Dale after that and instead he heard that Dale cheer Michael Waltrip and Dale Jr. to finish... we don’t know how much Dale cheer on the radio for sure only Andy Pilgrim and Dales crew knows and the questions we want to know will remain forever silent. Even more silent is when Dale Jr. witnessed his father’s accident in his rear view mirror... and he still doesn’t want to talk about it after all these years and many years to come... The guy who wrecked with Dale was Ken Schrader a driver who won a couple races as a journeyman driver and he still remains silent on what he saw after Dales accident to this day but things will remain forever unanswered...

[@shiningamaterasu2579]

@@Mister_Matt_X Ken Schrader has said sometimes he wishes it was him.

[@samarium1934]

@@shiningamaterasu2579 that's gotta be so rough

[@finchat5278]

And he did die in his last words

[@Mister_Matt_X]

What’s even more worse is that the driver who fans claims that he made Earnhardt die his name is Sterling Marlin... now Sterling is another journeyman driver who won the Daytona 500 for his first career win in 1994 and won again in 1995... after Dales passing before the next week race at Rockingham Sterling received a lot of hate mail and death threats mail from fans and blamed Sterling for the accident... it turns out that the next week at Rockingham Dale Jr. made a bold statement to fans and the media that any behavior of hatred will not be tolerated against his father... and it’s true that Dale died doing what he loved... Sterling said in an interview that he raced hard as he could to secure third place but Rusty Wallace finished third speaking of Rusty Wallace he managed to win on the day which would’ve been Dales 50th birthday at Fontana during the race on lap 3 the race like most of them before fell silent but the camera found a car like piñata with balloons I wondered if everyone had balloons that day that would’ve been amazing... Darrell Waltrip said it wasn’t Sterling’s fault in fact it’s no one’s fault... It’s hard to imagine before the Daytona 500 began in 2001 Dale Jarrett the 1993 Daytona 500 winner and the 1999 NASCAR Cup Champion was asked by Dale Earnhardt about the HANS device he asked Jarrett “Are you wearing because you’re afraid of dying?” and Jarrett looked back and told Dale Earnhardt that he has a better chance of living and survive a wreck and see this as a new device as an opportunity as drivers to be safe... the question was brought back to Dale Sr. about his open face helmet and the equipment he used... The Day: Remembering Dale Earnhardt shows that Dale Sr. had raced with a broken neck during the 1999 NASCAR season and cracked a vertebrae and didn’t get the surgery done until the ‘99 season was over and in 2000 he lost the title to win his eighth cup championship to Bobby Labonte... many thought ‘01 was going to be Dale Sr.s year for an eighth cup title but it never came... if he was here things would be very different... there’s a lot of “what if?” scenarios but we may never know for sure...

[@WorldwideWyatt]

I remember watching the 2001 Daytona 500 at a local pool hall in North Carolina with my brother and best friend. When Dale crashed we didn’t even really pay it any mind, but as the minutes went by with no word on his condition, the whole pool hall went silent. By the time they had announced his death we all kinda had a feeling what happened. All of a sudden what had been a raucous and joyous crowd might as well have been at a wake for a dear friend. We were all stunned that a man that we all figured was unbreakable had actually passed away. He was and always will be a legend to NASCAR and even moreso to North Carolina… he was OUR guy. He went out doing what he loved with the people he loved, but it still makes me sad that he didn’t get to see Dale Jr win 2 Daytona 500s. Raise Hell, Praise Dale. Rest in Peace 3.

[@kctippensusmc]

I was watching with my dad and with how close the ending was, I was jumping up and down and my dad was on the edge of his seat. When he hit, We both were silent for an hour. I remember making a comment to my dad saying damn if he is dead, Schrader will need to run and hide. Felt sick to my stomach when they announced his death.

[@mikehuff9793]

My wife’s from Kannapolis and we visit there often. Dale’s legacy is apparent. You can CLEARLY see he left his mark, not just in the fact that he turned Concord/Kannapolis into a racing mecca, but also in the businesses amd interest he brought to the area. Charlotte, Concord, Kannapolis….Dale built these cities

[@moneymanjoe9639]

I dont even watch NASCAR and this got me emotional.

[@Mister_Matt_X]

I think it’s also sad that Sr. never saw his company Dale Earnhardt Inc. becoming a new powerhouse team in NASCAR history if Dale would’ve eventually retired at some point. The late 1990s was when DEIs foundations were being built and promised to NASCAR fans and his fans alike... I couldn’t imagine what it must’ve been like for his wife Teresa going through a lot of lawsuits and contracts he’d sign and make public appearances and other stuff that Dale planned going into the 2001 NASCAR Cup Season and hopefully beyond... but due to Dales passing in the 2001 Daytona 500 DEI and the sport lost its leader to get things done... In my opinion Dale was alive today the sport would be in a completely different way that some of us could or couldn’t imagine... sure there’s tons of fan theories and trying to speculate on what could’ve been but our answers are the rest up to our imagination...

[@KommieKaze]

Insanity to think that he had so many crashes on the final lap in Daytona and that was his final race and crash. That is literally out of a movie.

[@just-a-silly-goofy-guy]

“Tries to disguise itself as entertainment” Yeah that’s pretty true

[@dakotaharnish5515]

Why are you everywhere thats just amazon

[@tompossessed1729]

Couldn't that apply PBS programs in general

[@brotherbup7425]

@@dakotaharnish5515 Everyone knows that it can be none other than... Offer Up.

[@coffee115]

NASCAR used to be dangerous and ballsy as hell. People got hurt? Tough shit. Now it's restrictor plate racing and points racing and super boring shit.

[@raysore_]

coffee115 you are absolutely correct

[@turarosicky]

40:05 to 41:20 is the single greatest piece of documentaries I've ever seen. build up, narration, photos and videos sync spectacularly with soundtrack, frame by frame, shot by shot, just amazing. it left me both speechless and jaw dropped at first time, I come back every once in a while to see it again and it never fails to amaze me. amazing job Emp!!!

[@rolandboros3889]

It's funny because Earnhardt sort of rhymes with "earned hard", which is what his Daytona 500 victory was. Also, mad props for making this series so intriguing and worth waiting for

[@andrewdotmp4]

Huh I've been a nascar fan for 8 years and I never noticed that

[@BlueTheSquid]

When I clicked on this video, the only knowledge on the subject I had was from the Cars movie. When I came out, there were tears in my eyes from what you had shared with us. Thank you.

[@rinkulink]

Same for me. My god is that a story. So emotional even though I'm not even an American and couldn't be further from the sport.

[@riptidev10]

Cars was a highlight of my childhood, it echoes on days like today. This amazing video that Emp planned on the 3rd of the 3rd really made me emotional. It was supposed to be so happy, your whole team on the podium. Its so beautifully tragic that that's his last moment. I just dug out a beat up McDonald's toy nascar from my pile of childhood toys. I had Bill Elliot's car all along. 1977, number 94.

[@el_dank_sinatra]

I liked Cars, until I realized what a shitty plot line it had 😂😂😂

[@Evan2]

Who knew that a YTP maker could churn out such amazingly well written and thoroughly researched serious content?

[@jasonv6319]

Arc mama luigi did

[@Vern_Trertnert]

YTP-ers are some of the best editors and most creative storytellers o the internet.

[@minigungaming5915]

Passion for something

[@lollikabosso.w.n7153]

Thats what YTP does. Teaches editing, and story telling.

[@bagochips1208]

40:10 this moment gives me a lot of emotion

[@barretscholl2760]

Anyone know the song name, been looking for it all over

[@suin4707]

​@@barretscholl2760 we're finally landing

[@Gamebit257]

Man... You made me cry: - When Dale won Daytona. - And when he died Your direction and edition of the video made it some of the finest moments I had in this platform for the whole time. Thank you, mister!

[@MrCalverino]

See Dale hold back the pack ONLY TO WATCH his team win while dying in the process...I HAD TO REWIND THAT PART TWICE🙏

[@josesolis1485]

you are speded and i kinda feel bad hehe xd

[@Alolan.Vulpix.Getting.Railed]

I didnt know a single thing about Dale or nascar before this video, but i quickly became a fan of him and fucking teared up when i literally just found out he died

[@brianmcgoldrick9529]

Yo why tf am I about to cry from a Nascar documentary. Your never ever series is iconic. it's so refreshing to watch an hour of professional editing and knowledge with your personality and passion

[@jamesmichael5762]

brian McGoldrick Dale was the greatest. The Intimidator

[@RyuuB]

I swear, I clicked on this video expecting not much because "haha, 'muricans and their stupid NASCAR", only giving it a 5 minute chance because your videos are incredible... after 55 minutes I almost cried... this is beautiful man.

[@rcracer8872]

NASCAR's the greatest sport in the world give it a chance

[@sadtoad250]

the part with gusty garden galaxy music playing in the background, with the music reaching its climax with dale jr's win at the pepsi 400, gives me chills every time i watch it, its legitimately beautiful

[@DoodleWill]

To think. A KZbin Pooper has now taught people all about not only the state of KZbin as a whole, but also 'Wrastling' and NASCAR. The internet is wonderful.

[@aguywithsubs8956]

You can tell he got a lot of editing skills from doing KZbin poops

[@NYuu05]

I remember laughing from his video,and now I'm crying from his video.

[@substatikvideos]

A KZbin pooper is doing more for the world of audio-visual entertainment for free than television for a fee.

[@powershoteight3483]

This is is crazy emplemon who does ytp but has an interest in cars and serious driving. It frightens me when he put gran turismo music. I alway under estimated oval racing until i tried it. gt6 rc car oval racing was really intense. I never got tired of it along with rally, short course. Anyone who tells me that oval racing is just full gas turning left I will conclude they don' like race driving at all. But i will admit I dont like watching nascar but driving an oval car of any kind is a different story. I just realize emp is becoming a writer. Awesome video emp.

[@Crypturr]

I was at the Daytona 500 the day he passed. It was one of the saddest moments of my life. The crash didnt look like a bad crash and everyone just brushed it off and shuffled out of the stadium. It wasn't until we were stuck in traffic on the way back home where we heard the news. I'll never forget it, that was my first nascar race, and I went with my bio dad, one of the only things I've ever done with him. Thank you for making this video, it was very well done and is a wonderful tribute to him. RIP Sr.

[@woodscrafter1971]

I didn't brush it off, but I didn't expect what happened. Watching it on TV, Darrell Waltrip's concern worried me. Waiting for an update was excruciating, and then to hear the news...That was a really bad day.

[@CoryAY82383]

@@woodscrafter1971 yes I had same fear from Darrell Waltrip concern. Junior running away from Mikey in pit road and Ken running into victory Lane to inform Mikey that it's bad.

[@SilentMilkJug]

Dale Earnhardt was my dads hero. He’s a mechanic and loves cars. He never missed a race on Sunday. I remember watching the day he died. First time I ever saw my dad really cry. He hasn’t watched in 5 years at this point. Thanks for the video.

[@omnius1357]

I love Dale! He didn't miss the final barricade!

[@Indy_Bendy]

Okay?

[@OvertimeUnderdog]

Dale died in 2001

[@delaneyadams4006]

My dad also quit watching nascar when he died. He was the same way.

[@omnius1357]

@@delaneyadams4006 Why did he quit watching? Many people die in racing.

[@JimmyProductions]

After 4 years, NASCAR is finally starting to gain popularity again!

[@bighand1530]

Ross Chastain I know Dale Earnhardt Sr vibes for some people.

[@xd_Jam]

This, the Revenge video, and witnessing the last lap of the Daytona 500 in 2020 watching Newman flip like that and being ok has made me a NASCAR fan. It kind of sucks that I did not find out how cool it is sooner.

[@parkerblackforces]

i became a nascar fan around this year. its pretty cool to watch

[@JackDaniels-m5d]

​@@parkerblackforces2023

[@Snake_2066]

Glad somebody already said it. I had to check and see when this video was made when he talked about how unpopular it is and 4 years ago checks out. I'd say the average popularity and respect for the sport has approximately doubled in that time, and I hope it continues upwards. As i write this, one of the best finishes ever at Atlanta happened and the entire race was fantastic. Lots of new fans just from that race, from what ive seen on socials.

[@Dozeji]

Never did I imagine myself re-watching a 55 minute video about such an obscure subject here in Poland as NASCAR. Your editing and commentary, sir, are on point

[@nothinghere7391]

I'm also Polish and I re-watched this video about 10 times. It has amazing quality and is an huge emotional roller coaster

[@will9788]

I'm on my 3rd rewatch

[@earlspencer7863]

No fajnje stary mowi

[@karolkozik5918]

Same, dude. I can't even remember for what time I'm rewatching it. It's that good. Pozdrowienia.

[@michaeladam8219]

I recommend you look up Alan Kulwicki, who was Polish-American and another of the great NASCAR drivers known for his intellect, being a rare owner-driver, and backwards lap celebrations (the “Polish victory lap” as he called it).

[@johanamorales4273]

I’ve seen this video about 5 times, still a classic.

[@seamuso7020]

Same

[@SleekGoose]

It’s so rewatchable, love to just leave it in the background

[@BrokenGodEnt]

I'm here for round two.

[@lostwill86]

Round 9..

[@limbonlegs1662]

250 minutes of nascar history

[@IndyBrony28]

Coming from a NASCAR fan (Yes there still some left) I kinda expected the usual “Dael was a great driver and died” that people seem to always do when a videos made about him, but this was not what I was expecting, props to you for actually doing your research into the history of Dale, NASCAR, etc

[@aceman0000099]

It's what emp does best nowadays

[@thedesertfox3932]

@@aceman0000099 true, I like his videos, the old ones and the new. Times change for better or for worse

[@aceman0000099]

The downward spiral (secretly an upward spiral)

[@thedesertfox3932]

@@aceman0000099 so true

[@djonpow]

Emp...little late to the party but the YT algo decided it was time to give your channel a look. This is one of the best retrospectives on what/who Dale Earnhart was to Nascar and it's fans I've seen in a long time...maybe ever. The way you stitched it together and wrote the dialogue was world class...much like the subject matter. I congratulate you and deeply appreciate the time and effort you must have put into it. I watched that race live and recorded it on vhs and the shock of it was hard to describe....it just didn't seem possible ol' Iron Head could be stopped like that. I was overjoyed to see Jr win the Pepsi 400 and Micheal Waltrip celebrate with him and heal a little. That win for DEI is still my favorite to this day and it seems #3 was The Spotter that day from Heaven. Liked(very much), subbed and ......DING! :)

[@TNTMan93]

Dang, you sure did your research, I watched the whole thing! Great work

[@carl4964]

What is a Speeway? 40:21

[@klungusxyz]

ayy i remember tntman

[@jollygrapefruit786]

I did too and before this i didnt give a single shit about nascar

[@justsomeguywhodoeswhathewa4591]

This series is one i hope never dies, so far i have loved each entry.

[@Minx5892]

Considering he's liked some of your work, the same can be said for you.

[@coonyman10]

"Were ya winnin' son?" "Yeah dad, I was the best!"

[@clintcollins6540]

"But I still was never as good as you." Dale considered Ralph to be the best. He even said it in multiple interviews

[@Ob1tuber]

Ralph: son you did better than I ever could have done, way to go, intimidator

[@Athazago]

Why does this imaginary Convo between those two want me to be a such a kind of dad in the future...?

[@Ricardo5911jakakak]

"Wtf you little shit?"

[@honchoryanc]

Damn

[@rustedcan9313]

EmpLemon, I seriously cannot tell you how much I appreciate you as a youtuber. I dropped what I was doing to watch this video--and I never even cared about racing or knew who Dale was. You mentioned in your own video that talent is very rare. These "Never Ever" videos prove that you yourself have loads. Keep it up Emp, you're an inspiration to thousands.

[@danielrein5503]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKnRfoR_pKmgeK8

[@MRgamefreak713]

Couldn't have said it better myself.

[@TheMrAwesome]

This was the video that brought me back to NASCAR. I watched this ONE video, and it got me so interested that it turned into two, which turned to me finding a race, and then another, and now I've watched the entire season so far, with the exception of Las Vegas. Thank you, EmpLemon.

[@rustycage]

Fatal car crash videos: KZbin > Liveleaks

[@MarzipanFondue52]

KZbin: your one stop shop to monetize plane crash compilations

[@wynonatrepas4501]

Second reply

[@smocaine.]

Thank You Wynona Trepas, Very Cool!

[@optimizticpizza8395]

AYYYYYYYY I couldn't agree more, seeing as how I am one of those channels.

[@optimizticpizza8395]

@fml tom pryce my guy

[@novikovPrinciple]

Leave it to KZbin recommendations to give me a long-form analysis of a thing I was never interested in and expect me to watch it to the end. Which I did, because I never knew I needed this. Thank you.

[@crystalfuhr8898]

I loved his ytps

[@Syy]

EmpLemon, you are quite simply, the best video creator on the site when it comes to weaving narratives, and that fact that you got me to tear-up at a Nascar video is testament to that fact. Please keep up the incredible work.

[@YudoTheHex]

Weren't you dead?

[@stevieg4210]

amen

[@JuanStamos]

Emplemon is one of my favorite youtubers of all time. i've been watching him since the days of the uncredibles, and his videos are just some of the best on the site. they are usually very well put together and heavily edited. although not all of his best videos in my opinion are long essay style videos like the national geographic series or the never ever series, these are still very good . some of my favorite are things like the top 10 memes of 2016 and the top 10 best anime of all time or even screw senior year of highschool. all in all this an amazing video and i do feel like there wont be another person like dale earnhardt becasue nascar is dead and so is he. but seriously from what i heard in this video, this guy is a legend. anyways thanks for coming to my TED talk

[@Spyderist]

Yeah

[@the54car]

The story of Dale really is just that gripping man. From his triumphant victory in the Daytona 500 to his odd behavior the day he died, his actions at his death, the healing process afterward, I learned the story some 15 years ago and it still really gets to me when I relive it in detail. There's few people in the world I wish were still alive more than Dale Earnhardt, he was larger than life more so than anyone else.

[@jordanwhite8567]

the last turn of the last lap... every time i think about that fact it gives me chillbumps. unbelievable.

[@peanutentertainment]

“Dale earnhardt was the last fatality” boy did Ryan Newman almost break that streak

[@theintimadator3828]

yes the way they were acting we all though it wasnt going to be a good outcome

[@MikuFutaba]

to be fair he almost breaks that streak every season

[@baber6070]

English viking kaden jesus christ

[@savageboat1920]

Not Dillion almost broke it but ight

[@onyxamish9043]

Jimmy Dean no I mean Newman has horrible crashes at restrictor plate racing all the time

[@Cylanthegreat]

Man, you frame Dale Earnhardt choosing to follow in his father’s footsteps like Achilles choosing to sail to Troy and die in glory. I approve.

[@captain_ravioli1514]

Basically what happened. He went into something dangerous and died in glory

[@RagnokRaven]

GLORY is forever and that is why we Remember them both

[@tylerdelong123]

@@RagnokRaven na its bc dale was legendary

[@lilheinz9496]

Yea this guys got some of the most compelling documentary content I’ve ever seen I love it.

[@Magestig]

I legit didn't expect EmpLemon to make a video about Dale Earnhardt. _What a time we live in._

[@nameless5512]

Now there’s two excellent videos covering my favorite legend in the sport. This one, for analytics and a very broad coverage, and the Up to Speed video for a grounded and concise coverage. RIP Dale…

[@dorionite1378]

You can’t deny that he died in the best way possible, not decrepit and barely lucid in some hospital bed at 80, unable to do anything by himself and wanting it to be over, he instead died at the peak of his life, fulfilled as he had measured up to his father and went beyond, sharing his passion with his son and friend, he must have had the biggest, shittiest grin on his face as he died, slyly holding up an entire convoy of racers that didn’t mean a thing to him, watching people that meant everything to him winning and taking his torch, what a legend.

[@jomahawk7488]

I agree despite how upset I get at death in general. I know it’s a part of the human experience, that it’s unavoidable. If you ask anyone, they usually say they want to go in their sleep. But like you said, going in your sleep usually means months if not years of wasting away in a bed, unable to do anything for yourself as your body literally crumbles. But the opposite, of dying in your prime, and especially quick and (hopefully) painless like Dale did is preferable. Die happy rather than decrepit. The one thing that happens no matter how you go, though, is the pain it will leave behind. The pain your family and loved ones will feel because you’re no longer there. A LOT of people felt that pain, some still do. I can relate with Jr. Because I lost my father while he was doing what he loved (my dad was a pilot who passed away in a plane crash back in 2018). All we can do is do like Dale: pick yourself up and keep moving forward. But one last thing: that pain of loss isn’t like the pain of breaking a bone or the toxic heartache of being cheated on. The pain of losing someone that you genuinely love is the pain of all that love you have for them no longer being able to go home. And as crappy as it feels…it feels a little nice to know that your love meant something.

[@oktover3031]

​@jomahawk7488 genuinely one of the best comments I've ever read.

[@RIVERLORD-bf7uc]

I grew up in racing as the grandson of Bobby Allisons crew chief for 13 years, born , raised and still a resident of Hueytown, Alabama, home of Bobby, Donnie, Davey, and Clifford Allison, Neil Bonnett and Red Farmer. I also raced for 12 years. I have watched so many of my heros, and friends climb into a racecar to never climb out. My grandfather use to tell me , son, there is no such thing as a safe race. . Racing is dangerous. . Earnhardts death which brought the mandate of numerous safety systems is without a doubt saved countless drivers from dying the same way as I have had the misfortune of personally witnessing so many times. But this is a different world than the one Earnhardt lived and raced in. I do not watch NASCAR very often tho I do watch the highlights and results each week because that's all I've known for 48 years. NASCAR has gone to hell the same as our government, our country, and the world. I pray no driver will ever loose the race of life behind the wheel but if they keep having races it is only a matter of time before it happens again. Appreciate your video. I will close with the racers prayer that no many folks probably know. . .LORD I PRAY AS I RACE TODAY, YOU WILL KEEP ME SAFE ALONG THE WAY, NOT ONLY ME BUT OTHERS TOO, AS WE PERFORM THE JOBS WE DO, LORD I KNOW THAT IN A RACE, I THE DRIVER MUST SET THE PACE, BUT IN THIS RACE OF LIFE I PRAY, YOU WILL HELP ME ALONG THE WAY, ALTHOUGH I KNOW I AM A SINNER, HELP ME REMEMBER WITH GOD YOUR ALWAYS A WINNER

[@sejiva]

Well said, seriously. A legend Dale is for sure.

[@KyleGD]

Fr.

[@MrNick-og4qm]

Hey Emp, I'm a ditch digger in South Mississippi and you're the ONLY guy that's understood #3 and why we love him. When you said " he's just a poor hick with no other prospects in life, so what if he bangs up some other drivers," it made me tear up cuz we hear the same stuff about us when we turn on the TV.

[@westcoastrenegade8594]

I life in rural western PA. Nothin but farms and Amish. And I hear the same thing, they call us all the names in the book. But if it wasn't for people like us, the US wouldn't exist.

[@flamingrubys11]

another missippian on the internet? ny G O D

[@casacara]

I never quite appreciated NASCAR until I started watching slapshoe's stuff courtesy of the algorithm, and it showed me NASCAR wasn't just some race around a ring, it's legends. Triumphs and tragedies, family legacies, heroes and villains, legends stacked on legends. Dale became my favorite driver fast from watching slapshoe's stuff, and it broke my heart when I found out what happened to him. I guess lemon's right though, man went out doing what he loved the most, and became part of that stack of legends the sport's made of.

[@gacku7847]

Hey man, I feel you. I grew up surrounded by farmland. Lots of Amish. Don't worry, lots of us have an appreciation for folks with some grit.

[@chrisramsey6725]

I miss those days of real NASCAR, not this soyboy overly Corporatized version they have now. Give me the Allisons, Yarborough, Petty, and Waltrip any day over these pretty boy imitators who probably are more likely to sip a chai latte from Starbucks than a cold beer after a race.

[@socalbandits]

I spent most of my teenage years watching Nascar and I was a huge Dale Earnhardt fan. The 2001 Daytona 500 was a week before I shipped off to Navy basic training. I was 18. I've always felt like his death was also the death of my childhood.

[@joeh858]

And later that year in NYC...

[@maximaldinotrap]

@@joeh858 No kidding, 2001 was tragedy after tragedy For NASCAR it was the death of Dale For Power Rangers it was the deaths of Thuy Trang (MMPR Yellow 1 aka OG Yellow Ranger) and Jason David Frank's brother who actually appeared on Power Rangers as well. For America it was 9/11 Having a connection with all three, a Nascar fan, a Power Rangers fan, and an American were very impactful.

[@joeh858]

@@maximaldinotrap I'm born in NY, I grew up with Power Rangers as my favorite show, and my father was a NASCAR stock and enduro driver... Traumatic year

[@FaclanS]

Incredible. Mainly an F1 fan here from my English mothers love of the sport but this video. This video made me care about my own countries racing. This was amazingly well done and the feelings and emotions I went through watching this none stop after I initially put it on just for some background noise was staggering. Great work EmpLemon - this was an fantastic video.

[@flashpone7910]

I heard "The next thing is probably the only thing you know about Dale Earnhardt." and I thought to myself, "No? I literally don't think I know anything about NASCAR." And then the music and montage hit. I knew what was coming. I actually started tearing up a little bit. Shit hit me kinda hard. Crazy how these vids can make me care so much about stuff I never gave a second thought to.

[@Loprey96]

Same. I put off watching this video because I had absolutely no interest in nascar and knew nothing about it or Dale Earnhardt but when that section came up I got really emotional.

[@ameliabrittain158]

Same

[@evanprince3875]

Exactly the same here, I've got family into nascar, they live out in no where and I can see why it resonates with them now because of this video. I had to pause and move upstairs because I knew the next part would bring me to tears and it's like 1 in the afternoon.

[@litessbu]

@@evanprince3875 11 pm for me

[@Nick_2K2_9]

Same

[@Jackt750]

I NEVER thought somebody could make me want to watch Nascar. I'm just a little disappointed I missed it when it was truly in its prime.

[@YaHUKaB_ShaRaYAL_YaShaRAL]

I have watched this man since I was a little boy with uncles. I've tried to get so many people to watch it when he was around. But could never get others, such as friends to watch it. Not to throw it in your face. But a lot of Americans missed it when he was racing! It's never to late. Just look up his races on KZbin, DVD's, documentaries. YOU WILL BECOME A DALE EARNHARDT & NASCAR FAN! Go watch his 1998 Daytona race. AND DEFINITELY GO WATCH HIS LAST WIN FROM THE DIEHARD 500 AT TALLADEGA 5 MONTHS BEFORE HE DIED! 😢 He went from 18th to 1st in 4 laps, & WAS THE MOST AWESOME RACE HE HAD WON! The man was magic behind that wheel. He was loved, hated, but was feared.

[@crazydrummer181]

NASCAR was the bee’s knees when I was a kid in the nineties. I still have a bunch of my old die cast toy cars from that era.

[@hetterman10r9]

@@crazydrummer181 i don’t know if you’ve stopped watching. but the 2022 season is the best season so far since 2014

[@crazydrummer181]

@@hetterman10r9 I watch it occasionally but more into F1 nowadays.

[@kctippensusmc]

@@crazydrummer181 Same, and in their packaging. Tried selling them and nobody will buy now but man in the 90's, they were gold.

[@jacksonfruit3644]

You know what’s so scary about Dale’s death? Every other crash, he hopped out immediately, or atleast almost instantly. He never came out by himself on his last crash. That gave me chills.

[@8-bitsteve500]

if only he was wearing a hans, he would have survived.

[@crr311sux5]

@@8-bitsteve500 And a full helmet

[@Jake_Stafford]

“He never came out by himself from his death” ah yes the floor is made out of floor

[@g-h-l]

@@Jake_Stafford 🤡

[@alphalax7747]

Thats what he said in the video

[@FanFicnic]

Omg Dale hugging junior after his victory is the sweetest clip. Have you ever seen a prouder dad??

[@ariabritton9669]

When I was little, going to preschool/daycare, I was made fun of one day for wearing a shirt that had the number 3 on it. it was stupid little kid drama. you know, "Your shirt has the number 3, haha, that means you're 3 years old." the type of stuff that really can only insult you at the age of a preschooler. so I went home and I told my parents that i didn't want to wear the shirt because of the big number 3 on it, and that kids kept teasing me for it. that's when they told me about Dale Earnhadt, and they told me he was the best racer ever. I wore that shirt with pride after that. And whenever a kid tried to tease me about it again, i told them that the number belonged to the greatest racer ever. This video reminded me of one of the few times i felt triumphant over the bullies in my life. thanks, Emp, very cool.

[@engagementengagement8836]

🏳️‍🌈⃠ 🏳️‍🌈⃠ 🏳️‍🌈⃠ 🏳️‍🌈⃠

[@jacobrzeszewski6527]

I was about to say something positive, but then I saw bigN**** dick’s account name.

[@engagementengagement8836]

Damn that must feel really bad 🧔🏾⃠ 🧔🏾⃠ 🧔🏾⃠ 🧔🏾⃠

[@pingew]

@@chara5 >anime profile pic >beating up people

[@emmjea6913]

@@pingew HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM something seems fishy, can't quite figure it out.