Published 01/06/2023, 10:59 AM EST
Dale Earnhardt Sr is one of the biggest names associated with NASCAR. However, not many know that despite his intimidating persona, he cherished a fantastic friendship with one of his teammates at the Dale Earnhardt Inc (DEI). Recently, that very friend shared a nostalgic picture of himself and Dale Sr on social media. Needless to say, fans were sent down a trip through memory lane.
Michael Waltrip and Dale Sr had a strong bond both on and off the track. Moreover, their friendship played a key role in their success. To this day, Waltrip credits Earnhardt with making him a better driver as well as for helping him develop the mental toughness and focus needed to succeed in NASCAR. In addition to their off-the-track friendship, Waltrip and Earnhardt’s chemistry was at its best during the period when both of them worked together as teammates.
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Before Waltrip joined DEI for the 2001 Cup Series season, he had already raced for Earnhardt’s team—mostly in the Busch Series. Despite their close relationship, Waltrip and Earnhardt had a fierce competitive streak, and they often pushed each other to give their best on the track. They were known for their aggressive driving styles and their willingness to take risks to win.
Michael Waltrip recently tweeted, “Gone fishing. #Bahamas #SundayMoney @BrooksAndDunn.” The tweet was accompanied by a picture of the duo on a fishing trip.
NASCAR fans admire Michael Waltrip’s picture with Dale Earnhardt
Taking a look at the old picture, many of the fans reminisced about the stories related to Dale Sr. It was rare to see Earnhardt out of his usual “intimidator” looks. In the picture we see the pair squatting together with half a dozen fishes hanging in the background.
LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 02 Fox Sports commentator Michael Waltrip visits the NASCAR Camping World Series garage before practice for the Stratosphere 200 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, NV on Thursday, March 02, 2018. (Photo by Josh Holmberg/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Fans took their time to appreciate the nostalgic photograph and also cherished the bond that these two men shared both on and off track. A fan called the duo “a pair of kings,” while another added that Waltrip was lucky to have been so close to Dale Sr.
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WATCH THIS STORY: WATCH: Dale Earnhardt’s Classic Act for Hendrick Motorsports Rival Jeff Gordon That Proved Why “The Intimidator” Was Loved by NASCAR Fans
In one of the worst tragedies ever to strike a NASCAR track, Earnhardt died in a racing accident at the Daytona International Speedway in 2001. In the same race, Waltrip finished in 1st place, scoring his first win. His death was a devastating blow to Waltrip and the entire NASCAR community, and it marked the end of an era in the sport. In the years since the Intimidator’s death, Waltrip has continued to honor his memory and pay tribute to their close friendship, talking frequently about the impact that Earnhardt had on his career and his life.