Earnhardt statue unveiled at Daytona

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Dale Earnhardt's legacy has reached statuesque proportions.

Thursday at Daytona International Speedway, Teresa Earnhardt pulled the cord to drop a checkered-flagged, circular veil just outside of Daytona USA.

With about two dozen drivers and several 100 fans standing in the rain, the curtain fell to reveal a nine-foot-tall statue of Mrs. Earnhardt’s late husband holding the 1998 Daytona 500 trophy in his right hand, with his left hand held high in the air.

After 20 years of trying, Earnhardt finally won the race that eluded him for so many years. Ironically, the same race that epitomized what Earnhardt was all about on the track also claimed his life in last year’s Daytona 500.

“Dale Earnhardt’s legendary performances here at Daytona inspired people that he never even met,” Teresa said. “People looked up to Dale, probably because of his own beliefs and values.

“The day this statue celebrates, Dale took time out to from all the necessary business at hand during Speedweeks at Daytona for one penny. And, look what he ended up with that day -- the Daytona 500 victory.

“What he really took time out for was to care about someone’s feelings he never met -- the little girl with the penny.”

Teresa was referring the penny Dale received from a 9-year-old girl from Make-A-Wish Foundation on the morning of the race. She gave it to him saying it was good luck, and Earnhardt mounted it on the dash of his car.

The site of the statue is surrounded by a tri-oval representing the frontstretch of Daytona. Imbedded in the concrete are seven markers celebrating Earnhardt’s seven championships. At the end of the concrete is another marker, paying tribute to his 1998 Daytona 500 win.

Located beneath the statue, as if he were standing on it, is the familiar No. 3 that Earnhardt had on the side of his cars for so many years.

Behind the statue and to the left are two bronzed gloves like the ones Earnhardt used when he drove to the win. Also imbedded is a single penny representing the one he had on his car that day.

Officials from NASCAR and International Speedway Corporation commissioned the likeness as a tribute to the seven-time Winston Cup Series champion. Teresa was very instrumental in the process and final plans that honored her husband.

With members of the Earnhardt family, officials from NASCAR and ISC also braved the rain to attend the ceremony. A persistent rain didn’t dampen the spirit of the occasion.

“I’m sure if Dale was here today, he’d say it was better that it was raining today than on race day,” said Bill France, CEO and chairman of NASCAR and ISC. “I think the fans are really going to enjoy this and it’s really going to be a reminder of Dale’s contributions to the sport and all the people that come by here on a daily basis.”

Teresa concluded her speech with these words: “Dale continues to inspire people today to believe in themselves and to remember that you get what you give.”