by Scott Teeters as written for Vette Vues

“The Intimidator” and “The Intimidator Jr.” selected to drive for the Corvette Racing Team

Dateline October 2015: Dale Earnhardt was 49-years-old and arguably at the top of his game when it was announced that “The Intimidator” and his son, Dale Jr. would co-drive the Number 3 C5-R Corvette at the 2001 Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona race on February 3 and 4, 2001.

Earnhardt earned his nickname “The Intimidator” honestly. Dale had no problem slamming and banging around his competitors. After a stern warning from the president of NASCAR in 1987 concerning his aggressive driving style, Dale developed better relationships with his co-racers, but could still be intimidating. His career was absolutely solid from 1986 through 2000. When he wasn’t winning races or championships, he was always a contender.

However, racing stock cars isn’t the same as road racing, and as Steve Crisp, Earnhardt’s right-hand-man put it, “…When we went to the Rolex 24 he understood he wasn’t coming in as the 800-pound gorilla.” Dale asked co-team drivers Andy Pilgrim and Kelly Collins a ton of questions. It all paid off with No. 3 C5-R taking first in the GTO class with Dale Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt Junior, Andy Pilgrim, and Kelly Collins driving. Tragically, two weeks later, Dale was killed in a final-lap crash at the Daytona 500. – Scott

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