my intent was to stay away from this thread since I have extreme biases.
honestly wish everyone here were old enough to have experienced his entire career the way I did.
to those of you that believe this is over blown, all I can say is considering the corporate image drivers now portray and what nascar has become, you will never see another racer with the talent and charisma as dale Earnhardt.
as much as I will always love racing, I cannot imagine the sport being able to match the changes I've seen between the petty-talent-grassroots/Gordon-talent-corporate money eras. and dale Earnhardt's timing and personal transition made it all happen.
jmo
After thought: quite possibly the first time since his death that I could actually enjoy the replays with him talking about his life and perspective on racing. I repeat: we are not likely to ever see such a unique individual.