What should have been the high light of Daytona history turned into one of its most tragic events Sunday. On the final turn of the last lap, the impossible became reality. One of NASCAR's  toughest competitors was taken from us. Dale Earnhardt lost his life in a grinding crash coming off turn 4 headed to the checkers. It is with a heavy heart that we remember the Man in Black, and pay tribute to his legacy. On behalf of myself, the staff at Catch Can Racing, and Virtual1.net we send our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and fans of Dale Earnhardt. 

 February made me shiver
 with ever paper I'd deliver,
 Bad news on the doorstep...
 I couldn't take one more step. 
I can't remember if I cried 
When I read about his widowed bride
but something touched me deep inside..... 
Don Mclean "American Pie"

   Those lyrics were written by Don Mclean for the fallen singers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper some 30 years ago, yet after the running of this years Daytona 500, those same haunting words keep coming back to me. In a way, February 18th could be called the Day Racing Died just as February 3rd is the Day the Music Died. One of racings most celebrated and yes, controversial icons has left us. Dale Earnhardt is gone. Those words seem somehow incomprehensible. This is the man that was for years was known as "One tough customer", "The Intimidator", "The Man In Black". This was the man that qualified at Watkins Glen with a broken shoulder; flipped his car at Daytona and DROVE it back..... he was Superman personified. Earnhardt's reputation as one of the toughest men alive, inside or out of a car wasn't just hype. The man was tough. But, unfortunately as we all learned Sunday evening, tough does not mean invincible.
  Arguably one of, if not the best driver the sport has ever seen, Dale will be deeply missed. To have seen him at work, whether it was at the bull ring dirt tracks of Concord or the high banks of Daytona, was to see a master craftsman in action. Earnhardt's knack for getting his car into and out of positions that most drivers could only dream of was a site to behold. Whether you were a fan of his or not, somehow your eyes were drawn to that black 3 to see what he would next. He was half of the show. It made no difference whether he was leading or 10 laps down, he was still out there hustling that car with the same tenacity that lead to 7 Winston Cup Championships and 76 wins overall. 
  As with his driving, there was no gray area in his popularity. You either were or you weren't with him. You either came to root him on or root against him, there was no indifference when it came to matters of Dale. His fans were among some of the most die hard loyal any driver could ever hope to have. While Dale did have his share of detractors, all had to nod in agreement when discussing the mans  tremendous abilities behind the wheel.
  But there was another side to Dale that came out occasionally from that iron curtain he liked to hide behind. A playful, fun loving side that when he dropped his guard, would shine through. The stories of him and his late friend Neil Bonnett are legendary, as are the stories that are told of him and his good friend Rusty Wallace. It was this side we saw late in the race Sunday. 
  Ironically the last thing one would expect from Earnhardt will forever be the thing he will be remembered for. In uncharacteristic form Dale was a 180 mph roadblock, holding up the faster cars of Sterlin Marlin and Ken Shrader protecting his son and his other car of Michael Waltrip, allowing them to decide the winner amongst themselves. This ultimate act of selflessness was what caused him to slip into the pack and become involved in the maelstrom that waited behind him. His two cars made it to the end, but ultimately, Dale didn't. 
  As we all watched on T.V., we celebrated with Michael. We cheered the underdog. It was a great Daytona 500, everything the hype had built it up to be. But, there was still no word from the three car. But it was Earnhardt..... he can't be hurt. He has been through way worse and passed it off as "one of them racing deals." But still the nagging voice of Darrell Waltrip kept playing over, "That's the ones that hurt you".... " Dale's OK, ain't he?" But he wasn't.... 
  If there is any consolation in the accident, it is in the fact that Dale was where he wanted to be, in a racecar at Daytona, racing some of his closest friends (Ken Shrader and Rusty Wallace), all the while watching his car and his son battle for the win in the Super Bowl of NASCAR. 
  Dale has left us. He has left a tremendous void in the lives of millions of people who cheered him on week in and week out. He has left his loving wife and family. He has left behind friends and colleagues alike. But he also left us with hundreds of memories.
  What Dale has gone on to is something much greater. He is now able to spend time with his father, both of whom I know will be watching over Dale Jr., and Kerry as they grow in the sport. He has been re-united with his long time friend, Neil Bonnett.I'm sure that Neil has staked out the best fishing holes for the 2 of them.
  Somewhere in my heart, I know God is a race fan, and you've got to believe that right now, Harold Kinder is getting ready to drop the flag as Elmo Langley leads them off turn turn 4...... Can you imagine the spectacle of Turner, Earnhardt, Weatherly, Allison, Roberts, Kulwiki, Herb Thomas and all the others that have gone before us in identically prepared Banjo Mathews cars??? Man I can just imagine.
  On a personal note..... If we can learn one thing from Earnhardt's passing, I wish it could be this; Our time here on Earth is limited. None of us know when it is up. So before you go to bed tonight, be sure that you have told those closest to you that you love them, and that they are special to you. You may not get the chance tomorrow. And keep the Earnhardt family in your prayers as they go through this very difficult time, as well as everyone else associated with this sport we all love.