NASCAR WCUP: Statement from Irwindale Speedway regarding Earnhardt

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

DALE EARNHARDT 1951-2001

Even though Dale Earnhardt never raced at Irwindale Speedway, he was, as he was across the country, somehow a part of our personal world.

Thousands of our weekly visitors where his faithful fans; his driving exploits from the preceding week's race were always a hot topic of conversation in the pits and in the stands on Saturday night; his stature as one of the greatest ever in NASCAR was never in question here.

All of us are deeply saddened. All of us at Irwindale feel as though we have lost a friend. All of us know what a painful loss to our sport his passing will be.

… We all send our deepest sympathy to his family, his friends, his team, and to his legions of loyal fans everywhere.

Text Provided By Jodi Graffio

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.