Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt are two of the most popular and successful drivers in NASCAR history. Both dominated throughout their respective careers and won seven championships. It is fitting that both of them were inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in the inaugural class. Earnhardt and Petty also had iconic cars and paint schemes that they made as famous as their victory lane appearances. Anyone who sees the light blue STP car immediately associates it with Richard Petty and the black “Intimidator” Goodrich car was always associated with Dale Earnhardt. Press Pass was able to acquire pieces of both these iconic drivers and their equally iconic cars.
This piece of Goodwrench sheet metal is from the August 28, 1999 Bristol race, one of Dale Earnhardt’s last victories. With two laps left in the 500-mile race Terry Labonte slid past the #3 and took over the lead. The Intimidator didn’t let Labonte get out of his sights, and on the last lap Earnhardt pulled a classic Intimidator move and nudged Labonte’s car, sending him spinning into the wall. Dale captured the checkered flag and hoisted the trophy amidst a cascade of boos from 150,000 fans. When interviewed, Dale Sr said he didn’t mean to wreck him, he just meant to “rattle his cage”. This event often appears on the list of most controversial wrecks of all time in NASCAR, and it’s exciting to actually be able to use that race-used piece for 2010 Press Pass Showcase.
