Dale Earnhardt, Jr: Out of the Shadow of Greatness

by Mike Hembree

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s name virtually assured that his life would not be ordinary. Over the past decade, he has fulfilled that destiny. His father, one of the most successful drivers in the history of international motorsports, gave his son more than his name. Dale Earnhardt Sr. placed Dale Jr. in position to follow the footsteps and tire tracks he had left from Darlington to Daytona, from coast to coast, from one championship to the next. Entering 2001, Junior was set to turn the sport on its ear. Instead, his world was rocked in the first race of the season when Dale Sr., racing behind him in a wild finish to the Daytona 500, crashed into the outside wall and was killed. The racing world mourned, and Junior's life changed many ways. Dale Earnhardt, Out of the Shadow of Greatness tells the story of this remarkable young man's journey from teenage dreamer to Winston Cup winner, from Street Stock racer to 200 mph superstar, from son of the greatest to a champion in his own right. Against the backdrop of one of sport's biggest tragedies, he continues to carry the Earnhardt name to new heights.

Hardcover

First published February 25, 2003

Reviews

[Kasey C · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a person who thinks NASCAR is kinda fascinating but not a huge fan, I’d say this book is marginally interesting. It was just mostly a detached account of the facts of his life, with little commentary or inspiration. It did make me want to read Dale’s actual book though.

[Julie H. Ernstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a must-read for members of Earnhardt Nation.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this in one night. i loved it. it was very good.