Is Dale Jr's Return To Daytona The Greatest Moment in NASCAR History?

RacingOne. Getty Images.

As our good friend Rico Bosco says, "some things are bigger than sports", and that’s exactly the case here.

22 years ago, and months after the tragic death of Dale Earnhardt, one of the most perfect NASCAR finishes took place. 

Dale Jr, “using lessons learned from his father” held off the pack with help of his teammate Michael Waltrip to get a win in their first race back at Daytona since the loss of his father.

Everything about this moment is perfect. Alan Bestwick’s flawless call. Dale Jr’s open face helmet just like his dads. The awesome paint scheme. 180,000 people on their feet collectively pulling for one driver. Waltrip protecting Jr as Sr did in February and would’ve here. 

And of course the celebration. Waltrip and Jr finally got to celebrate the moment the were robbed of at Daytona in February of that year where they finished 1-2 respectively. 

The script writers could not have drawn it up better.

Race fan or not, if this doesn’t make you feel something I’m not sure what will. 

Check out the latest episode of Rubbin is Racing: