With packed grandstands and a strong crosswind from the weather, NASCAR delivered a moving tribute to Dale Earnhardt in the opening laps of the 2026 Daytona 500.
On the third lap, after the cars picked up speed, most people inside the 2.5-mile superspeedway raised three fingers in reference to Earnhardt’s iconic No. 3. As the peloton passed the main stands, tens of thousands of people took a moment to remember what the rider meant to them.
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Twenty-five years ago, Earnhardt died in the Daytona 500, changing the sport forever. As the anniversary of his death approaches this year, numerous documentaries, interviews and even fan tributes have been made public on social media.
This was perhaps the most fitting tribute of all, as Earnhardt often preferred to speak on the track. Having drivers, teams and fans salute a former champion and Hall of Famer like this is nothing new, but it’s even more special this year.
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As we remember the 25th anniversary of Earnhardt’s passing, tell us: How did this on-track tribute resonate with you?
Read also:
25 years after Dale Earnhardt’s death, we remember NASCAR’s darkest day
Dale Earnhardt Jr. on his F1 fandom and who he’d like to see try NASCAR
Dale Earnhardt Jr. ‘surprised’ that NASCAR is threatened by SRX
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