I feel bad for Sterling Marlin, since he's considered by many to be "the man who killed Dale Earnhardt."
And the man who just a year later, cost himself the 500 by getting out and fixing his fender. There's no denying that Sterling made contact but it was a racing accident and hardly anyone (that matters) puts blame on Sterling for the accident. They are expecting 200,000 people at the race tomorrow. NASCAR does attract the largest crowds of any sport. Usually drawing 100,000 + almost weekly.
Dale Earnhardt's journey to win the Daytona 500 was extraordinary. He had everything happen to him, he even hit a seagull. My favorite Daytona 500 moment has to be the 1997 Daytona 500's shining moment. Dale Earnhardt's car flips over and Dale gets out. Dale takes a look at his car as the crowd goes wild. Dale hops into the wrecked car and finishes the race after his tumble. Just the intensity in Dale Earnhardt's expression. You could tell that he wanted it badly and would win it the next year. Rusty Wallace and Mark Martin are going through a similar situation. Only difference is that, neither man will be back. Kevin Harvick may have destroyed Martin and Wallace's chances during the Duels when he tried bump-drafting in the corner. Both men will have to go an inferior backup car and move to the back of the pack. I am pullling for Rusty Wallace to finally win the Daytona 500 in what should be a dramatic race.
I agree. I've never held any bad will toward Sterling Marlin. I remember reading Marlin was reciving lots of death threats after Eanrhardt's death. People don't realize that like every other sport, the drivers put their life on the line when they start those engines.
And yes, I remember the Earnhardt vs. seagull incident. I thought surely he was going to win that race, then he, Davey Allison, and Kyle Petty all wrecked, and I cried.