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Dale Jr.'s Struggle to Grow Up

His father cast a long shadow for racing star

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted May 18, 2008 2:32 PM CDT

(Newser) – Dale Earnhardt Jr. doesn’t talk much about his father’s death. “I don't want people to know about that,” he says. "It's not their business to hear it.” But he opened up to Marty Smith for an in-depth profile in ESPN the Magazine. Junior spent his childhood fighting for his dad’s approval, and won it only by racing.

Junior was just beginning to feel accepted when his father crashed in 2001. “It’s the most unimaginable, worst thing ever,” he says. “You can’t be consoled, period.” Junior struggled with his father’s legacy for years. Now he’s left Dale Earnhardt Inc. and taken the wheel of his own life. “I think it's important that the fans know the initiative I've had over the past several years to become a grown-up,” he says.

NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. during a grand opening ceremony for his Whisky River Nightclub in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, April. 15, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

Dale Earnhardt Jr looks out from the garage area during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup All-Star race at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., Friday, May 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Jason E. Miczek)

NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. looks out of the garage during a testing session at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., Monday, May 5, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

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Dale Jr.'s Struggle to Grow Up

His father cast a long shadow for racing star

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This Bud—and No. 8—Is Not for Earnhardt

Contract with new team strips racer of number with 'tremendous history'

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Can make history by adding 500 win to Shootout and qualifying wins

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Obama Campaign Will Sponsor NASCAR Entry

Democrat near deal to have name on car during Aug. 3 race at Pocono

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Dale Jr.'s Struggle to Grow Up

His father cast a long shadow for racing star

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

NASCAR • Dale Earnhardt Jr. • Dale Earnhardt Sr. • Dale Earnhardt Incorporated • Sprint Cup Series

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

This Bud—and No. 8—Is Not for Earnhardt

Contract with new team strips racer of number with 'tremendous history'

Earnhardt Takes Qualifier, Poised for Daytona

Can make history by adding 500 win to Shootout and qualifying wins

NASCAR Gets Jolt of Girl Power

Danica Patrick to race for team with Kelley Earnhardt as owner

Obama Campaign Will Sponsor NASCAR Entry

Democrat near deal to have name on car during Aug. 3 race at Pocono

Kyle Busch Claims Another Win at Darlington

Unpopular driver wins his third Sprint Cup event of season

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?