Waltrip made it to the lead, with Dale Jr right behind him. At this point I am wondering will Dale wait to the final lap and draft by both to take the win? This is what we, as fans, have come to expect! But no he wouldn't even try, but he did as I saw it, keep everyone else from trying it also. Lap after lap he swerved up and down to block Marlin, Shrader and Wallace. I am now seeing a different Earnhardt! A man who was preserving this race for his winless best friend and his son. I already respected his driving ability, but this respect was stepped up in my mind! Who would ever have thought that Earnhardt could be so selfless? While they were back there duking it out with Earnhardt, Waltrip and Jr was drafting to a small lead that locked in their 1st and 2nd finish. All at once the air was taken away from Earnhardt's spoiler and he and Marlin got together below the apron. In the blink of an eye, Earnhardt was gone head on into the wall, collecting Shrader with him. As everyone that witnessed this will say, "It just didn't look that bad". It didn't to me either, but I had this sick feeling in the pit of my stomache! I turned to my wife and told her my opinion about what we had just seen...she said hopefully not. When the interview with Shrader was shown...there was no doubt in my mind that we had lost Dale Earnhardt! He just couldn't hide it with the look in his eyes. He knew when he looked in the car!

It took about 3 hours later before the official announcement was made. I had already shed tears long before then. I completely feel for Teresa, Dale Jr, Kerry, Kelley, Taylor and the rest of the Earnhardt family. I know how I feel and it can't ever compare to their loss! I especially feel for Michael Waltrip, who Earnhardt gave the chance to get that 1st win. Dale believed in him when all others had given up on him. I believe that Dale left this earth knowing that Michael had won and had a smile on his face when it happened!

I am sitting here now waiting for the televised memorial service for the "Man in Black"...the "Intimidator"...he will be missed terribly!