Ralph Dale Earnhardt, Sr. was an American race car driver, best known for his career driving stock cars in NASCAR's top division.

Dale Earnhardt was a legend of American auto racing, nicknamed The Intimidator for his competitive instincts and hard-driving style. Competing in the NASCAR racing league, Earnhardt had 76 career wins and won the Winston Cup championship seven times; as NASCAR grew in popularity during the 1980s and 1990s, Earnhardt became one of America's most popular athletes. His sons Kerry and Dale Jr. followed him into racing. After years of success in other races, Earnhardt Sr. finally won the famed Daytona 500 in 1998.

Earnhardt died in a last-lap crash during the 2001 Daytona 500. He has been inducted in numerous halls of fame, including the inaugural class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Earnhardt drove car #3... Besides "The Intimidator" he was also nicknamed "The Man in Black"... Earnhardt's father Ralph was also a popular auto racer.

Awards:

NASCAR Winston Cup Rookie of the Year (1979)
Named as one of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers
NASCAR Most Popular Driver (2001)
2002: Motorsports Hall of Fame Inductee
2006: International Motorsports Hall of Fame Inductee
2010: NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee