Irwin/Earnhardt/Petty Tribute: NHIS will hold a race-day tribute to the late seven-time champion, Dale Earnhardt. Details are still being worked out and are expected to be announced tomorrow(Union Leader), no word on if they will have a tribute for Kenny Irwin(7-18-2001) UPDATE: According to NHIS owner Bob Bahre, track officials are planning a ceremony to honor Dale Earnhardt, Adam Petty and Kenny Irwin Jr. prior to Sundays New England 300. Earnhardt, also known as The Intimidator, was one of NASCARs best-known drivers. With his trademark black racing suit and aggressive style of driving, Earnhardt quickly gained the respect of his NASCAR peers. The 49-year-old Earnhardt was killed during the Daytona 500 in February, when his No. 3 Chevrolet Monte Carlo hit the wall on the final lap of the race. Earnhardt won a record seven Winston Cup points titles and hd 76 career victories. Petty was killed last May when his car barreled into the wall in Turn 3 at NHIS. Irwin was killed two months later when his car hit the same wall at NHIS, near the spot where Pettys car hit. Race officials blamed stuck throttles for both incidents. “Weve got a lot of respect for Dale and the other two kids,” Bahre said. “We couldnt have a ceremony for Dale and not the other two. That just wouldnt be right.” The ceremony, which will be performed prior to the race on Sunday, will include a prayer from Bishop Michael Cody of Portland, Maine. Along with the prayer service will be Winston Cups season-long ritual of having complete radio silence during Lap 3 in memory of Earnhardt. While race fans and drivers alike will remember Earnhardt for his intimidating character, Bahre said he always will remember a softer side of The Intimidator, one that included regular visits to him and his son, Gary, when the Winston Cup Series was in town. While the death of Earnhardt was a shock for Bahre, the NHIS owner was taken aback this week by the reaction of several Winston Cup drivers following Dale Earnhardt Jr.s victory at Daytona in the Pepsi 400. Following the race, several drivers voiced concerns that Winston Cup officials and other drivers, specifically Michael Waltrip, fixed the race to let Earnhardt Jr. win. “Earnhardt Jr. has been running strong since February,” Bahre said. “Whats wrong with these people? If he had the best car, he deserved to win the race.”(Fosters Daily Democrat)(7-19-2001)
