Editorial: Earnhardt’s passing leaves fans in sorrow

Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2001 | 9:53 a.m.

Dale Earnhardt was a tough-as-nails competitor, earning the "Intimidator" nickname. The legendary driver died during NASCAR's version of the Super Bowl, the Daytona 500, crashing on the last lap. For that matter, Earnhardt arguably was the best in his sport, and it would have been as if Michael Jordan died on the court in the final seconds during the seventh game of the NBA Finals.

NASCAR's success was generated mainly by Earnhardt. The sport has become extraordinarily popular, including here in Las Vegas, which will hold a Winston Cup race in two weeks. It is unknown what lasting impact Earnhardt's death will have on the sport's fans, or whether it will result in more safety measures. For now, at least, fans simply will grieve the loss of a NASCAR giant.

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