Photo Album

The Heaven 500

The Heaven 500 was just getting started,
an all-star race, for the racing departed.
Heroes of the track, with nerves like steel,
and sitting on the pole was a cat named Neil.
Adam Petty was there, with his beautiful smile,
Kenny Irwin, determined to finish in style.
Lee Petty was glowing, with grandfatherly pride,
with Davey and Clifford, each had a new ride.
Fireball Roberts floated in on a cloud,
while Tony Roper waved to the Heavenly crowd.
Morosso and Nemechek, then Tim Richmond appeared,
Kulwicki strapped in while the racing fans cheered.
The honorary starter, for this Heavenly race,
Ralph Earnhardt was chosen, a tear on his face,
but the red flag flew even before it had begun,
with every eye, wide open, and looking to the SUN.
A last minute entry was the cause of delay,
while the fans were instructed to kneel and pray.
The Heavens turned black, and the clouds turned dark,
the lightning was brilliant, the thunder did bark.
Then out of the rumble, for all there to see,
the clouds formed a number, a black number 3.
The Heavenly fans then erupted with pride
and welcomed this star who had recently died.
On a bolt of lightning, Dale Earnhardt arrived,
as he stood before Jesus, his spirits revived.
Jesus hugged his precious child, then revealed his perfect plan.
"I brought you home to let you know, I'm your biggest fan!"
As Ralph stood proud, the green flag flew,
the crowd went wild, and the tension grew.
And just like Salvation, the admission was free,
as every eye focused, on the black number three.
When the checkered flag dropped, no dry eyes remained,
it was a photo finish, as Jesus explained.
He said, "There are no losers, on this Heavenly track.
This was a welcome home party, for The Man in Black!"

A Letter From Dale

A fine Daytona afternoon, the season just begun.
My boys were running one and two, and I was having fun.
I probably could have won the thing, but something held me back.
I was busy watching Dale and Mike -- and holding off the pack.
I was looking toward the front and not really to the rear.
Something tapped me on my bumper, but still I had no fear.
I thought it might be Sterling - I knew he was nearby.
When Sterling smells the checkered flag, I'll tell you, he ain't shy.
I slipped a bit. I turned the wheel.. I sensed something very odd.
It wasn't Sterling's tap I'd felt. It was the tap of God.
"Not now," I said. "I'm racing hard.. There's work still here to do."
You're time is up," He whispered low, "So say a quick adieu."
I wasn't really ready, but I didn't have a choice.
He'd tapped me on the bumper and I'd heard His hallowed voice.
So I did as He instructed. I just packed it in and left.
I guess it can't be helped that I left some of you bereft.
Did you see those birds upon the wall as they scattered in the breeze?
Will it make it any easier to know that one of them was me?
There was also Davey, Dad and Neil and some other guys I've known.
And they all came to Daytona just to escort me on home.
Hey - congratulations, Mikey! You made a worthy run.
I wish you many, many more. You're wins have just begun.
All that fun you had in Victory Lane, I was proud as proud can be.
Did you see a seagull flying low? Yeah, Mikey, that was me.
So, friends and fans and family, don't mourn me for too long.
Get on with life - take care of things - be brave and proud and strong
I'll surely miss you every one. About that I will not lie.
But as long as you remember me - I didn't really die.