Hitman...you're after my heart. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
I had the unique experience of meeting Mr. Earnhardt in 1990. I was visiting a friend in Spindale, NC at his place of business. Dale walked in and I was in total awe. My buddy introduced us, and after a few pleasantries, Dale asked if we wanted to go to lunch! WOW. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
After spending a couple of hours with him (it took 90 minutes for me to calm down), I can safely assure you that the guy was just a "plain 'ole boy" from NC. What a great guy. He was cordial, and never acted like he was something "special". I guess he got enough of that treatment when he was at the track.
That experience is something that I will always cherish, I can assure you. He was totally different in private than the "Intimidator" image that he put forth on the racetrack. I still can't believe that he's gone. What a loss to not only NASCAR, but to the folks who knew the real man inside. He was more of a "giver" than most folks knew. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif