Unforgettable Moments in American Sports History

After two decades of heartbreak at Daytona, Dale Earnhardt finally captured the elusive checkered flag in the 1998 Daytona 500. Known as “The Intimidator,” he had dominated NASCAR for years but couldn’t win its crown jewel—until that February afternoon.

As he crossed the finish line, pit crews from every team lined up on pit road, clapping and reaching out to shake his hand. It was a moment of respect, unity, and triumph. Earnhardt’s long-awaited victory became one of the most emotional and iconic scenes in motorsports history.