Bradan Donaldson
Well-known NASCAR driver, Dale Earnhardt Sr., always dreamed of racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
In February of 2001, he participated in a four-driver team alongside his son Dale Earnhardt Jr., in the No. 3 Corvette C5-R during the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. Both father and son finished second in class and fourth over all.
Two weeks after his Rolex 24 debut, Earnhardt lost his life on the last lap of the Daytona 500 as his son Dale Jr. and team member Michael Waltrip took first and second at the finish line. Unfortunately, Earnhardt never got the chance to accomplish his dream, but his memory will live on during this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans thanks to Corvette Racing’s Jordan Taylor.
Earlier today, Jordan Taylor unveiled the Earnhardt-inspired helmet over social media.
“It’s been so special to drive the No. 3 Chevrolet Corvette the past few years,” said Taylor, who won the 2020 IMSA GT Le Mans championship. “That number and the Chevy brand are synonymous with one man: Dale Earnhardt Sr.
“I wanted to make a tribute helmet to honor him at this years 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Dale Earnhardt Sr. inspired helmet | Photo: Jamey Price
“Twenty years ago, Dale Sr. drove the No. 3 Corvette at the Rolex 24 and I’m sure it was in the plans to race at Le Mans one day as well.
“A big thank you to Dale Jr. for giving me the permission to bring back his Dad’s iconic helmet, and blend it with mine. And an amazing job by Mike Savage to get it done so well.
“We’ll do everything we can this month to make Dale Sr. proud.”
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