Daytona 500 starting lineup features Dale Earnhardt, Jr., 10 years after dad's death
The 2001 Daytona 500 was overshadowed by the death of Dale Earnhardt. His son, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., had earned the pole position in the 2011 Daytona 500 starting lineup during qualifying, but lost it after a crash in practice Wednesday.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (r.) speaks with members of his crew following a practice for the Daytona 500, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, February 18.
Brian Blanco/Reuters
Ten years later, they still fondly remember "The Intimidator."
Back at the 2001 Daytona 500, Dale Earnhardt was killed in a final-lap crash at the venerable Florida speedway. Just three years before, Earnhardt, who won seven NASCAR championships, finally ended years of frustration at Daytona with his first and only win there.
This Sunday, his son, Dale Earnhardt, Jr, and 42 other NASCAR stars will race to the checkered flag in the 53rd version of 'The Great American Race.'
Dale, Jr. won the pole position for this year's Daytona during qualifying runs, but lost it when he crashed during practice on Wednesday. As a result, he'll have to start from the back of the field.
Also, on Sunday, Jimmie Johnson, who's won the past five NASCAR Sprint Cup championships, will begin his quest for a sixth consecutive title. Johnson won the 2006 Daytona 500.
Jamie McMurray is this year's defending Daytona 500 champion.