On Feb. 18, 2001, the NASCAR world said goodbye to one of its most iconic racers, Dale Earnhardt Sr., after a tragic accident on the final lap of the Daytona 500. Paying respect to the legend, NASCAR decided to showcase Earnhardt’s No. 3 Goodwrench Chevrolet at this year’s Daytona 500. Moreover, WWE star Gigi Dolin had the perfect four-word homage to the legend.
Several celebrities graced the 67th edition of the Daytona 500, including Anthony Mackie and Alan Ritchson. Also in attendance was WWE NXT wrestler Priscilla Lee Kelly, a.k.a. Gigi Dolin. While at the famous Florida superspeedway, the 27-year-old posted a selfie with Earnhardt’s car and celebrated the former Richard Childress Racing driver.
Gigi Dolin Pays Respect to Dale Earnhardt Sr.
Taking to X, Dolin posted a selfie while standing in front of the No. 3 Black Chevrolet. The caption read, “Raise Hell, Praise Dale,” with fans loving the wrestler’s post. Notably, Dolin waited until the anniversary of Earnhardt’s death to post the photo, earning her even more appreciation.
An active part of the sport as a driver and team owner for 26 years, Earnhardt holds the record for the most NASCAR Cup Series championships. With 96 wins across the Cup and Xfinity Series and nearly 600 podiums, the former RCR driver is also one of the most successful drivers in NASCAR history.
Raise Hell, Praise Dale 🫡#Daytona500🏁 pic.twitter.com/55Dm7Hm5tp
— Gigi Dolin (@gigidolin_wwe) February 18, 2025
However, tragedy got in the way at the 2001 Daytona 500. Involved in a final lap collision with Sterling Marlin and Ken Schrader, Earnhardt crashed into a retaining wall.
At 5:16 pm (EST), the Halifax Medical Center pronounced him dead. The cause of death was deemed to be a basilar skull fracture, killing him instantly.
This was NASCAR’s fourth death in eight months — all owing to basilar skull fractures. Adam Petty was the first driver to suffer the fate in May 2000, followed by Kenny Irvin Jr. in July. In October, Tony Roper passed away just months before over 17 million people saw Earnhardt’s life end on live TV.
Clearly, the racing icon lives on in the hearts of NASCAR fans around the country.
