In 1999 at the Pocono Speedway when Kerry Earnhardt won his first race in the ARCA series I took a photo of him being congratulated by his brother Dale, Jr. The only people there were the two brothers, Kerry's wife Renee and I. The photo was a keeper. I don't sell photos. I take them to share. This one I wanted to share with Dale Earnhardt.

J. R. Rhodes is an imposing figure He worked for Dale Earnhardt. At the racetrack for anyone to see Dale, you must see J. R Rhodes first. At a later race, J R was standing in the doorway of the team hauler. I approached him, handed him the photo and asked if he could give it to Dale. He looked at the photo and handed it back. "Dale's not here now, I think you should give it to him yourself, Try and come back later." During the weekend, I did, but never at a time when Dale was there.

The next race I attended was at Richmond. At the completion of practice on Saturday, I went by the team hauler. J R was there, told me Dale was up front (a private office area in most team haulers) in a meeting and I could wait to see him. About ten minutes later, JR told me I could see Dale now. Dale was standing in the passageway talking to two gentleman, the logos on their shirts indicated they were from Goodwrench. I handed Dale the photo. I wanted to make idle conversation, but it felt like my lips had swollen together. Dale took a quick glance at the photo, looked up at me and said "Thanks"

Here I was, standing face to face with the greatest legend in racing. I am a talker, but at that moment I was at a loss for words. I think I may have uttered a "Thank You" as I backed myself to the rear door of the team hauler.

When I emerged into the sunlight, I stood near a trash barrel trying to regain my composure. It was a trembling moment. Should I have said more? Would J R get into trouble for letting me in Dale's space? Did I thank J R? Why did I ignore the two other guests standing there? What would I do if Dale sees me at the track again? Was this all very stupid, after all, Dale must have a trunk load of photos of his children. An arm went across my shoulder. It was Dale Earnhardt. He was holding a clipboard, a newspaper and my photo on top. He looked at me and spoke, "Thanks, I really appreciate this."

As he walked away, heading towards his motor home, he kept looking down at the photo.

At that moment, I knew Dale was more than a racing legend. He was a proud, loving father.

Gary Buchan

Editor's note. A photo tribute to Dale Earnhardt can be seen at www.sugarfreeracing.com. J R Rhodes now works for Dale Earnhardt Jr.