“He is laughing and crying”: When Dale Earnhardt Sr. couldn’t hold back his emotions on Christmas 

NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. once gave his mother, Martha Earnhardt, an unforgettable Christmas gift—a pair of diamond earrings purchased with prize money from a recent race victory. Overwhelmed with emotion, the gesture reflected his deep love and appreciation for his mother, showcasing a softer side of the intense competitor known for his fierce racing persona.

Former NASCAR employee Joe Whitlock, who was known to be a confidante in Dale Earnhardt's life had revealed that the seven-time champion could not hold back his tears after he bought an expensive present for his mother as a Christmas gift. He narrated (via @nascarman_rr on X):

"After he (Dale Sr.) had won the once-a-cup crown, we came home. And he's driving the car, I'm sitting in the passenger seat. And he starts crying. He's laughing and crying. It's not a serious crime. And I said, 'What are you crying about? And he says, 'You don't understand. This will be the first Christmas of my life I have ever given my mother something that she doesn't have to plug into the wall.' I guess he'd been giving toasters and stuff like that, and then he bought her some diamonds," Whitlock said.

Moreover, Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s mother, Martha Earnhardt also shared her thoughts on her son's heartwarming gesture.

"I still have my diamond earrings. And it was really a big surprise for him that he could afford, even afford that, you know. But he was always bringing something home. And I thought it was just amazing how he fought to get where he was," she expressed.

Seven-time Cup Series champion Dale Earnhardt Sr. enjoyed one of NASCAR's most iconic careers, debuting at Charlotte in 1975 and securing 76 Cup wins alongside 21 Xfinity Series victories. Tragically, "The Intimidator" lost his life during the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the sport he loved.

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“I was told I’d never see No. 3” - When Martha Earnhardt spoke about the return of Dale Earnhardt’s iconic number after his death

Richard Childress Racing's #3 Chevrolet gained its status as an iconic race car after NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt secured 67 race wins of his 76 total wins piloting the car. Following his tragic death, Earnhardt Sr.'s car was assigned the #29 until 2013, when RCR driver Austin Dillon made his debut in the Cup Series.

Following the return of the iconic #3 Chevy, Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s mother Martha Earnhardt expressed her feelings on seeing the iconic RCR machine.

"I have mixed feelings because I was told that I would never see another #3 on the racetrack after Dale died," said Martha. "I can understand to a point that, I know it was Richard's number we drove and this is his grandson. And I understand that as long as they don't make it look like the No.3 if they painted a different color and put different - I can sort of deal with it. But I don't want to see the black No. 3 just like Dale's, but that's not my decision." [2:57]

Dale Sr.'s son, Dale Earnhardt Jr. continues the Earnhardt legacy in NASCAR with remarkable success. A two-time Xfinity Series champion as a driver, Dale Jr. has also led JR Motorsports to four Xfinity Series championships as a team owner, showcasing his leadership and dedication to the sport.