“I always worried about him in that sense”: When Jeff Gordon revealed Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s preference for comfort over safety

NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon once spoke about his idol Dale Earnhardt's preferences for comfort in a race car. Gordon revealed that Earnhardt Sr. preferred a driving style that many would consider unsafe; however, he still achieved remarkable results.

Seven-time Cup Series champion Dale Earnhardt was one of the most successful drivers to have graced the sport. However, the former Richard Childress Racing driver tragically lost his life on the final turn of the final lap in the 2001 Daytona 500. Earlier this year, Jeff Gordon appeared on Undeniable with Joe Buck, a television show where he reflected on losing the seven-time champion and his idol, Dale Earnhardt.

"As much as me and him butted heads and had wrecks and had this rivalry, I still looked up to him so much and respected him and enjoyed racing with him, and learning from him on and off the track and I looked at him as this superhuman person that was almost untouchable. I saw him wreck and walk away every single time," Gordon said

Gordon then spoke about how Dale Earnhardt was more wary of his comfort than following safety norms.

"On the other side, safety wise he had a certain way and comfort about the way he wanted to be in the car. The way the seat belts were mounted, the way the seat was shaped, the helmet, you know he always wore that open-face helmet and I always worried about him from that sense" he added.

Gordon then further revealed how nearly every driver followed the new and updated safety norms. In contrast, the late Earnhardt would sometimes be driving with one hand on the steering wheel, and one on the side, highlighting his unique comfort level as a race car driver.

Notably, NASCAR Hall of Famer Gordon celebrated an illustrious 25-year career, earning 93 Cup Series victories while driving the iconic #24 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. A four-time Cup Series champion, Gordon set numerous records, including an unparalleled 13 victories in the 1998 season.

Currently, Gordon is serving as the Vice President of Hendrick Motorsports. He continues to contribute to making NASCAR a better sport for both drivers and fans.

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"Great effort man, here's some milk": When Jeff Gordon toasted Dale Earnhardt with a glass of milk

Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt were not just competitors, they were also friends. Earnhardt Sr. had once playfully jibed at Gordon's age, and asked him to celebrate his championship title win with a glass of milk.

The four-time Cup Series champion took his idol's advice and at the 1995 NASCAR Awards Ceremony, Jeff Gordon raised a glass of milk to Dale Sr. after winning his first Cup Series title.

“Before I go any further, I’d like to recognize a man who never let up on his efforts to win his eighth championship, Dale Earnhardt is a true competitor and a great champion, and, at this time, I would like to offer a toast to the man.”

Gordon went on to win three more championships, completely dominating NASCAR in the late '90s, before finally retiring at the end of the 2015 season.