"It was a real shock": Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s close friend recalls loss of Ralph Earnhardt, young Dale's rise afterwards

Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently invited Donnie Rives, a close friend of his father, Dale Earnhardt, to the guest segment of his podcast. Rives opened up about his friendship with the seven-time NASCAR Cup champion and how they met through Junior's granddad Ralph Earnhardt.

Ralph was the patriarch of the Earnhardt racing family and met Rives at the race tracks. Their acquaintance reportedly grew stronger through bird-hunting trips and building race cars together. These interactions eventually led Rives to meet Dale Earnhardt, with whom he later developed a strong bond.

Rives reflected on Ralph Earnhardt's death in 1973, at the age of 45, emphasizing its profound impact on both himself and Dale Sr. He described it as a moment of real shock. Speaking on the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Rives opened up about Ralph's passing:

"Well, it was a real shock but when he passed away, that's the same time the doctors had already told him he was going to have to lay off [racing]. During that time, I wasn't down there as much but I really missed him and of course, I told Dale I did," he said on Dale Jr. Download [from 24:30].

Rives recalled that during this period, Dale Earnhardt's career was just beginning to take off and he had offered his support. Earnhardt was driving Sportsman cars for Gary Hargett and would later make his Cup Series debut.

"Your daddy [Dale Sr.], he was trying to get things lined up because he was here and there and everywhere. I just told him then if he needed any help or anything I'd be there... It was a big loss to both of us, not being able to communicate with him. But it just come around and just finally kept getting better and better," Rives added.

Donnie Rives also recalled helping Dale Sr. build his car for the 1978 World 600 at Charlotte. This particular performance helped put Dale Earnhardt on the NASCAR radar.

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Donnie Rives opens up about Dale Earnhardt's tragic death

Speaking to Dale Jr., Donnie Rives reflected on the tragic day he learned about Dale Earnhardt's death after the 2001 Daytona 500 had concluded. 'The Intimidator' was killed in a fatal crash on the final lap of the Great American Race.

Rives recounted being at home watching the race and sensed the accident would have a tragic outcome. He later received a call informing him of the sad news, confirming his fears. Speaking to Dale Jr. about how he dealt with his father's death, Rives said on the podcast:

"After the race, I said Dale is bad. I said real bad. I just... I just knew it, yeah. And about 30 minutes [later], I got a call from Daytona. They said 'He didn't make it.' And I already had that feeling - I mean, it just come over me."

"It's gonna happen to everybody. The only way... to handle it, yes. If you know the Lord Jesus Christ is your personal savior. I mean, that's... the only thing," he added.

Donnie Rives shared a strong bond with Dale Earnhardt and cherished their hunting trips. He was also the best man at Dale Sr.'s wedding with Teresa.