What is NASCAR’s Blink of an Eye? All you need to know about Dale Earnhardt and Michael Waltrip’s documentary film

“Blink of an Eye” is a documentary film that delves into the dramatic, emotional and historic events surrounding two NASCAR legends, Michael Waltrip and Dale Earnhardt, during the 2001 Daytona 500. The documentary was released in 2019 and produced, written and directed by Paul Taublieb.

NASCAR’s Blink of an Eye highlighted the extraordinary friendship between Earnhardt and Waltrip, as well as the unforgettable moments of the 2001 Daytona 500. The race marked one of NASCAR’s most bittersweet moments because Waltrip won his first-ever Cup Series race after 462 starts, but the victory was overshadowed by his friend, mentor and team owner Earnhardt’s tragic death on the final lap.

The film primarily focuses on Michael Waltrip’s racing career. His long career drought, spanning over a decade without a single Cup Series win, and the emotional weight of that streak. Dale Earnhardt’s mentorship is also shown in the film, how Earnhardt believed in his friend Waltrip when others had lost faith in him and how he recruited Owensboro, Kentucky, native to drive for his team, Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI), in 2001.

Blink of an Eye is also focused on the 2001 Daytona 500, showcasing the teamwork between Michael Waltrip, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Dale Earnhardt, with Dale Sr. blocking the field to help Waltrip and Earnhardt Jr. finish 1-2. The film also captured the heartbreak of Dale Sr.’s fatal crash, which happened just seconds before Waltrip took the checkered flag to secure his first Cup win in his 463rd start.

The film is available on PLEX, and its behind-the-scenes footage makes it a must-watch for NASCAR fans.

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“I wanted him to come there” - Michael Waltrip once reflected on his feeling on not meeting Dale Earnhardt following his maiden NASCAR Cup win

During an interview with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio in 2019, former NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip reflected on the deep emotional void and bittersweet nature of his 2001 Daytona 500 victory, which coincided with the tragic death of Dale Earnhardt.

Sharing his thoughts surrounding the Daytona 500 victory lane celebration, here’s what Waltrip said:

“I remember it vividly and I always will because... I was in Victory Lane and everything was perfect. My family was there, there was champagne and confetti, and I just kept looking over my shoulder at the gate into Victory Lane and I was wondering when Dale was gonna walk in, you know. ... I wanted that hug. I wanted that more than I wanted the money or the trophy. I wanted him to come there, and I kept looking, and he never came.”

Michael Waltrip ended his Cup career with four wins and 133 top-10 finishes in 784 starts. He last made his appearance in the Cup Series at the 2017 Daytona 500. While Dale Earnhardt will always be remembered for his long-lasting legacy and contribution to the sport.