(Note: Look who’s in the bottom left of the photo of Dale)

BY: TOBY CHRISTIE

Whether you believe it to be to right or wrong, many fans have already turned their backs on Austin Dillon because they are appalled that the young grandson of Richard Childress has insisted to use Dale Earnhardt’s number — 3 — in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

The number hasn’t been used since Earnhardt’s death at Daytona in 2001.

Fast forward 13 years and Dillon has put the famed number on the pole for the biggest race of the year.

For each of his detractors, Dillon also has people who are rooting for him, but this is such a touchy subject for many. And there’s good reason. Dale Earnhardt fans seemingly feel that all they had left at the end of the day — February 18, 2001 — was a number. Their hero was taken from them. Frustration, and passion to preserve the memory of the man they all followed, and believed to be the greatest is admirable and it shows that despite what many pundits believe, fans still care incredibly about this sport, and it’s history.

Earnhardt is one of the greatest — if not the greatest — drivers who ever strapped on a helmet, and he will always be remembered that way. It doesn’t matter who uses his number today, tomorrow, five years from now, or a hundred years from now. What Dale Earnhardt achieved — seven championships — speaks for itself.

All of the memorable moments he stirred up — like spinning Terry Labonte at Bristol in 1999 to win — still resonate in our minds to this day, and perhaps speak even louder than the statistical achievements.

I think Earnhardt’s most loyal fans are scared that if someone else straps into the No. 3, that the memory of Earnhardt will begin to fade.

That can’t happen, that won’t happen folks.

Earnhardt’s intimidator persona is something the sport has missed dearly since that fateful day in 2001, and to this day Jeff Gordon, Rusty Wallace and any legend that raced with him will tell you that Earnhardt was the most feared sight in any rear view mirror.

You had to have Earnhardt several laps down, and his car had to be beaten beyond recognition before you could count him out of a win. He just would never quit. He was the type of driver who fought to the bitter end.

Earnhardt could make other drivers question themselves just by piercing them with his steely gaze, and he was the master at mind games. But with how ruthless he was at the racetrack, Earnhardt was always there to lend a hand to a driver in need. He was such a special person. From driving on Sundays, to autograph signings, to sponsor appearances, to charity, to music video and movie cameos; Earnhardt didn’t do anything half-assed. He was the hard working, rags to riches story that many clung to. His story helped launch the sport onto the national landscape. Trust me he won’t be forgotten.

Despite the pain that still lingers from losing Earnhardt; there is, was, and always will be more to Dale Earnhardt than just a number.