Family Tradition

Many people have mixed feelings about Dale Earnhardt Jr. driving the 3. Some are happy and can’t wait to see it in action, while some aren’t happy and still feel the 3 is Dale Earnhardt’s number and that no one else but Dale should race it.

For me, it will be something amazing to see. Growing up, I only heard stories and saw pictures of the Wrangler 3 car. To see it back on the track this weekend will be something special.


On April 29, the Wrangler car was unveiled. It was breathtaking to say the least: with the yellow and blue paint along with all the sponsors, the car almost looked just like Dale Earnhardt’s car, but a newer, updated version. April 29 was also Dale Earnhardt’s 59th birthday, and seeing everyone gathered around the Wrangler car was special. It only made me want to see it on the track even more.

I’ve been counting down the days for the Wrangler car to race. I have my 3 gear on its way as we speak. It would mean the world to me to see this race in person, but I won’t be able to. However, the experience and emotions I will have come July 2 will be the same as if I were there. I know I am going to cry watching this race; I am not ashamed to say that. To me it’s a family thing. Seeing Junior honoring his dad by racing his number and old sponsor will be bittersweet.

Seeing the 3 based on the 1982 paint scheme gives me chills of excitement. It’s Daytona, to say the least, and it'll be Dale Earnhardt’s son racing that car. It gives me goosebumps just thinking of the 3 back at Daytona. I still can’t believe that this weekend, July 2, the 3 will be racing again.

July 2 ... seems like just yesterday it was May. My feelings on this race are quite emotional. For other NASCAR fans, some are pumped, some are still not happy, and some don't care whatsoever - let’s just race. For me it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience: I finally get to see the Wrangler car race. This is going to be one heck of a race, I have a strong feeling.

Seeing the Wrangler car back on the track is going to be amazing. I will be there on my bed with all my Wrangler 3 gear cheering it on. I don’t care if my emotions get the best of me. For July 2 will be an amazing day for me, seeing a family tradition racing at Daytona.

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Photo: Mary Ann Chastain /Getty Images for NASCAR