In the Rearview Mirror: Jarrett wins the 1993 Daytona 500

Daytona is getting close and looking ahead, I decided to countdown to the Daytona 500 the best way I know how, looking back In the Rearview Mirror.


2011’s Daytona 500 was full of emotion, crowning the youngest winner of all-time and perhaps the most humble race winner ever. Trevor Bayne melted the hearts of America and captured the attention of teenage fans everywhere.


Long before Bayne, there was another magical moment at Daytona, this one involving a father and son. Dale Jarrett and Ned Jarrett were the lasting memory of the 1993 Daytona 500 as Ned sat in the booth calling his son across the finish line, openly cheering him on.

Dale Jarrett wins the Daytona 500 as Ned Jarrett calls him across the finish line from the booth.

Ned Jarrett shouted “it’s the Dale versus Dale show” and that is simply how many fans remember the race. Dale Earnhardt Sr., the Intimidator, was close to victory as he had been so many times before. Dale Jarrett was like Earnhardt, following in the footsteps of his father, but was starting to gain momentum in his career. A win at the Daytona 500 would be paramount to either Dale – who would it be? Earnhardt or Jarrett? Would Jarrett, a relative newcomer, dare make a move on the man known as “the Intimidator?”


The last lap was a nail biter. Martha Jarrett was seen in a vehicle behind pit road praying as her son made the risky move on Earnhardt. The two cars touched, bouncing off each other as you can just imagine both drivers giving it their all – the grandest prize was on the line.


One to go, the while flag appears. Jarrett’s ahead as Earnhardt seems to be getting loose, heading high trying to gain on the No. 18 of Jarrett.

The ending for Earnhardt was more of the same; for Jarrett though, being able to say you beat “the Intimidator” is one heck of an accomplishment, winning the Daytona 500 – the cherry on top!

"Dale just slipped up high down there in Turn 3," Jarrett said as he relived the memories of the race. "It seemed like his car was a little loose getting into the corner and I was still wide open and able to get in there on the bottom and get a run. Everything worked out perfect.” 

"When you beat Dale Earnhardt anywhere at anything, any time, you know you've had a day's work."

Dale Jarrett’s career became defined by the “Dale versus Dale” moment. That moment still plays on TV today. Jarrett’s career was remarkable, spanning 24 years and featuring 32 wins, 260 top tens and the pinnacle of his career: winning the 1999 Winston Cup championship.


Today, Jarrett can be found lending his experience to the ESPN play by play booth during the network coverage of Natiowide and Cup races, bringing his personality and driving skills to the analysis of the races.


With just 31 days remaining, let's all hope the 2012 Daytona 500 comes down to a last-lap battle that we are talking about for years to come.