25 years after his death, Earnhardt's presence lives on in Daytona

"It has been 25 years since Dale Earnhardt died in the final turn of the final lap of the Daytona 500. Twenty-five years since he last placed that Ironhead vice grip hand on the back of someone's neck. Twenty-five years since the Intimidator wheeled his black Chevy around the Daytona International Speedway in a manner so otherworldly that rivals claimed he could see the air. Twenty-five years since the Man in Black, One Tough Customer, the mustache, the Gargoyles and the wink."

""I'm not a ghost guy. I don't really believe in that kind of s---," said Tom Long of Little Rock, who drove 1,000 miles to stand right where he did as he talked on Sunday, awaiting the green flag. He had his phone stuck through the chain link fence attempting to take a photo of Turn 4, the spot where Earnhardt died. "But damn, man. I look out there and I feel like he's out there looking back at me.""

Twenty-five years after Dale Earnhardt's fatal crash in Turn 4 of the Daytona 500, his presence remains palpable at Daytona International Speedway. Fans gather around his statue and the fourth turn, recalling his driving style, nicknames, and rituals. Pilgrims like Tom Long travel great distances to stand where Earnhardt last raced and to take photos at the spot of the crash. Memories of Earnhardt's intimidation, signature black Chevy, and physical gestures persist in the culture of race weekends. The track, its trophies, and fan rituals continue to reinforce Earnhardt's enduring legacy among multiple generations of racing enthusiasts.

Read at ESPN.com