Did you know Dale Earnhardt Sr. was once the focus of a 2004 feature-length film? 3: The Dale Earnhardt Story and ESPN’s 2007 documentary Dale, narrated by Paul Newman, both tributes tried to bottle up the legacy of The Intimidator. We love them, but neither came close to what just dropped on Prime Video, because this time, it’s personal.

With Dale Earnhardt Jr. stepping in not just as a producer, but as the emotional heart of the story, Earnhardt isn’t just another nostalgic retelling. It’s a deeper look at the father, the icon, and the man behind the black No. 3. And clearly, fans have responded. Let’s just say, in a couple of days, it’s surged past mainstream titles.

‘Earnhardt’: A personal and powerful tribute to NASCAR’s icon

Prime Video’s latest docuseries, Earnhardt, offers an unprecedented look into the life of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr., blending exclusive archival footage with intimate interviews to paint a comprehensive portrait of the man behind the wheel. Produced by Oscar-winners Ron Howard and Brian Grazer, and directed by Joshua Altman, the four-part series delves deep into Earnhardt’s journey from a young driver in North Carolina to a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion.

What sets Earnhardt apart is its raw emotional depth. Dale Earnhardt Jr. serves not only as a producer but also as a central figure, sharing candid reflections on his complex relationship with his father. In a poignant moment, he recalls, “He looked at me like he’d never looked at me before,” highlighting the evolving dynamics between father and son. The series doesn’t shy away from the challenges and sacrifices that came with Earnhardt Sr.’s relentless pursuit of racing excellence.

It also touches upon the lesser-known aspects of Earnhardt Sr.’s life, such as his involvement with Teresa Earnhardt, and how he brought up Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt. The Intimidator is not always painted in the brightest of colors, because we all know the man on the race track, the man in the garage, and the man back home were all different people. Kelley Earnhardt admitted a sense of “anxiety” when they were moving to Sr.’s lake house after their childhood home caught on fire while living with their mother, Brenda, not knowing what to expect from a man who was their father, but also was not around much.

With so much attention to detail it’s no surprise that Earnhardt has quickly resonated with viewers, ascending to the No. 1 trending show in the U.S. on Prime Video, surpassing popular titles across genres. This surge reflects not only the enduring legacy of Dale Earnhardt Sr. but also the appetite for authentic storytelling that captures the human side of sports legends.

The docuseries premiered on May 22, coinciding with Prime Video’s exclusive broadcast of the Coca-Cola 600, marking a significant moment as NASCAR’s first race to air solely on a streaming platform. The timing underscores the strategic partnership between NASCAR and Prime Video, aiming to reach both longtime fans and new audiences.

As the final two episodes are set to release on May 29, Earnhardt stands as a testament to the enduring impact of “The Intimidator” and offers a compelling narrative that transcends the racetrack.

Trending

1

“There Aren’t Enough Curse Words”: Teresa Earnhardt’s Name Dragged Through the Mud by Fans Months After Earning Goodwill

2

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Living in Fear of Being “Arrested” as Shocking Claims Surface Against Stepmother Teresa

3

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Wife Loses All Hope in Humanity After Grueling Confessions From Fans

4

Shane van Gisbergen Warns NASCAR as Supercars Invasion Brings In Another Ringer

5

Kyle Larson Spotted in $320,000 Worth Mechanical Beast as a Gesture From Rick Hendrick’s $2.2B Partner

Episodes 1 & 2: The making of a legend named Dale Sr.

The first two episodes of Earnhardt on Prime Video offer an intimate look into the early life and career of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr., setting the stage for a compelling narrative that delves deep into the man behind the wheel.

Episode 1, titled “Ironhead,” chronicles Earnhardt’s ascent from humble beginnings in North Carolina to his first NASCAR Cup Series championship in just his second full-time season in 1980. It talks about the role Darrell Waltrip played as Earnhardt’s rival, and the perfect juxtaposition to Earnhardt’s pure redneck image, as Waltrip was a clean-cut sponsor’s dream.

The episode also talks about the challenges he faced, including the sale of his championship-winning team, Osterlund Racing, which led to a period of instability before he found a lasting partnership with fishing buddy and fellow driver/owner Richard Childress. This foundational relationship would become a cornerstone of Earnhardt’s storied career.

Episode 2, “The Intimidator,” delves into the evolution of Earnhardt’s aggressive racing persona and his relentless pursuit of Richard Petty’s record of seven Cup Series championships. The episode doesn’t shy away from the personal toll of his ambition, exploring the strain on his family life and the emotional impact of losing close friends on the track.

Both episodes are enriched with rare archival footage and candid interviews, including heartfelt reflections from Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt, Kyle Petty, and Darrell Waltrip, among others. The docuseries not only captures the high-octane world of NASCAR but also provides a nuanced portrayal of Earnhardt’s complex character and the legacy he left behind. As viewers await the release of the final two episodes, Earnhardt continues to resonate, offering a profound exploration of a racing icon’s life both on and off the track.