Alan was my favorite driver. He died when I was in the fourth grade, but I remember it like it was yesterday. Alan's memory lives on.
Yuri Rentfro
Remembering...I can still remember the day I found out that Alan was dead. These thoughts come back from time to time and most definitely at this time when we grieve over the loss of Dale,Sr. May there be left turns in heaven. We also need to remember all of our fallen heroes, and pray that they are having the biggest race that we could never fathom ever seeing. With great sorrow,
Clarice Cowell
Alan Kulwicki is a hero ,also Davey Allison too .i would also add another team mate for the late racecar drivers in heaven now and thats Dale SR # 3 car to heavens race team; may GOD keep them together in a great track up in Heaven. May God bless all there souls and they will never be forgotten in our hearts! GOD HAS ONE HELL OF A RACE TEAM!!!
Jason W. Hottle
remembering alan....i was in the 10th grade when alan won the championship. i have always rooted for the underdog, or underbird in this case. i will never forget the feeling when he crossed the finish line. it symbolizes so much more than a championship. it was a man living the american dream. there will never be another alan. i only hope for alan that heaven is a big victory circle
kelly grimes
even after all these years, i still miss seeing him out on the track. he made quite an impression. even though alot of these "new" nascar fans never heard of him or never saw him race, i'll never forget what he contributed to the sport.
susan l.
The underbird remembered...Your site is wonderful. I was only 5 when he was killed ,however he was my favorite driver as long as I can remember. He is living proof that the american dream of doing something with nothing is not impossible.
Mike Atamanchuk
Remembering Alan...The day we heard of Alan's tragic accident and death was a sad one for our family. My wife Norma and son Ray had become fans of Alan's as he struggled to win the Championship in '92. We were all very happy and proud of him that final race in Atlanta when against all adversity he became "The Champ"
Ray was 9 years old when we heard the sad news of the plane crash and Alan's death. It was the first time in his young life that he cried for the loss of someone he loved. Sadly it would quickly and unexpectedly happen soon again... Two weeks later on April 15th Norma died at age 42. Needless to say this time of the year is not a happy one for us but we try to remember them both with fond memories to keep the pain of their loss away. It helps but it doesn't always work...
Spinkx
#1 AK...I've been a race fan since 84" and AK became my favorite the "Underbird". I became a faithful fan to AK .Am from the Midwest and his run a few of our local tracks . He loaded up his pick-up and off he went to N.C. and made sure he did it his way . It was a terrible lose losing him . It was a dark day in my life and when someone would ask me who my favorite driver was I still said Alan . Now am a Tony Stewart fan but when asked who my favorite driver is I tell them AK and Tony . AK will always be missed, The Champ got his Gold Wings The Underbird is flying in Heaven .
Darlene
Alan's philosophy...DON'T QUIT
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low, and the debts are high ,And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns, As everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about, When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow, You may succeed with another blow.
Success is failure turned inside out, The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit, It's when things seem worse,
That you must not quit.
This poem was printed on the memorial card that was given out at the funeral home during Alan's visitation. I have it in a frame on my wall, and it is sometimes a source of inspiration when things are going badly. It sure was a perfect description of Alan's view on life and racing. RIP, my sweetie-I still miss you 8 years later!
LOVIN7
Remembering Alan...I was devastated when Alan died and I have not forgotten him all these past years. I admired him greatly for all his accomplishments. I am now devastated again by the loss of Dale Earnhardt.
Carole Vance
As I sit here in my office, I am looking at a 1998 calander sheet that I have posted with Alan's picture, stats, and birth/death dates. I don't want to forget him or Davey or Fireball or Adam, because since 1958 I have dreamed of living the sport that they lived. The fact that they shared any of their personal lives with us and at the same time took so many chances in a sport that was growing bigger, faster, and more dangerous by the minute is certainly a tribute to what courage they had and only makes us more determined to learn about them and their racing lives. Alan was really unique and he did things his own way...he should live in our memories forever. Thanks.
Rich Hardee
I am a 16 year old high school student who idolized Alan growing up I wanted to be just like Alan. I had the Racing Champions set with all the cars and haller. When he died it shocked but at the same time I realized every thing he had accomplished and the unique way he did it. I was only 8 when he was killed but I already new what I wanted to be a Mechanical Engineer and a Winston Cup Champion. This dream is not realistic but neither was Alan's. I started Racing Go-Karts at 12 and racked up over 30 main event wins, 2 Track Championships, A Track Record and 1 National Victory. For Nine Months before my 16th birthday we spent building My race car a 1984 Ford Thunderbird Street Stock we finished it in time and I ran my first race on the Saturday after my 16th birthday. I finished 2nd to last but had fun. 6 races later and 2 months and 1 week after my 16th birthday I became the youngest driver ever in the over 30 year history of my track to win a race. I never thought I would win so soon so maybe some day I will follow in Alans foot steps even if I don't he still inspired me to follow me dream.
Justin Westmoreland
Alan K #7...Remembered fondly and missed greatly...
scott bradfield
Rest in Peace Alan...You are not forgotten...
Gina
#7 Alan Kulwicki was and is The Greatest Nascar Driver Ever! The things Kulwicki done in such a short time is unreal? Petty,Earnhardt are #2,#3.Kulwicki showed blood sweat and tears,hard work.Make a TRUE CHAMPION!!!!!!!!! Alan Kulwicki,Hooters,Ford!Now that is a Championship Mix!!! All The Way A.K.
B.S.H.
AK - Our Champion...Hard to believe it's been 8 years. It seems like yesterday when I woke up to ESPN's reports - in shock and disbelief. We'll always remember our last champion, and our favorite "underdog." You were a champion of the people...the little guy who made his own success. Rest in peace, AK. We'll always cherish #7. @-->-- =)
YatesGirl
The thought that went thru my head...after Dale's crash on Sunday. I was watching everyone's face, Darrell's and Kenny's and listening to the way no one would tell Mikey anything. The ambulance and the lack of news and I remember thinking "Kwicki, send him back, he's not ready yet." But I guess they decided to keep Dale up there. God Bless
Kathleen Delisle
I miss HIM SO MUCH!...But ALAN just want you to know I am thinking of you!!
Shart858
Now I'll always remember him...I didn't realise that Alan passing was on this day. It's my daughters birthday today. She's a little April fool, and now I will always remember a man I never saw race.
Steve Kupillas
I LIVE IN BRISTOL, TENNESSEE. THE FIRST RACE I EVER ATTENDED AT BMS WAS AN AUGUST NIGHT RACE AND ALAN KULWICKI WON IT. I HAD BEEN A FAN OF HIS BEFORE THAT AND TO SEE HIM WIN AND DO A POLISH VICTORY LAP IS SOMETHING I WILL NEVER FORGET. I WAS SO HURT AND UPSET WHEN HE DIED, AND I FELT SO BAD THAT IT HAPPENED HERE. HE WAS MY HERO AND I MISS HIM TERRIBLY. IN HIS HONOR I AM GOING TO GET A TATTOO WITH CROSSED VICTORY FLAGS. ON ONE OF THEM I AM PUTTING A NUMBER 7 AND ON THE OTHER A NUMBER 3. AFTER ALAN DIED I STARTED PULLING FOR DALE EARNHARDT, NOW HE IS GONE TOO. BOTH ARE GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN AND ALWAYS IN MY HEART.
DIANA
THE MAN IN BLACK
The Heaven 500, was just getting started, an All-Star race, for the racing departed.
Heroes of the track, with nerves like steel and sitting on the pole, was a cat named Neil.
Adam Petty was there, with his beautiful smile, Kenny Irwin determined, to finish in
style. Lee Petty was glowing, with that Grandfather pride, with Davey & Clifford, both in a new ride.
Fireball Roberts, floated in on a cloud, while Tony Roper waved, to the Heavenly crowd.
Morrosso & Nemecheck, then Tim Richmond appeared, Kulwicki strapped in, while the racing fans cheered.
The honorary starter, for this Heavenly race, Ralph Earnhardt was chosen, a tear on his face. But the red flag flew,
just before it had begun, and every eye, was open wide, and looking to the SON.
A last minute entry, was the cause of delay, while the fans were instructed, to kneel and to pray.
The Heavens turned black, and the clouds turned dark, the lightning was brilliant, the thunder did bark.
Then out of the rumble, for all there to see, the clouds formed a number, a black number three. The Heavenly fans,
then erupted with pride, and welcomed this star, who had recently died. With a bolt of lightning, Dale Earnhardt
arrived, as he stood before Jesus, his spirit revived. Jesus hugged his precious child, then revealed his perfect plan,
"I brought you home, to let you know, that I'm your biggest fan!" "The Intimidator was needed, for this Heavenly race,
leaving all of your earthly fans, with honor & with grace." Ralph Earnhardt then stepped forward, embracing his son,
then whispered in the ear of Dale, "Let's go and have some fun!" As Ralph stood proud, the green flag flew,
the crowd went wild and the tension grew. And just like Salvation, the admission was free, as every eye focused,
on the black number three. When the checkered flag dropped, no dry eyes remained, it was a photo finish, as Jesus
explained. He said, "There are no losers, on this Heavenly track, this was a welcome home party, for The Man In Black!"
Written for Teresa,Dale Jr,Kerry,Kelley
King, Taylor Nicole and the millions of
dedicated Dale Earnhardt fans.
Written by...Timothy Jon Barrett
Date Written...Feburary,21,2001