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Dale Earnhardt Jr. brought NASCAR back to life 25 years ago this weekend, but the pain is back
Friday, July 3, 2026
Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 7, 1979, moving from sixth place to first place. The race took place 25 years ago this weekend. Earnhardt Jr.'s father, Dale Earnhardt Sr., died in a crash at the same track during the 1979 Daytona 500.