Jeff Gordon’s tribute to the legendary Dale Earnhardt during the 2007 Phoenix race was a pivotal moment in his career, but it also sparked an outcry from Earnhardt’s dedicated fanbase. Gordon’s entry into the world of NASCAR saw him going head-to-head with Earnhardt, one of the greatest drivers of all time, as he stated in the Unrivaled: Earnhardt vs. Gordon documentary. This rivalry put Gordon on the map and forever altered the trajectory of his career.
In the 90s, NASCAR fans were divided into two camps: Team Gordon or Team Earnhardt. But the dynamics changed dramatically after Earnhardt tragically lost his life in the 2001 Daytona 500. Gordon, a rising star of Hendrick Motorsports, was hot on Earnhardt’s trail, aiming to match the legacy Earnhardt had crafted in NASCAR.
By the 2007 Phoenix race, Gordon was closing in on the Cup Series title. A victory at the Hot Mile would bring his career wins to 76, equalling Earnhardt’s record. However, instead of using this achievement to bask in his own glory, Gordon decided to pay homage to the late racing legend. After crossing the finish line, he headed to the pit road and raised a black flag emblazoned with Earnhardt’s iconic No. 3.
This gesture was met with a rebellious backlash from Earnhardt’s ardent supporters, who viewed it as audacious rather than respectful. Tensions escalated to the point where Earnhardt’s son, Dale Jr., felt compelled to intervene and defend Gordon’s post-race actions in Phoenix.
Despite the controversy, it’s essential to note that Gordon’s tribute was a well-planned gesture that had been in the works even before the Phoenix race. The idea traces back to the 1993 Atlanta fall race. Aaron Kuehn, a technician on Gordon’s team, wanted to recreate a memorable post-race celebration from that year when Rusty Wallace and Earnhardt paid tribute to fallen drivers Alan Kulwicki and Davey Allison by flying their respective flags during a victory lap.
Unfortunately, the long-standing rivalry between Gordon and Earnhardt tainted the tribute at Phoenix, with many fans interpreting the gesture as a provocation rather than an act of respect. However, despite the controversy, Gordon’s tribute to Dale Earnhardt remains an indelible moment in the history of NASCAR.
Notably, Dale Jr. expressed his appreciation for the tribute, praising Gordon for his class act. He viewed Gordon’s action as a heartfelt gesture that split his victory moment to honor his father, a move he deemed as highly respectful.
The incident at Phoenix Raceway serves as a stark reminder of the intense emotions that sports can evoke and the depth of loyalty fans have for their favorite athletes. While one flag managed to ruffle the feathers of an entire fanbase, it also underscored the significance of sportsmanship and respect among competitors in the world of racing.
