Pictures: The life of Dale Earnhardt

Dale Earnhardt celebrates after posting his 7th consecutive victory in the Twin 125-mile qualifying race on Feb. 16, 1996.  (JOHN RAOUX/ORLANDO SENTINEL)

Dale Earnhardt waves to fans before the start of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2001. Earnhardt was killed in a crash on the last turn of the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500 as he tried to protect Michael Waltrip’s victory.  (JOHN RAOUX/ORLANDO SENTINEL)

NASCAR driver Kyle Petty, right, gets a hug from Dale Earnhardt in the pit area before the start of the 2001 Daytona 500 at the Daytona International Speedway. Petty was taking over the No. 45 Dodge of his late son, Adam, who was killed in a racing accident last year.  (GARY BOGDON/ORLANDO SENTINEL)

Dale Earnhardt races behind his son Dale Earnhardt Jr., in one of the last laps of the Daytona 500 on February 18, 2001, as Michael Waltrip holds them off for the win. Earnhardt crashed in the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500 and was killed.  (GARY BOGDON/ORLANDO SENTINEL)

Medical and rescue personnel work on the car of Dale Earnhardt after Earnhardt crashed into the wall during the last lap of the Daytona 500 on February 18, 2001.  (JACOB LANGSTON/ORLANDO SENTINEL)

Medical and rescue personnel work on the car of Dale Earnhardt after Earnhardt crashed into the wall during the last lap of the Daytona 500 on February 18, 2001.  (JACOB LANGSTON/ORLANDO SENTINEL)

The flag at Daytona International Speedway is flying at half staff after NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt died in a crash in the last lap of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 18, 2001.  (STEPHEN M. DOWELL/ORLANDO SENTINEL)