Thanks DJ for the Memories
This weekend one of NASCAR's greatest drivers will step aside.

Dale Jarrett will hang up his helmet in points-paying competition after Sunday's Food City 500 at Bristol Motor speedway.

Growing up, Jarrett was one of the main drivers that got me interested in NASCAR, which ultimately led me to pursue the sport as a career in college.

In the mid-90's my family and I would make the trek to Michigan Int'l Speedway, a track in which Jarrett won four times. I had the chance to witness Jarrett win many races live as a fan, including his 1996 wins at Indianapolis and Michigan.

Although he will retire driving a Toyota, I will always remember DJ as a Ford driver, and rightfully so, as he captured 30 of his 32 wins, and the 1999 title with the manufacturer. His No. 88 became an icon in the sport and I think it was great to see Robert Yates pass the legacy on to Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Let’s also not forget his relationships with sponsors. He sported the red, white and blue colors of Ford/Quality Care, my personal favorite, and helped bring UPS into the sport with the innovative "Drive the Truck" campaign. Jarrett also helped Joe Gibbs Racing get off on the right foot by winning the 1993 Daytona 500 with Interstate Batteries, a company that still remains with JGR to this very day.

As for the memories, there were so many. From his Dad calling him to the checkered flag in the Daytona 500, to his championship season that saw him score four wins and 29 top 10s.

The decals on David Reutimann and Michael Waltrip’s cars this weekend pretty much sum it up the best.

Thanks DJ – A Champion, A Legend, A Friend.

What will you remember the most from Jarrett's racing career?
Posted: 3/14/2008 5:13:00 PM
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