Earnhardt

I grew up watching a little NASCAR in the 90s/2000s, but never really got into it. Yet even as a non-fan I was hooked on this series. They do an incredible job weaving unexpectedly emotional and dramatic storylines through only four episodes. You know how it ends, but the story to get there, and even after, is amazing.

Theres no politics. No unnecessary drama. It's all just primary source interviews and archival footage, of which there is a lot!

Even as a non-fan this documentary will help you appreciate the teamwork, effort, and passion that goes into racing. It will also show you insights into someone going from a non-existent father to a more active and involved one.

As Episode 1 of "Earnhardt" (2025 release; 4 episodes ranging from 59 to 72 min) opens, it is "1979" and Dale Earnhardt, then 28 yo, competes in his first season of NASCAR, and promptly wins Rookie of the Year honors. NASCAR was wildly popular in the Southeast, where there were very few professional sports in the 60's and 70's. We learn that Dale's dad Ralph was himself quite good on the off-road car races. At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: it is true that Dale Earnhardt is the central figure of this documentary series. It shows that Earnhardt was very driven and ambitious, and would do anything for his sport and for winning. If that means that the family, in particular the kids, suffer from Dal's absence, that was the price he was willing to pay. Dale Jr. And Kelly are quite forthcoming about it all, and do not hold back. But this documentary mini-series is about more than just Dale. It's in fact a mini-capsule of how NASCAR developed from a regional sport into the juggernaut it eventually became in the late 90's and early 00's (which is when I was a huge NASCAR fan, going to races all over the country). Absolutely fascinating stuff. The mini-series benefits from a ton of home footage that was unearthed, including of course from the Earnhardt family.

"Earnhardt" started streaming recently on Amazon Prime, where I watched this just the other night. If you are an Earnhardt fan, but also even if you are not even a fan of NASCAR all that much, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

From start to finish, "Earnhardt" was one of the best documentary series I've ever watched. Bravo to all involved.

The story of Dale Earnhardt Sr. - aka The Intimidator, an American icon whose fame transcended the sport of stock car racing - is well known.

What was less well known to now was the complicated life the 7-time NASCAR Cup Series champion led, and how it affected those around him, not least of which were his kids, Dale Jr., Kelley and Kerry.

"Earnhardt" lifts the lid on Dale Sr. The man, separate to Dale Sr. The racer, and it is fascinating.

A brilliant mix of broadcast footage, current-day interviews with the people who knew Earnhardt the best, and home video-type footage is woven together perfectly to tell the warts-and-all story of one of the greatest drivers - and most complicated personalities - to ever do it.

A triumph - the last episode, especially.

To start there's 2 reasons I'm not giving this a 10. 1st it's a smidge too long. A lot of extra stuff and this could have been condensed to 3 episodes. 2nd where is Teresa and her and dales daughter? I find that very interesting they aren't in a documentary about the Earnhardt family that is focused on dale. They're Earnhardts. She claims he was the "love of" her life during the HOF induction. But can't appear on a documentary portraying history for folks like myself and others? Then whatever the lawsuits were about photos? Contract dispute with jr and his sister? Very interesting... Anyways, this was very eye opening about dale Earnhardt and how he was. I was born in 87 so I knew about him growing up but I was a football fan as was my dad. And basketball heck even hockey and baseball. NASCAR just wasn't a big thing like they portray it. But dale was like MJ. He made the sport. And then jr carried the torch.

This was a good doc to explain the relationship between dale and his family. It was not really good imo. It's a shame for jr. I mean he sacrificed his family for fame. Sure they've all panned out I supposed in the end but is it worth it? Interesting right? One of the tales as old as time when it comes to professional athletes and their families. It makes you wonder like if you could go pro but not see your kids or your wife but be a big dog in the sport would you do it?

I'd prob not personally. I'd say most people I know prob wouldn't. But then again, that's why we aren't legends in sports maybe...

Its not the 1st race car documentary that pulls on the heart strings.

It is as much about the personality, psychology and inter-personal relationships of the drivers, as it is about car racing.

Any extreme sport is fundamentally about a passion you put before your own life and health.

Motor sports are big money, and the fanbase and industry behind it may be unparalleled in other extreme sport. For these reasons you really feel the pull of these type of sports in its purist form.

Its a nominative determinism-that he earned money the hard way, with a lot of heart.

It is also a story of succession which really sets it apart from just a plain old sports movie. It really does play out like a Hollywood movie, as his son has to rise in the ranks like a member of Royalty in the aftermath of losing his father. The pressure and expectations must have been almost unbearable. It really is a real world example of the allegorical story of "The sword of Damocles".

Its a very exciting, enthralling and emotional ride.