Independent Films, Film Profiles

3: The Dale Earnhardt Story
by Russell Mulcahy

3: The Dale Earnhardt Story or sometimes referred to as The Dale Earnhardt Movie is a 2004 television movie produced by ESPN documenting the life of NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt, his poor upbringing in Kannapolis, North Carolina, his rise to dominance in NASCAR, his relationship with his son, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and his death in the 2001 Daytona 500. It was first broadcast on December 11, 2004, and was subsequently released on DVD. Barry Pepper stars as Dale Earnhardt.Many race scenes were shot at Rockingham Speedway, after the track had lost its races and was used mostly as a test track and driving school.Chad McCumbee, who portrayed Junior, later became a NASCAR driver in the Truck Series. He also raced alongside Dale Jr. himself at the Pocono 500, driving Kyle Petty's 45 car, as Kyle Petty was in the TNT broadcast booth.