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Ralph Earnhardt
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Ralph Lee Earnhardt (February 23, 1928—September 26, 1973) was a NASCAR racing legend. He was the father of Dale Earnhardt, the grandfather of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Kerry Earnhardt, and great grandfather of Jeffrey Earnhardt.
h was born in Kannapolis, North Carolina to Effie Mae Barber and John Henderson Earnhardt. He spent many years working in a cotton mill in North Carolina. One of the only ways out of this poor living was racing.
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Encyclopedia
Ralph Lee Earnhardt (February 23, 1928—September 26, 1973) was a NASCAR racing legend. He was the father of Dale Earnhardt, the grandfather of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Kerry Earnhardt, and great grandfather of Jeffrey Earnhardt.
Background
Ralph was born in Kannapolis, North Carolina to Effie Mae Barber and John Henderson Earnhardt. He spent many years working in a cotton mill in North Carolina. One of the only ways out of this poor living was racing. Ralph started his racing career on dirt tracks where he was famous for keeping his car in top condition throughout each race. Ralph died of a heart attack in the kitchen and found by his wife Martha. His death was portrayed inaccurately in the ESPN movie "3" where his death occurred in the garage and Dale Earnhardt Sr. found him on the floor just after it happened.
Racing career
In 1956, he won the NASCAR Sportsman Championship. He had a second place finish in his first Grand National (now Sprint Cup) race in 1956. In 1961, Ralph had his highest finish by finishing 17th in the Grand National point standings.
Ralph Earnhardt was the first car builder/driver to understand and use tire stagger.
Ralph Earnhardt died at the age of 45 on September 26, 1973 from a heart attack in his kitchen and was found by his wife.
Trivia
In the film 3: The Dale Earnhardt Story, Ralph Earnhardt was portrayed by J. K. Simmons.
Footnotes
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