https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cklaZP_-r0s
For many years, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was known somewhat as a superspeedway specialist as he was always a threat at NASCAR's longest tracks, but never experienced great success at the smaller circuits on NASCAR's schedule.
That was until October 24, 2014 when he passed Tony Stewart with four laps to go at Martinsville Speedway to win the Goody's Headache Relief Shot 500. With that win, Earnhardt captured the unique trophy that's presented to the winners at Martinsville.
"I wanted that grandfather clock since I was a little boy and I finally got it today." Earnhardt Jr. said while celebrating in victory lane. "My team all came together and made it happen."
With Earnhardt Jr. scheduled to race for the final time at Martinsville on October 29th, the speedway wanted to do something special for Dale Jr. to recognize what's he's meant to the sport and to their racetrack. That's why they asked his wife, Amy, to be the Honorary Pace Car Driver for the First Data 500, according to a report by NASCAR.com.
"I was very excited when the track approached me about driving the pace car," she said. "Martinsville is one of Dale's favorite tracks and seeing how happy he and the team were in Victory Lane in 2014 is something I'll never forget. I appreciate the track letting me be a small part of Dale's last race at a place that means so much to him."
I just found out that I get to drive the pace car on Sun @MartinsvilleSwy ! Watch out y?all! pic.twitter.com/zi2prRpmU9
— Amy Earnhardt (@AmyEarnhardt) October 11, 2017
Related: Prominent driver calls Dale Jr. 'selfish' and his former crew chief agrees