Driver #8 [Hardcover]

Dale Earnhardt (Author), Jade Gurss (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 23, 2002

Coming off the wildly successful 2000 NASCAR season in which he won two races, Dale Earnhardt Jr viewed the 2001 Daytona 500 as an opportunity to entrench his name in racing history. Tragically, more than his dreams died on the track that day. After crossing the finish line in second place, Dale Jr turned to find that his father had been involved in a horrific crash that killed him upon impact. His death shook the racing community and made front-page news throughout the world. This is where this book begins. And it ends with Dale Jr attending his father's memorial service while wrestling with the pain and sorrow of this tragic death. While recounting this memorable season and its many races, Dale Jr also discusses the relationship he had with his father, the lessons he learned both on and off the race track, and the other memories of growing up the son of the greatest stock car driver of all time.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dale Earnhardt, Jr is the son of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt. He is only 27 years old and one of the most talented drivers in the sport. Jade Gurss is a publicist and freelance journalist.

From AudioFile

Whether you're talking about father or son, the name Dale Earnhardt IS NASCAR. DRIVER #8 is Dale, Jr.'s, story--telling of how he reached the pantheon of auto racing. David Thomas's reading fits the author and his story well. His Southern voice and down-home charm recount how Dale, Jr., handled growing up amid his father's fame and how he worked to create his own identity. This book is not just for fans. It's an easy listen about auto racing and its personalities, who have more impact on popular culture than spectators might imagine. D.J.S. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Warner Books; First Edition edition (January 23, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446530301
• ISBN-13: 978-0446530309
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (95 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,249,071 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT book, January 27, 2002

By 

D. Rothmeyer (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Driver #8 (Hardcover)

As a Dale Jr. fan I'd read anything he does but this is simply a well written piece of work. He may be a youngster in the sport but Dale Jr. can write with a maturity while still maintaining his youthfull sense of style and humor. Although those that don't follow races every week may not understand some things he talks about or find the summary of races a bit boring....NASCAR fans will enjoy getting a behind the scenes feel for what drivers and their crew go through week after week, be it the thrill of victory or the low points after a heartbreaking bad day. I especially loved Dale's honesty about the things he does off the track, like the appearances he makes, how he feels about them and the fun he has with friends at Club E. After reading this book I'd give anything to see Dale at Halloween as "Dirk Diggler".....what a hoot!!

DON'T get this book if you are looking for a "life story" about his childhood or a biography about Dale's life after losing his dad. Although he touches on it in the Epilogue, this is a book about Dale JR, not SR and as Jr says in the beginning, that book may be coming years down the road.

I'm proud to be a fan of one of NASCAR's rising stars and this book will make the upcoming 2002 season all the more enjoyable.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW, January 22, 2002

By 

Samantha M. Hagler (Plano, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Driver #8 (Hardcover)

One word......AWESOME!!! Dale Jr. takes on a wild ride through his rookie season running with the Big Dogs in the Winston Cup. Not only does he give us an insider view of what happens on race day, he takes us behind the wall and gives us a look at a driver off the track. This is the closest I've felt to the real life of the guys I watch on Sunday. Driver #8 is a great read full of emotional highs and lows. I found myself laughing in some segments and nearly crying in others. Even if you aren't a fan of Dale Jr., I encourage you to read this book. You'll have a whole new respect for what these fellows do and a whole new respect for them as people.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Racing to the Top, January 24, 2002

By 

George R. Grayson (New Jersey, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Driver #8 (Hardcover)

Dale Jr. and Jade have hit the nail on the head with this book. I feel it brings the reader to the point of actually being in the pits and the car during a race season. I found this book to be a very fast read, I couldn't put it down. Thank you Dale Jr and Jade for the well written book. Run for the Championship in 2002. Hope to see you at the head table in New York.