Nearly four decades later, one of NASCAR’s most iconic moments remains etched in racing history—not for what it was, but for what it symbolized. Dale Earnhardt’s famous “Pass in the Grass” during the 1987 Winston All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway wasn’t technically a pass at all, as even his son Dale Earnhardt Jr. admits. Yet the image of the No. 3 Chevrolet sliding through the infield at nearly 180 mph has become a defining snapshot of “The Intimidator’s” fearless style.
The moment came during an intense battle with Bill Elliott. As the two traded paint on the front stretch, Earnhardt was forced onto the grass—but he never lifted. Keeping control of the car, he surged back onto the track and held onto the lead. Although no positions changed hands during the wild maneuver, fans and broadcasters immediately dubbed it a “pass,” and the legend was born.
“It wasn’t a pass,” Dale Jr. once said. “But that didn’t matter. That moment showed what my dad was all about—aggression, control, and the will to win.”
Indeed, it wasn’t the legality or technical accuracy of the move that mattered. It was the grit, spectacle, and signature defiance. The maneuver crystallized Earnhardt’s persona as The Intimidator—a driver who would do anything to win and never back down.
Today, the “Pass in the Grass” stands as one of the most replayed and revered clips in NASCAR history. It helped catapult Earnhardt’s reputation to legendary status and cemented his legacy not just as a great driver, but as a symbol of NASCAR’s golden era. For fans new and old, it remains a powerful reminder of what made Dale Earnhardt truly unforgettable.
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