Dale Earnhardt won seven NASCAR Cup Series championships.
Earnhardt earned his titles in 1980, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993 and 1994. His first championship came in only his second full Cup season, making him the only driver to win the series title immediately after being named Rookie of the Year.
Most of Earnhardt’s championship success came while driving the No. 3 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing. His aggressive style earned him the nickname “The Intimidator,” while his consistency and strength on short tracks made him one of NASCAR’s defining competitors.
His seven titles placed him in a historic tie with Richard Petty and Jimmie Johnson for the record. Earnhardt also won 76 Cup races, including the 1998 Daytona 500, the victory most associated with completing his long-awaited success in NASCAR’s marquee event.