There are countless tales of NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt dominating the racetrack with his aggressive and fearsome driving style. However, much less is known about his early years, marked by determination and perseverance in dirt car racing. For instance, did you know that Buddy Parrot played a crucial role in shaping Earnhardt’s racing career? This legendary crew chief, who also worked with notable names like Rusty Wallace and Richard Petty, was instrumental in Dale’s journey.
We are all familiar with how relentless the “Intimidator” was on the track, but it seems his audacious behavior started long before he became a NASCAR star. Parrot, reflecting on his relationship with Earnhardt, couldn’t help but highlight a certain personality trait—a boldness that once got them into a brawl in front of a home crowd!
Dale Earnhardt ignited chaos among Billy Scott’s fans
Back then, dirt car racing was a major draw on regional circuits. While NASCAR was on its way to becoming a mainstream sport, late-model stock car racing had already captivated fans. Billy Scott quickly made a name for himself, dominating events on traditional short tracks. Winning the track championship was the ultimate accolade for any driver, and Scott was undoubtedly the king of short ovals.
Scott regularly competed against both Ralph Earnhardt and his teenage son, Dale, whose unapologetic racing style often stirred up trouble. Buddy Parrot recalled a particular incident where Earnhardt crashed Scott at Starlite Speedway, sparking outrage among the local fans. Not even the promise of earning $20 could keep the young Dale in check.
“We’re driving along, and he says, ‘Birdy, do you have any money? I need something to eat.’ I handed him $20 and told him, ‘Dale, here’s the deal: if you don’t get me into a fight tonight, and if you don’t wreck Billy Scott, you can keep the $20.’ But sure enough, in the race, who does he spin out? Billy Scott!” Parrot recounted this story on the Dale Jr. Download.
The seasoned crew chief also shared the aftermath of Dale’s actions, which turned the home crowd against them. “People were throwing punches and beer cans at him, and he was ducking. I saw people flying through the air. Ferrel Harris, who had come with me, was there, and he was one tough guy. Ferrel was pulling people off the car left and right. Needless to say, your dad still owes me $20.”
Containing Dale Earnhardt was a challenge for anyone, but there was someone in his circle who managed to put him in his place after a close brush with death.
During Dale Earnhardt’s early racing years, Buddy Parrot, Dale, and Daryl Cruz formed a close-knit team. As Parrot shared earlier, Dale was never one to shy away from getting into trouble. However, there was one incident where Daryl Cruz gave Dale a wake-up call after nearly crashing them all in Parrot’s Cadillac.
“So, this big old Cadillac is flying down Highway 49, and we’re nearing that curve by Love’s Junkyard. Your dad swings the rear end out on the gravel, and it’s clattering under the car—we all thought we were done for…Dale turns onto Hudsmith Road, Cruz grabs the keys and yanks them out of the ignition. We get out, and Cruz walks up and slaps your dad—it scared the life out of us,” Parrot continued.
It’s clear that Buddy Parrot and Dale Earnhardt shared a close bond. Thanks to Parrot, fans can now hear stories of young Dale and his wild antics before he became the NASCAR legend we all know.
