Dale Jarrett will put his helmet on for the last time at the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. SPEED will televise the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race XXIV and the NASCAR Sprint Showdown live on May 17. (Sam Greenwood/Getty Images Photo) » More Photos

It was an extremely difficult time for Jarrett, one that his father noted he worked through because he possesses a remarkable ability to handle things in a special way. It eventually was the incident that turned things around for Jarrett at RYR.

“We came out in 1997 and contended for the championship,” Jarrett said. “I think we won seven races. I said, ‘There's no doubt that I belong here and I can do this.’ I knew all along that I could do it, but I was finally in the situation that made all of that real. Even though each week had a lot of work to it, I felt then that I was in a place where I really belonged.”

It wasn't until 1999, however, that Jarrett achieved the sport's ultimate goal — the series championship.

Even though Jarrett's father was known as Gentleman Ned" during his racing days, he possessed an intense competitive nature that he passed on to his son.

“We have it in us. As Jarretts, that's what we've done all our life is compete,” said Dale. “I started playing baseball when I was 5, so that's all I've ever known is competing. My kids are the same way. We just can't sit down and have a normal Monopoly game. It is about winning. You don't have to show that in everything you do; you have to have this other side to you. My dad and my mom have been very special in that respect, to show us that it's OK to be competitive, but you have to have that compassion.”

Jarrett readily admits his career was a struggle, but added, “there's nothing wrong with that. I think it made me appreciate things even more. I've been very fortunate. If you gave me a chance to go back and do it all over again, I wouldn't have changed a thing about it.”

Tom Jensen is the Senior NASCAR Editor for SPEEDtv.com, the former Executive Editor of NASCAR Scene and a contributing Editor for TruckSeries.com. He is the author of “Cheating: The Bad Things Good NASCAR Nextel Cup Racers Do In Pursuit of SPEED,” and has appeared on numerous television and radio shows to discuss NASCAR racing. Jensen is the President of the National Motorsports Press Association. The Answer Man is back at SPEEDtv.com. Tom Jensen answers your questions during every race week and looks forward to hearing from you - please e-mail it to


SPEED will televise the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race XXIV and the NASCAR Sprint Showdown live on May 17, as well as provide more than 90 hours of support programming prior to the event. Stay tuned to SPEEDtv.com for frequent updates on the history of the event and all the details about this year’s action.
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