Ralph Dale Earnhardt Sr. (April 29, 1951-February 18, 2001), better known simply as Dale Earnhardt, was an American race car driver, best known for his career driving stock cars in NASCAR's top division and being one of the most famous drivers to die in a racing crash. Earnhardt is notable for his success in the Winston Cup Series, now known as the Sprint Cup Series, winning seventy-six races (including one Daytona 500 victory in 1998). Earnhardt's seven championships are tied for most all-time with Richard Petty. His aggressive driving style led to a high profile, and often controversial career; and, earned him the nicknames "Ironhead", "Mr. Restrictor Plate", "The Man in Black", and most famously, "The Intimidator". Dale Earnhardt died in a last-lap crash during the 2001 Daytona 500.