For Nascar Legend

FOR NASCAR LEGEND Dale Earnhardt, it appeared that the 12th time at the Daytona 500 would be memorable.

In 1990, Earnhardt’s famous No. 3 black Chevrolet paced the field in more than 150 laps of the 200-lap race. And Earnhardt was in front during the last lap. With less than a mile to go and victory within his grasp, Earnhardt’s car ran over a sharp piece of bellhousing from another vehicle, which slashed his back tire. Amazingly, Dale kept his car from hitting the wall, but he could no longer run at the speeds necessary to win.

Earnhardt’s misfortune opened the door for Derrike Cope. Driving in just his third Daytona, Cope saw Earnhardt veer off course. Cope kept focused on the track and found himself in the lead with two turns to go. With Terry Labonte and Bill Elliott breathing down his bumper, Cope took the checkered flag in one of the greatest upsets in motorsports history. It was Cope’s first top-five finish—let alone victory—in his 72 races on the NASCAR tour.

EXTRA < < < < < < < < < < < < < <

POINT Dale Earnhardt’s misfortune turned out to be Derrike Cope’s big break. Everybody favored the hard-driving Earnhardt to win NASCAR’s biggest race, but a freak blown tire took him out of contention. His No. 3 car had been the class of the field before the cut tire took him out.

Sometimes bad breaks hit our lives. We run over something unexpected that keeps us from achieving what we had hoped. It’s not because we did something wrong; it just happens. We find ourselves surprised and unable to cope. During those times, God sticks close to us and helps us get back on our feet. While we may experience setbacks, God helps us overcome in the long run.

GOAL! Can you think of any bad breaks or mishaps that have happened to you on the athletic field or in real life? Write down one or two: