Preview Earnhardt: Unveiling the Legend of the Man in Black

Dale Earnhardt, often called “The Man in Black,” is the focus of a new documentary series now streaming on Prime Video. Earnhardt’s legacy as a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion is unmatched, and the series provides both longtime and new fans a deeper look at his life on and off the track.

The first two episodes were made available on Thursday, May 22, and viewers can watch the next two episodes on May 29. This comes as Prime Video adds NASCAR Cup Series races to its broadcast lineup, including the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25.

Throughout his career, Dale Earnhardt claimed 76 Cup Series victories and won his first championship in 1980. He earned his place beside Richard Petty at the top of the sport with seven titles, a feat documented in detail by the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Recognizable by his black No. 3 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, Earnhardt’s aggressive driving style earned him nicknames such as “The Intimidator” and “Ironhead.” Fans also remember his emotional 1998 Daytona 500 win, where he finally took the checkered flag on his twentieth attempt.

The “Earnhardt” series includes rare footage, highlights from dramatic races, and personal interviews with family and friends. Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt Miller, his children, gave insight into their father’s challenges as a parent and racer, sharing stories not previously seen by the public.

The documentary explores how Earnhardt balanced his fierce racing persona with his life at home, including how he expressed affection to his kids. For more on Earnhardt’s personal life and career, the University of North Carolina’s Southern Oral History Program offers additional archival interviews.

Filmmaker Joshua Altman and his team sifted through more than 15 petabytes of archival material to build a detailed account of Earnhardt’s rise. Inspired by documentary styles seen in sports films like “Senna,” the series captures the mood of each era.

Altman, new to NASCAR before this project, attended his first race at North Wilkesboro and was struck by the sport’s speed and intensity. The show aims to appeal to both racing fans and viewers interested in stories about family and determination.

Prime Video’s new role as a NASCAR broadcaster is also a major development for fans watching at home. Races like the Coca-Cola 600, the Cracker Barrel 400, and others will be streamed exclusively over the next seven years.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is scheduled to join the commentary team, bringing his perspective to the live broadcasts.

Earnhardt’s story is also told outside of racing, with statues and public tributes in his hometown of Kannapolis, North Carolina. His impact is still felt in the NASCAR paddock, and this series helps explain why he remains such an important figure in American motorsports. Learn more about his hometown legacy at the Kannapolis History Associates.

The documentary not only celebrates his championships and race wins but also shows his influence on the growth and popularity of NASCAR during the 1980s and 1990s, a period recognized in the sport’s landmark award history.

For fans wanting to learn more about Dale Earnhardt, the new series brings his legacy to life using firsthand accounts and powerful race footage. It’s an opportunity to better understand both the champion driver and the devoted father, capturing the man behind the iconic black Chevy and his signature mustache.

With a mix of triumph, tragedy, and personal moments, “Earnhardt” presents a full story of one of racing’s biggest legends.