Dale Earnhardt’s Lucky Penny: A Heartwarming Daytona 500 Story
NASCAR is known for its thrilling races, unforgettable moments, and larger-than-life personalities. However, one of the most touching stories in racing history began in 1998 with a little girl named Wessa Miller, who adored race car driver Dale Earnhardt. Wessa’s journey presented significant challenges, including living with spina bifida. Nevertheless, her passion for racing remained unwavering.
Through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Wessa had the incredible opportunity to meet her hero, Dale Earnhardt, just before the prestigious Daytona 500. Excited and hopeful, she brought with her two gifts: a hunting video and a small token that would ultimately transform into a legendary symbol—the lucky penny. This penny not only held sentimental value for Wessa but also became synonymous with Earnhardt’s iconic win, famously displayed in photographs from that day.
The Pursuit of Victory: Dale Earnhardt’s Daytona Heartache
Throughout Earnhardt’s illustrious career with Richard Childress Racing (RCR), the Daytona 500 eluded him. One of his closest moments came in 1990, where leading in the final lap, a piece of metal on the track punctured his tire, costing him the victory.
The Lucky Penny Moment
On the day of the historic race in 1998, Wessa presented Earnhardt with her lucky penny, a gesture that was met with heartfelt enthusiasm by the RCR team. They hilariously struggled to secure the penny to the dash of Earnhardt’s car with a glue known as “monkey snot.” Despite some sticky challenges, the penny was finally affixed, and Earnhardt went on to achieve his long-awaited victory, winning the Daytona 500 for the first and only time.
A Heartfelt Connection
Recognizing the significance of Wessa’s gesture, Earnhardt reached out following his victory to express his gratitude. He later met with the Miller family at Bristol and presented them with a blue Astro van, simplifying travel for Wessa’s medical needs.
A Lasting Memory
Years later, a reporter named David Poole chronicled the heartwarming tale of Wessa, later forming a bond with her family. He established a charity, “Pennies for Wessa,” which raised funds to assist the Miller family, contributing approximately $10,000 to secure a new van equipped with a wheelchair lift. The RCR museum now honors this touching story, showcasing images from the fateful meeting between Wessa and Earnhardt.
The Journey Continues
In 2018, reporter Brendan Marks followed the story further and discovered the Miller family still thrives in their hometown of Phyllis, Kentucky. They established a country store aptly named “Wessa’s: Home of the Lucky Penny,” embodying the spirit of hope and community. Remarkably, Wessa graduated from high school in 2011, proving perseverance in the face of adversity. Visitors often stop by to reminisce about that momentous day in 1998 when a little girl and her lucky penny created a monumental impact in NASCAR history.
This story, braided into the fabric of NASCAR culture, will continue to inspire future generations. The remarkable journey of a little girl and her lucky penny reassures us that hope, resilience, and kindness can transcend the racetrack.
