Daytona International Speedway once again echoed Dale Earnhardt's name as seven, Grammy Award-winning artists performed at the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Concert on Saturday, June 28. Not even a brief downpour could dampen the fans spirit as they bonded and reconnected with their racing idol and hero.

They came from all across the country and were lined up at 5:45 a.m. Saturday waiting for the gates to open at noon. Once inside, they quickly filled the infield area between pit road and the start/finish line on the famed, 2.5-mile superspeedway.

Dale was a fan favorite and icon to many. And, his fans cheered him on again watching his racing highlights on five Jumbotrons. There were also video tributes from fellow drivers and artists who played the Tribute Concert.

From the time Delbert McClinton took to the stage at 3 p.m., fans were on their feet with three fingers held high wearing Dale Earnhardt, DEInsider and Tribute Concert and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. apparel. Some put up flags next to their chairs, others held signs.

But, they came to pay tribute - and they didn't deny themselves the pleasure, either.

"Dale Earnhardt is my all-time hero and he's the only person I've ever followed," said Wendy Whittemore, 18, from Richmond, Va. "I follow racing and I love it, but Dale is The Man. Plus, this was a graduation present from my parents to come down here."

Wendy's dad was sporting his DEInsider 2003 T-shirt on the infield as they waited for Alabama. Teresa Earnhardt, our president and CEO of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. announced the formation of the Dale Earnhardt Legacy Program and Dale Earnhardt Foundation in December of 2002.

The Foundation was created to further the philanthropic causes that had become important to Dale and Teresa Earnhardt during his celebrated life. The Tribute Concert was the first fundraiser for the Foundation.

And, during Dale's seven Winston Cup Series championship runs, he became the winningest driver at the famed 2.5-mile speedway. Between Winston Cup, Busch and IROC races at Daytona, Dale graced Victory Lane here a record 34 times.

Now, just seven months after Teresa's announcement about the Foundation, musicians from country and rock got together to evoke more cheers for the beloved champion. And, what a better place than the track Dale became synonymous with during his career to hold the all-star fundraiser than Daytona.

Teresa was greeted with rousing applause and cheers as she came on stage the first time. "Welcome," she said before being drowned out by the receptive crowd. "Thank you so much for being here today."

She then introduced Alabama who played their award-winning hits. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. joined Teresa to introduce Kenny Chesney. Dale Jr. even joined Kenny on stage singing a few bars from a hit song.

Just as Kenny finished, the rains came down and delayed the show for 40 minutes. Fans ran for cover, but not for their cars. The Goo Goo Dolls came on next and got the crowd all geared up and back into the spirit.

Sheryl Crow sauntered on stage wearing a black, leather Goodwrench jacket to the crowd's delight. Having been to numerous NASCAR events the past few years, she knew exactly what to say to the like-minded crowd.

"A little rain isn't going to get this crowd down," she said. "You might get a little wet, but we won't be intimidated." During his racing days, Dale was known as The Intimidator.

Brooks & Dunn are long-time friends of Dale and were a must-have artist for the Tribute Concert. They didn't disappoint with their energy and high-powered stage show. Fans sang along waving their arms in unison during songs.

In between songs, Kix Brooks stood at the edge of the stage and said of his friend, "Dale Earnhardt would have loved this."

Hootie & the Blowfish rounded the night out bringing the show to a close just before the midnight hour. During the set, NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip came on stage to sing with Darius Rucker.

Recognizing the essence of the event, Darius told the crowd, "What a great thing to get everybody together like this," he said. "What a great party for Dale Earnhardt. You guys are great to come out and stick it out."

The evening ended with a fireworks extravaganza that included charges that lit up the sky shaped like 3's over the backstretch. Once again, fans left Daytona talking about The Legend - Dale Earnhardt.