Live from the Motorsports World: A Legendary Throwback to Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Stewart at the 2004 Rolex 24
The Rolex 24 at Daytona is a crown jewel in motorsports, boasting a history of iconic winners like Ken Miles (1966) and A.J. Foyt (1985). As we gear up for the 2025 edition later this month, fans are reliving some unforgettable moments from the past. One standout memory? The 2004 race featuring Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Stewart, two NASCAR legends taking on the grueling endurance challenge.
Dale Jr. and Tony Stewart’s 2004 Rolex 24 Journey: A Promising Run Cut Short
The 2004 Rolex 24 marked the opening round of the Rolex Sports Car Series, a three-race championship that also included events at Homestead and Phoenix. While the overall victory went to Bell Motorsports with drivers Terry Borcheller, Andy Pilgrim, Christian Fittipaldi, and Forest Barber piloting the No. 54 Doran JE4, another star-studded entry made headlines.
The Howard-Boss Motorsports team, in partnership with Richard Childress Racing, entered the No. 2 Crawford DP03. The driver lineup included Tony Stewart, already a 2002 NASCAR Cup Series champion, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and sports car veteran Andy Wallace. Despite their talent and determination, their race was plagued by suspension issues, ultimately resulting in a DNF (Did Not Finish). Remarkably, they still secured 5th place overall, a testament to their impressive pace before misfortune struck.
Recently, fans revisited this moment thanks to a viral Reddit post featuring a nostalgic photo of the car. The post read: “NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. driving a Crawford at the 2004 24 Hours of Daytona, he raced alongside Tony Stewart and Andy Wallace and retired but still ended up fifth in the general results.”
From Rivals to Friends: The Bond Between Tony Stewart and Dale Jr.
While their partnership in 2004 marked a high point, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Stewart weren’t always on friendly terms. Their rocky relationship began with a heated incident at the 1998 Pikes Peak International Raceway, where Stewart bumped Dale Jr. off the track. The tension escalated until the two confronted each other in a post-race hauler meeting.
Surprisingly, it was Stewart who extended the olive branch later that year during a Busch Series race in Milwaukee. Speaking on the Dale Jr. Download in 2019, Dale Jr. recounted Stewart’s approach:
“He came up to me on Friday morning before practice and said, ‘Hey man, we’re gonna be racing each other a long time, so let’s be friends. Let’s not run into each other anymore, and let’s not drag this out. I got no problem with you. I’m cool. Let’s just be cool.’”
Dale Jr. admitted he never would’ve initiated such a conversation, crediting Stewart for their eventual camaraderie. Their friendship has since grown, with the two appearing together in off-track events and even starring in the 2003 music video for 3 Doors Down’s song, “The Road I’m On”.
A Different Kind of Victory for Dale Jr. in 2004
While the Rolex 24 didn’t end in triumph, 2004 was still a landmark year for Dale Earnhardt Jr. In February, he clinched his long-awaited victory in the Daytona 500, one of NASCAR’s most prestigious races. The endurance challenge at Daytona, though vastly different, showcased his versatility and passion for motorsports.
Reflecting on a Historic Partnership
The 2004 Rolex 24 remains a poignant reminder of NASCAR legends stepping outside their comfort zones to test their mettle. Despite their DNF, the partnership of Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Stewart, and Andy Wallace left an indelible mark on the event’s history. As fans reminisce, it’s clear this was more than just a race—it was a moment of motorsports unity and resilience.
