Only a father can really get it.

Seeing your son achieve something you always dreamed in a field that you pioneered ... the emotion of that came through to every proud dad in the audience.

Ned's race call to the finish, as if he were back in the chair of that #11, coaching Dale on to victory was thrilling. I could argue that the broadcast team giving him the call was the last class act in NASCAR.

Always a gentleman, but still a fierce competitor Ned raced at an elite level to make the Ford company car roster in the '60s. His post-race career (essentially, starting over) is even more remarkable.

He's in victory circle now.