I agree with Dale Jr's take on it.

If I somehow made it to the big leagues and wanted to run the number 6, just like my father did, is it fair of them to tell me I can't just because someone famous died while driving the same number? I think the idea of retiring a number is absurd.

However, I would go along with an objection to the same stylized 3. (except in certain cases) That WAS Dale's and Dale's alone.

But just the digit? No. It's just a number.

Besides, Dale Sr's actual number was 8, like Ralph before him. He just got 3 because that was the number the Childress team was sporting when he signed on. All the cars Dale Sr drove that he himself owned were number 8.

Thanks for the comment!

I do agree on the whole difference between if you run the number and then if you run the number with the same style. Possibly, also add running the number with the same black color too, if you want to be picky. That's a good point you bring up!

Frankly, Im surprised no one else had anything to say about it.

If you're going to retire the 3... then the 43, 17, 21 and 16 should be first. Earnhardt Sr. was good, but get in line.

The funny (and sad) thing is that 3 of those four aren't even associated with the teams that brought them to greatness.

I'm even missing some numebers that should be retired. Probably 300 and 6 as well. So much history, but no one remembers.