Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Life Behind the Scenes of the "Intimidator's" Son in 2001

Dale Earnhardt Jr. worked his way to the top series in NASCAR with aspirations of being recognized as a good race car driver, knowing he would never match his father's record. Now life behind the scenes with Junior, during the year he lost his father, has been chronicled.

The book, In the Red, was recently released. It was written by Jade Gurss who was the publicist for Earnhardt Jr. from 1999 through the 2007 season.

The book gives you a look at the dramatic and tragic 2001 season when the "Intimidator" lost his life on the final lap of the Daytona 500 and despite that loss, Junior returned to Daytona later that year and won the summer race.

Gurss was there and he gives an intimate view no one else could provide, utilizing his very detailed notes to recreate the tumultuous season day by day.

Few people have the insight Gurss reveals in this book. It was written with full approval of Earnhardt.

The book not only documents the gut-wrenching emotional journey that Earnhardt went through in 2001, but covers the all important first race after losing his dad and his victory at the first race after the September 11 terrorist attacks.

There is a plethora of  insightful stories about the many and varied adventures of Junior outside of racing.

The reader also gets a close-up look at the interaction Dale Jr. had with those in his life during this time.

It is a hardcore look at the personal side of the man who makes his way under the huge shadow cast by his legendary father.

Gurss was recently named the Director of Communications for Andretti Autosport and plans to relocate to Indianapolis early in 2012.

This book is a great read for fans of Earnhardt Jr. and a great read for those who may not be part of Junior Nation because of the straight-forward look at the persona of this driver.

In the Red is available in hardcover and eBook formats from Octane Press, L.L.C.

Information courtesy of official press release from Octane Press and opinions expressed are solely those of the writer of this article.