Mike Brudenell
Detroit Free Press
Dave Villwock -- after being booed for winning a race in his Miss Budweiser boat -- remembers talking with NASCAR legend and good friend Dale Earnhardt.
It shook Villwock, the most successful driver in unlimited hydroplane history.
"Dale gave me one of his looks and laughed," recalled Villwock on Monday. "He said, 'Aw, hell, if they don't boo you, you haven't done anything (in racing) yet.' It helped."
Earnhardt, a seven-time Sprint Cup champion, was known as "The Intimidator" because of his tough, ruthless approach on the track. Villwock has been called "The Dominator" for his no-apology attitude to winning races on the water.