Logan R. Cyrus for The New York Times Despite their complicated feelings, Mr. Earnhardt and Mrs. Earnhardt Miller, 52, have made themselves unofficial stewards of their father’s legacy.

DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- Twenty years ago, on Feb. 18, 2001, racing legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. died in the last lap of the Daytona 500, a "remember where you were" moment for motorsports fans everywhere.