One of the biggest innovations in the world of tech took place recently as Apple launched its latest and highly anticipated AR/VR headsets. Dubbed the Apple Vision Pro, the device was claimed to be a ‘spatial computer’. However, the highly advanced leap into the future with $3,500 price tag did not come without certain NASCAR fans pointing out the eerie resemblance to that of a certain NASCAR legend’s former look.
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In his heyday, Dale Earnhardt was renowned for more than his prowess in the Cup Series races. His unique personality extended beyond his racing skills, manifesting in his iconic style, most notably his preferred choice of eye goggles.
Decades later, Apple’s latest product is drawing the attention of numerous NASCAR fans. They ‘highlight’ how Earnhardt was a trailblazer, sporting a style similar to what Apple has now popularized, over two decades after his passing.
NASCAR fans can’t stop laughing as Apple’s latest product resembles Dale Earnhardt’s look
Ever since Apple made the Vision Pro public NASCAR fans haven’t been able to stop finding the similarity between Earnhardt’s legendary goggles and the mixed reality headset. Several of them poked humor regarding the striking resemblance over social media.
A certain fan quipped, “The Apple Vision Pro is just Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s bubble goggles but you can’t even see the air with them. #WWDC23 #NASCAR.” Another chimed in saying, “The Eliminator himself, Dale Earnhardt, has been wearing the Apple Vision Pro since the 1990s.”
Adding to the humor, a third fan declared, “Dear Apple, if I wanted to look like Dale Earnhardt I would simply grow a mustache.” In a final note of jest, yet another fan cheekily remarked, “Dale Earnhardt Sr. was using Apple’s Vision Pro before it was cool!”
Well, certainly the goggles that Earnhardt wore would have not been priced at a whopping $3,500. Through the years, the popularity of his goggles has only grown in time; who knows, perhaps Apple may have used it as an inspiration.
What brand were the original Dale Earnhardt goggles?
The iconic goggles Dale Earnhardt sported during race weekends were made by Gargoyles Eyewear, specifically the Gargoyles 85 Sunglasses model. Moreover, they were primarily sold in black and blue. There’s scant information about Earnhardt’s gold edition. However, at the height of his fame, Gargoyles released a limited-edition run of these glasses, in collaboration with Earnhardt.
These special edition goggles, dubbed ‘Dale Earnhardt Sr. Signature Series,’ boasted 22K Gold Plated frames and accents. The rarity of these sunglasses now sees them command high prices among collectors, with some pairs fetching over $500.
Despite their steep price, thankfully they are still considerably more affordable than Apple’s AR/VR headsets. So one could argue that Dale Earnhardt was certainly way ahead of his time indeed.
