CHARLOTTE, NC -- The NASCAR community is breathing a sigh of relief as Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his family recover from a plane crash. 

The Earnhardt's private plane crashed in Tennessee Thursday afternoon. According to Earnhardt's sister, the family and the pilots were taken to the hospital as a precaution but are expected to be okay. 

In Charlotte, one life-long NASCAR fan says Earnhardt's career behind the wheel helped save his life.

Dale Earnhardt Jr's car sits on display at Seat Time American Racing School.

Walt Young is a driving instructor at Seat Time Racing School, and has worked with some of NASCAR's legends. He says Earnhardt Jr. knew what to do when the plane went down.  

"Dale's been in some pretty horrific car crashes. Racecar drivers, as a rule, have to be able to stay calm under pressure," Young said. "Probably a lot of people would have frozen. I think his first instinct was for his family and for himself."

Earnhardt Jr. tweeted a message of thanks to his fans and everyone who aided in his safety on August 19:

 

 

 

The FAA and the NTSB are both investigating the crash.