The last NASCAR death took place on Daytona International Speedway tracks in 2001. The crash took the life of the legendary NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt on the final lap.
When the crash took place nobody thought it would take somebody’s life. Ken Schrader with whom Dale Earnhardt crashed had come out safely from his car.
As Schrader walked towards Dale’s car to congratulate him on his son coming second and his race team driver Michael Waltrip coming first, he immediately knew something was wrong.
Schrader didn’t say much to the media, but his face told a different story. Known as “The Intimidator” and “The Man In Black,” Earnhardt was a hero to many racing fans.
His love for the sport was clear as daylight. In his 26-year career, Earnhardt won 76 races and won consecutive titles on three separate occasions.
The legendary driver’s son Dale Earnhardt Jr on his father’s legacy and won 26 races in his 19-year career.
When Was The Last NASCAR Death?
The last car NASCAR death happened on February 18, 2001, at the biggest race in the world. The legendary driver Dale Earnhardt on his 676th start on his final lap, crashed with Ken Schrader.
At first, the crash didn’t look serious and what the NASCAR viewers would be used to seeing. Right before the crash, Dale saw the driver of his race team Michael Waltrip and his son Dale Earnhardt Jr compete for the first position.
Michael eventually won the race, but all the attention was later diverted toward Dale Sr’s crash. The video of Dale’s crash has been viewed several times on YouTube.
But more than the crash itself, the look on Darrell Waltrip’s face is what many viewers consider gut-wrenching.
Waltrip, who was broadcasting for FOX Sports, was first celebrating his brother’s victory, but soon as Michael crossed the finish line, he diverted his attention toward the crash.
“I just hope Dale’s okay. I guess he is, isn’t he?” is what Darrell Waltrip immediately said after looking at what had taken place only a few meters behind the finish line.
The Fatal Accident Of Dale Earnhardt
Right after their cars came to a halt, Schrader made his way to check on his fellow racer. Schrader didn’t suffer any injuries from the accident and came out unharmed.
He thought Dale’s condition would be the same. So he quickly went up to Dale to relay the information that Michael and his son finished first and second.
But soon as Schrader saw Dale, he knew something was wrong, and the veteran driver was in trouble. In one of the videos, Schrader is seen looking at Dale from the window and signaling the emergency crew to come quickly.
Dale was pronounced dead at nearby Halifax Medical Center at 5:16 PM ET. The autopsy result showed the cause of death to be a basilar skull fracture. It is also believed that the NASCAR racer had other injuries, including fractures to his ribs and left ankle.
Aftermath Of Dale Earnhardt Accident
Even to this date, Dale Earnhardt’s tragic demise is mourned by several NASCAR fans. He was a favorite racer to many and one of the greatest to take part in the sport.
After Dale’s demise, many speculated the faulty seatbelt played a massive role in the accident. But the ones who tried to save him ruled it out.
The untimely death of Dale Earnhardt forced NASCAR to bring some major changes in the cars and outside of it. NASCAR started using SAFER barriers, energy-absorbing foam pyramids applied to the existing concrete walls, adding 30 inches in width.
The HANS device, a shoulder harness, came into play to keep the head from moving forward when the body stops. Dale Earnhardt was a man passionate about racing, so he didn’t want too many changes that might slow down the race.
After all, speed was the ultimate selling point for the fans, and that is what they always come to see. His legacy was carried on by his son Dale Earnhardt Jr, who won Dayton 500 twice.
