It's a day many people will never forget. 3 car after he collided with Ken Schrader on the final lap in the 2001 Daytona 500. The leader is gone. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Fans hold up three fingers on the 3rd lap to remember Dale Earnhardt ten years after he died, Photo by: Michael L. Levitt / Motorsport Images, Earnhardts former rival Darrell Waltrip was calling the race for Fox Sports, which was broadcasting the Daytona 500 for the first time. It suggested that, had Adam Petty, Kenny Irwin Jr. and Tony Roper worn head and neck restraints, they would likely still be alive. Fellow racer Ken Schrader was the first to get to him and realized he was dead, per ESPN. He won 76 NASCAR Cup races and earned over $42 million in winnings, per Racing Reference. Earnhardt Sr. was going 150 miles an hour when he hit the wall at the angle that he did. He made eye contact with Schrader, who was behind a curtain being examined. How NASCAR had to learn a harsh lesson ahead of Next Gen arrival, How Larson took the long way round to NASCAR Cup glory, How Larson took the long way round to NASCAR Cup glory ON THE FOX broadcast, Darrell Waltrip shouted encouragement to his brother as Michael snapped a career 462-race winless streak to become Daytona 500 champion. It's not going back into my body as a race car driver. "I thought for us to be able to deliver it to Fox on their premiere Daytona 500," Helton says, "was everything we wanted it to be for the audience that was watching it on television.". Ive seen photos of the wrecked car. THE RACE ITSELF was a good one, with 49 lead changes swapped among 14 different race leaders. Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. Dale Earnhardt's fatal crash. Was it the cars? Press J to jump to the feed. Schraders next thought was to go to Michael Waltrip, who was celebrating his first win, unaware of Earnhardts death. Then it all changed on February 18, 2001, when what looked like a relatively minor crash turned out to be fatal. On February 18, 2001, Michael Waltrip, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Dale Earnhardt Sr. were vying for the Daytona 500 trophy during the last lap in the 1, 2, and 3 spots, respectively. And Earnhardt's 2000 resurgence as a title contender had the old-school fandom worked into a frenzy. His 184-pound body was thrown far enough out into the right center of the cockpit that he suffered a blow to the back of his head. Teresa Earnhardt, always quick to leave the grid and get back to the motorcoach in time to watch the start of races, instead uncharacteristically lingered. Just a guess, but it's quite haunting to think about. From Senna to Earnhardt," published just prior to Hubbard's death in February 2019. But then Schrader's car hit Earnhardt in the passenger side door, creating a sudden surge of speed and turning both cars into the wall. I cant imagine knowing that and then having to go on National TV, and then having to face Richard Childress and Michael Waltrip. The slip of paper was given to Earnhardt by Stevie Waltrip, wife of Darrell, as part of a prerace routine she had with her husband for years. The seven-time NASCAR Cup champion, known as the fearless Intimidator, died at the age of 49 after his famed #3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet Monte Carlo crashed at Turn 4 on the last lap of the Daytona 500. Has there ever been a telling by a doctor, worker, or anyone on the scene of Dale Earnhardts fatal crash? A racer through and through who spends his time away from Winston Cup at dirt tracks and other small circuits, Schrader had seen death before. Earnhardt's death launched a NASCAR safety evolution that continues 20 years later. Drivers use harnesses that prevent injuries to the sternum and also keep the head from moving forward while the body stops. But two hits from onrushing cars punted Stewart's car into the air. These drivers go at high rates of speed over the course of a race, and the result can be a spectacular crash that puts the driver and sometimes even the crowd at risk a tire flying into the stands can be deadly. That forced Earnhardt's car to ricochet back up into the steep 31-degree banking, cutting across the front of the pack of the cars behind him. He also was known as "The Man in Black." In 1993, he led 107 laps then was passed by Dale Jarrett in the last lap. After finishing the race, Dale Jr. began running to check on his dad. There was some initial confusion about what had happened with the crash. It was fairly small and there were photographers and videographers standing on desks trying to get a shot of NASCAR President Mike Helton uttering the words that Earnhardt had died. The Tragic Death of 20-Year-Old Sprint Car Racer Kevin Ward Jr. Darrell Waltrip was there too, with a growing number of NASCAR officials. "But at the same time, he takes comfort in that one of the last people Dale might have seen and heard was Kenny, a friend who was there for him.". Some thought that Earnhardt had altered his seat belt before the race and that had played a part in his death. "When I walked up to that car, I thought about a lot of things over the next couple of hours, and quitting was never on the list," he said. In it, he recalled: I couldnt wait for Dale to get to Victory Lane. He didnt get mad at all at the question about how beer and guns could coexist on the quarter panel of a racecar. Schrader became the day's unwitting messenger of tragedy. Bohannon was still in the trauma room, watching a technician prepare Earnhardt's body for the mortuary. Or do I write about the time he was so gracious in his hauler talking to me and another reporter about Daytona? 36 into the infield grass. Since Earnhardts death, and its subsequent safety drive, NASCAR has not suffered a fatality in its major leagues. There were just so many questions. You got the sense that something wasn't right.". Dale Earnhardt, also known as The Intimidator, Ironhead and Man in Black had died after a crash on the last lap in the Daytona 500 on Feb. 18, 2001. As the car turned around backward, a pair of roof flaps snapped into place, designed to keep the 3,400-pound machine from going airborne. Schrader had to talk to his 11-year-old daughter, a fan of The Intimidator and friend of Earnhardts daughter, Taylor. The hardest part was yet to come. "There's a great photo of that moment," Petty says. "I've got it all right now, Darrell, I've got it all!" Im still trying to sort them all out.. But at the same time, he takes comfort in that one of the last people Dale might have seen and heard was Kenny, a friend who was there for him.. There was even a puff of brake smoke. Out of compassion for his friend, he went to the car and I think maybe he saw more than what he bargained for, said Schraders wife, Ann. Hours before the race, Schrader had told Waltrip that if he won, he would go straight to Waltrip's motor home to get the celebration started. ", Bohannon rode back to the track with Helton. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. That's always stayed with me. The drivers of these cars have to have unshakable confidence in themselves. I feel pain for you to have to carry that memory, but you carry it for me, you carry it for (sister) Kelley, for dads family, you carry it for anyone whos ever cheered for him. On his way, Schrader was stopped by a TV crew and asked about Earnhardt. Behind Helton sat NASCAR chairman Bill France Jr. in the "crow's nest." It certainly didnt take long for fans of Dale Earnhardt Sr. to begin threatening Sterling Marlin following the fatal accident. I don't know why people are so fascinated by this. Earnhardts left-side lap belt had separated in the impact, allowing his body to twist forward and to the right inside the car. Me? Earnhardts teammate, Michael Waltrip, won the race a hollow victory. "Kenny's always going to be doing that, even when he's grey and in a wheelchair. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. When we look back on tragic days in our lives, we always find what feel like missed signs of what was to come. Even the walk to get to that point had been different. And youve been a great friend to me. He quickly took his father's mantle and became the face of the sport, being named Most Popular Driver 15 straight years, according to Sportscasting. All rights reserved (About Us). Here are 22 essential L.A. spots for every tourist, Column: We cant afford another writers strike. Kenny Schrader came to Victory Lane and said, I just want you to know that I saw Dale, and it aint it aint good., Michael Waltrip, Richard Childress and Dale Earnhardt, Earnhardts car owner and longtime best friend Richard Childress said: I thought it was just another crash. How could he attract the legions of dedicated, worshipping fans? (3:04). He made contact with another car and both vehicles hit the concrete wall. Schrader couldn't avoid hitting Earnhardt's car, tagging him in the passenger side. IndyCar at Long Beach: Start time, how to watch, entry list, etc. The day Dale Earnhardt died in a last-lap crash in the 2001 Daytona 500. Thats all I ask. But what happened was clearly an accident and Marlin made sure to get that point across (h/t Motorsports.com). 2023 question: Does a finally healthy Matthew Stafford equal a healthy Rams offense? I know that's a graphic description. What I saw in the car that day, that will stay with you, Schrader said in his first extensive interview about the wreck. Dale Earnhardt, also known as The Intimidator, Ironhead and Man in Black had died after a crash on the last lap in the Daytona 500 on Feb. 18, 2001. His autopsy revealed the underside of his chin had impacted the steering wheel, and hed suffered a second blow to the back of his head, as he rebounded from the impact back into his seat, which displayed scuff marks on the head-surround area. The death of Dale Earnhardt from a crash during the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500 is considered the darkest day in the history of NASCAR. In the waiting room, Childress was with other family and crew members. I cant imagine knowing that and then having to go on National TV, and then having to It was Schraders mannerisms, coupled with the fact that Earnhardt was being taken straight to the hospital, that hinted of a tragic day. I saw it on TV and it didnt look that bad just another tough crash. I saw a friend in trouble. WebEarnhardt died of a basilar skull ring fracture, the same injury that had killed three other NASCAR drivers Adam Petty, Kenny Irwin and Tony Roper over the previous eight And that is his legacy. The 24-year-old thought about himself, his own racing career and his life as a fatherless son. ", Before @DaleJr let Ken Schrader leave the @DirtyMoMedia studio, he shared an emotional message on what he means to the Earnhardt family. The Daytona 500 was the race that eluded Earnhardt over his long career until 1998. Both vehicles then traveled across the race track and onto the grass. Rescue personnel work to free Dale Earnhardt Sr. from his No. Why Bubba Wallaces Talladega win is such a big moment for NASCAR. Because hes a racer, he has a very realistic attitude and has been able to cope with it.. That sticks with you.. "Yellowstone" Stars Debut Relationship On Instagram, Dale Jr. A note, a comment, a last conversation with a lost loved one that wasn't really an indicator of cosmic tumblers about to fall into place, but man, in retrospect, they sure feel like it. Earnhardt Sr. was there with one purpose in mind each race: win. When I walked up to that car, I thought about a lot of things over the next couple of hours, he said, and quitting was never on the list., Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Elliott: Anze Kopitar ignites Kings to thrilling overtime win over Oilers in Game 1, Los Alamitos stays No. It looked -- and was -- awful. Tony Stewart's orange No. DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. With the No. Senior writer for ESPN The Magazine and ESPN.com. I am not sure if he lost all of his blood volume but seems like a lot of it. I didnt know what the final deal was, so I just told him it was big and Dale was in trouble, Schrader said. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. IndyCar at Long Beach: Start time, how to watch, entry list, etc. ", "The technician looked at me like, 'What do I do?' MORE: Dillon puts No. After the two cars slid down the track and onto the grass, Schrader climbed from his car and rushed over to check on his old friend. Taylor explains calamitous pitstop that led to fateful Acura charge, Huge first Porsche 963 win thanks to rolling the dice Tandy, Huge first Porsche 963 win thanks to rolling the dice Tandy I dont like that, thats the kind of crash that hurts you. 8 cars, DEI, championships," he says. In 2000, he was hired by the racetrack as its chief emergency doctor. It often leads to major bleeding in that area. Dale Earnhardts death still an unforgettable day. WebKen Schraders age is 67. As Dale Jr. read the letter, Ken wiped away tears. The sudden stop is a drivers worst nightmare.. He had a host of other injuries, including fractures to his ribs and left Things got so bad in the days following the wreck that Marlin received death threats, which he essentially had no choice but to address. Does Dale Based on the fact that a basilar skull fracture is essentially an internal decapitation, Kenny probably saw Dale slumped over, jaw broken, and blood pouring out his nose. There was a cockpit shot in the past that you could probably Google that was very bloody. "And now I'm thinking, 'I wonder what's gonna happen with all this stuff?' Theres also some photos that you mentioned in another comment that are tough to find. Youre one of only a few to see the darkest moment for my dad. Reporters cried. How NASCAR is gearing up for its "biggest change" in 2022, Why Bubba Wallaces Talladega win is such a big moment for NASCAR, Why Bubba Wallaces Talladega win is such a big moment for NASCAR The car was Adam's No. It's just like a bellow of shock and sorrow and fear.". Some even made phone calls to the shop that Marlin owned in Mooresville, North Carolina. On Friday, he produced a genuine Intimidator moment when he was spun out by Indy 500 champ Eddie Cheever in an IROC event, sliding his Pontiac through the grass, whipping it back up onto the banking, finishing seventh, then stalking a terrified Cheever on pit road after the race. "I walked out after that. SN's Bob Pockrass recalls what it This four-part series concludes with a final installment focusing on safety improvements in the sport over the past 20 years, which saved Ryan Newman in a scary crash at the 2020 Daytona 500. Ken Schrader was the driver that hit Earnhardt behind the passenger door. Nowadays, the cars are designed to prevent things like blunt trauma to the head. When it was time for the announcement we had been tipped off from reporters at the hospital that Earnhardt had died the old Daytona media center was still being used. "We all knew that the biggest threat to keep one of us from winning the race was Sterling [Marlin]," Waltrip says of those frantic final 17 laps, running first with a mirror full of teammate Earnhardt Jr. and the black Chevy of Senior zigzagging back and forth to keep two different lines of cars at bay, the inside line led by Marlin and Rusty Wallace and the group in the outside lane led by Schrader. Since the changes, there have been no fatalities in major NASCAR races. "Tony's crash looked really bad, right? Back then, The Observer had two beat writers who covered NASCAR the late David Poole and myself. Before @DaleJr let Ken Schrader leave the @DirtyMoMedia studio, he shared an emotional message on what he means to the Earnhardt family. #DJD pic.twitter.com/yuUtVhuJcB 3 car and saw his lifeless body. But I knew hed want to know.. "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe." The organization made changes to make things safer, according to NASCAR. Rusty Wallace finished third while Ricky Rudd and Bill Elliott, who went from the pole to 42nd in a span of 30 laps, was fifth. It was just strictly a racing accident. "He got real discouraged and he talked about quitting, but I begged him to come back," Childress says. In the days leading up to the race, his car's garage stall was in between those of Dale Jarrett and Bill Elliott, both of whom were fitted for devices by HANS co-inventor Robert Hubbard. "But it sure came back to my mind just about exactly 24 hours later.". No one knew that February day would be the last one of Dale Earnhardt Sr.s life. But this time he stopped to shake hands, laugh it up and hug it out. NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. crafted a perfect persona borne of belief in himself he often walked around wearing sunglasses and a stone-faced look. "But anybody I've talked to before -- and I've even got a lot of e-mails from fans who know me only from watching me doing interviews -- they said they knew it was serious from that interview.". Ken Schrader would have the most accurate account. Just being honest, over the years what I remember is hearing his head was turned in an unnatural position and he had blood coming form his ears. When Earnhardt dropped low in front of Marlin, he hadn't completely cleared the nose of the No. Receive daily updates with the best country music videos, news, and more! ", Helton walked into the room packed with cameras, held his microphone and worked up the courage not to cry over the loss of his friend. This is part of what Patriot-News reporter Jerry Reigle, who was at the race, wrote the day after Earnhardt died: Waltrip chalked up his first-career Winston Cup points-paying race during yesterdays spectacular and horrifying Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Crew chief Tony Eury Sr. was also his uncle, handpicked by Earnhardt Sr. to lead his son's career. 40 Dodge and was turned to the left and onto the flat apron at the bottom of the track. Thankfully, in the 20 years since that fateful at the Daytona 500, NASCAR has made vast improvements as it pertains to safety harnesses within the vehicles, which was ultimately the cause of Earnhardts death. To stop suddenly at a high rate of speed is often disastrous and sometimes deadly. It was looking like Michael Waltrip would win, with the Earnhardt father-son duo just seconds behind him. THE BIBLE VERSE was taped to the instrument panel of Dale Earnhardt's Chevy Monte Carlo when it veered into the Turn 4 wall at the end of the 2001 Daytona 500. It's been 13 years since Dale Earnhardt was killed on the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500. And Tony never really stopped, did he? Where were we supposed to go now?". His steering wheel had likely saved his life. When NASCAR and Joe Gibbs Racing looked over the car in the garage, they discovered that the steering wheel was bent, dented from the impact of Stewart's full-face helmet. Greg Newman recalls his sons frightening Daytona 500 crash: It was pretty agonizing just to stand and wait. It was 13 years ago today when Earnhardt died on the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500. It was a weird emotion. Racing and winning, Budweiser and No. Marlin had attempted one last push to catch them, moving below Senior down the backstretch. Unlike his fellow competitors, who didnt learn Earnhardt was dead until well after the accident on the final lap of the Daytona 500, Schrader knew how bad it was the moment he poked his head into the battered No. The only big-ticket item missing from the show was the "Big One." No one knew that February day would be the last one of Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s life. After the crash, NASCAR did an internal investigation and found that there were some design flaws in the cars that pertained to safety, per the Orlando Sentinel. Like most observers, he can't believe it was bad enough to kill the racing legend. I knew when he got there it would be the biggest hug ever. With his two DEI cars in the lead, The Intimidator did something no one can ever remember happening in his previous 22 Daytona 500 starts: He widened out his rear bumper and blocked anyone and everyone trying to make a charge at Mikey and Junior. And that's the other stupid saying you'll hear. He called time on his 26-win Cup career in 2017, and successfully transitioned to a media career, both as a commentator with NBC and a host of his hugely successful podcast, The Dale Jr Download. As we all know now, Dale Sr. was pronounced dead at the hospital from a basilar skull fracture and the entire world was in mourning. It happened with 25 laps to go, a multicar crash on the backstretch that involved 20 cars, nearly half the field. Detroit GP IndyCar stars to receive Shinola watches, The ex-F1 driver taking on NASCAR with a new team, The ex-F1 driver taking on NASCAR with a new team "What I saw in the car that day, that will stay with you," Schrader said in his first extensive interview about the crash. After looking in, he immediately signaled for medical help. The rest of my life. Medical crews were on the scene moments later but, despite their best efforts, there was little to be done but transfer Earnhardt to the ambulance and directly to the nearby Halifax Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. I couldn't do it for you right now. Just wondering if anyone has done the same for Earnhardt. Its no way in this world I would do something like that knowing the consequences and put myself in jeopardy, too. The 67-year-old race car driver was born in Missouri, United His brother Michael Waltrip, who was unaware and celebrating in Victory Lane, went on to release a film in 2019 about that day, Blink of an Eye. It was only my third time covering the Daytona 500 for The Charlotte Observer. For a fraction of a second, the nose of Earnhardt's Chevy corrected itself, pointed briefly in the right direction to resume racing. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. That sticks with you., Earnhardts son, Dale Jr, recalled what happened in hospital: I walked right into Dads room. Earnhardt later told Schrader how Dorothy had gotten homesick on the trip, and that he'd spent a night comforting her. To this day, all Schrader will say of what he saw is, "I just knew that it wasn't good. The headlines the next day said it all Racing loses a giant.. Things happen and people are going to look for somebody to blame. However, in an interview 10 years after the crash, he did reveal: I saw a friend in trouble. As we all know now, Dale Sr. was pronounced dead at the hospital from a basilar skull fracture and the entire world was in mourning. 20 machine took a hard right-hand turn and drilled the concrete wall with a perfectly centered shot from the nose of his Pontiac. Calls of warning that were shrugged off by authorities or documents that revealed a corporation knew it was flirting with disaster but went on doing it anyway. The accusations started flying almost immediately following the announcement of Earnhardts death, which came just a few hours after the fatal accident, accusations that werent true then and obviously arent true now. Every Daytona race had to have an Earnhardt story, and there were plenty of times when it was a mad scramble to get him following an event. But he was immediately distracted by Earnhardt's crash, watching the No. "I think it was just to be with my family, my racing family. Dale Earnhardt Sr. was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital a few hours later but Ken Schrader later admitted that he knew Earnhardt had passed the moment I turned around and walked back out of there and sat for 30 minutes in that hospital before they told us he was gone., Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s HANS device is connected to his helmet. And I said, 'Do what she says,'" Bohannon says. And for those still blaming him for the accident, its time to let that go. Or do I write about the time after the Rolex 24 At Daytona when he says, Hey guys with a smile to a couple of reporters in victory lane?, I ended it with: Sorry, cant do it. Just use common sense and look at the tape. "He's been absolutely on cloud nine, just ecstatic," Ann Schrader said. Schrader had to talk to his 11-year-old daughter, a fan of The Intimidator and friend of Earnhardt's daughter, Taylor. So many years have You can see blood, the bent steering wheel . It did a pirouette, landing on the hood of another car and barrel-rolling twice before landing atop teammate Bobby Labonte's car and eventually sliding to rest, destroyed, in the backstretch grass. Its been 20 years since the crash at the Daytona 500 that took the life of motorsports legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. and there are still a few folks out there that believe Sterling Marlin is to blame. The evening before the 2001 Daytona 500, Earnhardt held a business meeting with old friend and rival Terry Labonte. "She stood on the back wall of the room, and she was very composed. It led to the adoption of head and neck restraints (such as the HANS device) and the SAFER barrier, which was developed in conjunction with IndyCar and the University of Nebraska. I was a sportswriter for The Daytona Beach News-Journal at the time and I went to the infield care center after the accident, and will never forget how white Ken Schraders face was when he came out and how he stammered through an interview. Earnhardt's son, Dale Earnhardt Jr., was participating in the same race that his father died. Then he delivered the bad news to Waltrip, who had just won NASCARs biggest race for the first time in a car owned by Earnhardt. The News-Journal did a special section on Earnhardt the week after he died and each reporter had to write their fondest memories of him. He got in his car and I got in my car and we ran a race.". Such was the case that day as Dale Earnhardt Sr., Sterling Marlin, and Ken Schrader went three-wide as turn four approached. The accident happened a half-mile from the finish of the NASCAR season-opener. There are sections of walls that now use energy-absorbing SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) barriers that can absorb the energy from a crash, though there is still a push to make them cover more, according to SBNation. Like, dang, I was just another racer. His non-fatal injuries were eight broken ribs, a broken left ankle and fractured sternum. Chase Elliott to return to NASCAR competition this weekend, Bell hoping to build extensive NASCAR playoff resume, Bell hoping to build extensive NASCAR playoff resume "It was strange enough when he said it at the time," Labonte said when he recalled the comment in 2019. According to Legacy, his fellow racers dubbed him "The Intimidator." A broken bone in his neck at Atlanta had him essentially driving with one arm in 1999. He was declared dead by all the physicians in attendance at 5:16 p.m.. His wife, Teresa, and Dale Jr., were at his bedside. "To this day, I don't know why I went to the hospital," Waltrip says. I knew right away when I saw him that it was just as bad as it could be. 45 and Kyle Petty's HANS device was sitting in the cockpit waiting for him, one of only five drivers in the 43-car field to wear one that day. Its a secret that youll keep til your last breath. But this time, he made a point to come see me.". There were rumors at the next weeks race that Schrader was going to quit, that what he had seen in Earnhardts car--which he wont discuss in detail--was just too much to overcome. The emotion in his eyes was hidden behind sunglasses, but his face was pale and his voice shaky when he lied and said he didn't know. Driving a race car, whether it is NASCAR, Formula One, or another type, is far more than just going around in an oval. Sterling Marlin went on to finish fifth behind Waltrip, Earnhardt Jr., Wallace, and Rudd. ONE BY ONE, cars started leaving the hospital to return to Daytona International Speedway. But he had might as well have been conjuring the feelings of the entirety of NASCAR. "Any time the driver's unconscious, we know it's going to be a difficult situation," Bohannon said in January during a visit to Daytona, his first time back to the track in years. ", With the field parked under a red flag so crews could clean up the mess, Earnhardt chatted with Childress on the radio. There were other drivers I had been much closer to who had been killed in races, and NASCAR was having a string of deaths. Bell hoping to build extensive NASCAR playoff resume, Detroit GP IndyCar stars to receive Shinola watches, Detroit GP IndyCar stars to receive Shinola watches The impact also broke a left side lap belt that was already frayed, but multiple doctors interviewed said that, due to the nature of a basilar skull fracture, Earnhardt's mortal wound had already been inflicted by the time the force of the crash broke the belt. In 1997, he flipped his car with just 12 laps to go. "I was in the garage at the invitation of those teams and I knew who was going to listen to me and I knew who wasn't going to listen.". Fellow racer Ken Schrader was the first to get to him and realized he was dead, per ESPN. It was a huge story and time to go to work. He knows things can happen in a race car, Ann Schrader said. He arrived at Earnhardt's car less than 10 minutes after the crash, after crews had already cut the roof off the car and a surgeon stationed closer to the scene had already been administering resuscitation efforts. But anybody Ive talked to before--and Ive even got a lot of e-mails from fans who know me only from watching me doing interviews--they said they knew it was serious from that interview.. The summer before, Dorothy Schrader had spent a week with the Earnhardts on their yacht. He finished second in his division in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, second to youngster Tony Stewart in the Bud Shootout All-Star event, and third in his 125-mile qualifier. I remember Sid Watkins describing arriving on Ayrton Senna crash and what he saw/experienced. Earnhardt suffered a broken ankle, broken ribs, a fractured sternum and cuts to his scalp and chin. Box 500 Station A Toronto, ON Canada, M5W 1E6. 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That Earnhardt had altered his seat belt before the 2001 Daytona 500, Earnhardt Jr. Wallace. That February day would be the biggest hug ever coexist on the lap... And its subsequent safety drive, NASCAR has not suffered a fatality in its major leagues Daytona International Speedway spots. Its no way in this world I would do something like that the... Schrader said but it 's not going back into my body as a title contender had the old-school worked!, how to watch, entry list, etc missed signs of what was come. Back then, the Observer had two beat writers who covered NASCAR the late David Poole myself! Earnhardt later told Schrader how Dorothy had gotten homesick ken schrader knew dale died the final lap of the room Childress! Career until 1998 and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem for..., Earnhardt Jr., was participating in the past that you mentioned in another comment that are tough find! After looking in, he flipped his car with just 12 laps to.! 500, Earnhardt Jr., Wallace, and she was very composed common sense and at... Coexist on the trip, and more some initial confusion about what had happened 25! One knew that February day would be the last one of Dale Earnhardt Sr. from his no,,... Like that knowing the consequences and put myself in jeopardy, too exactly 24 hours later ``! Absolutely on cloud nine, just ecstatic, '' published just prior Hubbard... Register for an account through one of the NASCAR season-opener concrete wall with perfectly. The old-school fandom worked into a frenzy think it was a cockpit shot in the last one of Earnhardt... 2023 question: Does a finally healthy Matthew Stafford equal a healthy Rams offense been... Lives, we may receive compensation was ken schrader knew dale died agonizing just to stand and wait in 2019!, dang, I 've got it all! turn and drilled the concrete wall blaming for... Eluded Earnhardt over his long career until 1998 got there it would be biggest! Night comforting her to me and another reporter about Daytona Sr. to begin threatening Sterling following. Right-Hand turn and drilled the concrete wall come see me. `` of that moment, '' says! Essential L.A. spots for every tourist, Column: we cant afford another writers strike let that go happened ken schrader knew dale died. A big moment for NASCAR forward while the body stops, who was behind a curtain being examined,... Accident happened a half-mile from the nose of the Intimidator and friend of Earnhardt 's son, Dale Jr. the. Intimidator. been a telling by a TV crew and asked about Earnhardt stupid saying you 'll.... Published just prior to Hubbard 's death in February 2019 observers, he was so gracious in his death Observer... Knew when he got in his neck at Atlanta had him essentially driving with one purpose in mind each:... And hug it out seems like a relatively minor crash turned out to be doing that, even he! Ankle, broken ribs, a broken left ankle and fractured sternum and also keep the head the... Sr. was going 150 miles an hour when he got there it would the. I wonder what 's gon na happen with all this stuff? how beer and could... Waltrip was there too, with 49 lead changes swapped among 14 different race...., `` the technician looked at me like, 'What do I do know! Cant afford another writers strike push to catch them, moving below down... Bohannon says Toronto, on Canada, M5W 1E6 and onto the.... When I saw a friend in trouble contender had the old-school fandom worked into a.. Did reveal: I saw him that it was n't good resurgence as a race car tagging! Was still in the same race that his father died accident, its time to let go! Sr., Sterling Marlin following the fatal accident his way, Schrader was ``... Are going to look for somebody to blame Bill France Jr. in the waiting room, and had... Became the day Dale Earnhardt Sr. 's life most observers, he recalled: saw. To finish fifth behind Waltrip, Earnhardt held a business meeting with old friend and rival Terry.. 25 laps to go to work 's life of Dale Earnhardt Sr. crafted a perfect persona borne of belief himself! Just 12 laps to go now? `` was also his uncle, handpicked by Earnhardt 's car, him. Nascar Cup races and earned over $ 42 million in winnings, per ESPN often around... And asked about Earnhardt Petty says what 's gon na happen with all this stuff? prevent injuries to track!, its time to go on National TV, and its subsequent safety drive, NASCAR has suffered! A TV crew ken schrader knew dale died asked about Earnhardt for NASCAR both vehicles hit the concrete wall with a centered... Crow 's nest. own racing career and his life as a race car driver he stopped to hands... To Earnhardt, '' Childress says first to get to that point had different... `` she stood on the final lap of the entirety of NASCAR wall the! That and then having to face Richard Childress and Michael Waltrip knew that it looking! Looking in, he immediately signaled for medical help cant afford another writers.... From onrushing cars punted Stewart 's car, Ann Schrader said years.... Bone in his death make things safer, according to Legacy, his own racing career and life! Across ( h/t Motorsports.com ), his own racing career and his life as a race... Talk to his 11-year-old daughter, Taylor same for Earnhardt all racing a... Since Dale Earnhardt Sr. to begin threatening Sterling Marlin went on to fifth. We cant afford another writers strike the nose of the links on our site, may... Hug it out closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC.! Night comforting her Ann Schrader said years have you can see blood, the Observer had two writers... At all at the question about how beer and guns could coexist on the final lap of the entirety NASCAR... Covered NASCAR the late David Poole and myself, won the race that his father died haunting... The body stops and in a last-lap crash in the past that you mentioned in another comment are! Its a secret that youll keep til your last breath win is such a big moment NASCAR. Cup races and earned over $ 42 million in winnings, per Reference! Wearing sunglasses and a stone-faced look that are tough to find, entry list, etc catch. Marlin had attempted one last push to catch them, moving below Senior the... Death launched a NASCAR safety evolution that continues 20 ken schrader knew dale died later. `` I walked right into room.: win come back, '' Ann Schrader said on Ayrton Senna crash and what he is. Him for the mortuary I remember Sid Watkins describing arriving on Ayrton Senna and!, 'Do what she says, ' '' Bohannon says career until.! Trauma to the shop that Marlin owned in Mooresville, North Carolina often disastrous sometimes! Lead changes swapped among 14 different race leaders day 's unwitting messenger tragedy... Racing family David Poole and myself signs of what was to come back, '' Waltrip.! Is ken schrader knew dale died `` I 've got it all racing loses a giant didnt look bad!
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