NASCAR’s Greatest Tragedies

Racing at speeds of 150 mph generates a lot of risk, and all racecar drivers are aware of that. At such a high speed, even a slight protrusion on the track could spell fatality to a driver. A slight bump from another car, a single mistake made by a driver, or a drivers miscalculation will all create an accident that may affect the other competitors.

Many have expressed surprise at the number of fatal accidents in NASCAR events, despite the argument that it is the safest of all motor sports because it predominately takes place on an oval or short track. Yet horrific accidents do happen. The most tragic NASCAR accidents have claimed the lives of drivers Adam Petty; Kenny Irwin; Tony Roper; and, NASCAR hero, Dale Earnhardt.

The first of the major NASCAR tragedy occurred on May 12, 2000 during a practice run and claimed the life of Adam Petty. During the practice, his throttle stuck open at more than 100 mph and he struck a wall head-on. He was killed instantly.

Two months later, on July 2, 2000, Kenny Irwin met his death at the same racetrack. His car hit a wall and flipped over landing on its roof snuffing out a bright flame. The deaths of Petty and Irwin were the catalyst that caused NASCAR to implement a kill switch policy and the adoption of the restrictor plate. The restrictor plate was abandoned after the September Cup race of that year.

On October 12, 2000, during the Craftsman Truck Series, Tony Roper made contact with the bumper of another truck and he went slammed into the concrete wall. He succumbed to his injuries the following day. 2000 was a very devastating year for NASCAR.

On February 18, 2001, Dale Earnhardts accident happened on the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500 when his car hit a wall at almost 150 mph. His accident didnt spark an immediate uproar because it did not appear to be catastrophic. After all, Earnhardt had survived some of worst wrecks in NASCAR history, in particular his wreck at Tallageda in 1996. Dale Earnhardts car didnt flip or somersault and the crash was not spectacular. Blaise Alexander perished on Oct 4 of the same year after a collision with Kelly Earnhardt that sent Alexander into the wall.

The outpouring of emotion after Dale Earnhardts death from the public was extensive. His death, and subsequent investigations, forced NASCAR to implement many changes. These safety procedures have been adopted by other racing organizations. The deaths of 6 drivers in 14 months, including race legend Earnhardt, prompted NASCAR to implement the mandatory use of head and neck restraints.

Now that changes have become entrenched, NASCAR has seen a significant reduction in serious and fatal accidents. This trend will continue into the future as technology emerges that will provide even more protection for the drivers.