But that hug never came. How Porsche's Daytona hiccups evoked the premiere of its Group C king. 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. 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. "I went back in my bus in the room and shut the door to my bedroom and just sat there," Earnhardt Jr. says. I never saw him. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. I talked him into it. 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. I just want you to know that, and I know this is hard.' "Yellowstone" Stars Debut Relationship On Instagram, Dale Jr. When Earnhardt dropped low in front of Marlin, he hadn't completely cleared the nose of the No. The seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup champion was killed when he crashed into the fourth turn on the last lap of the February 18th Daytona 500. He was removing Earnhardt's wedding band when Teresa's voice came from the back of the room. I once interviewed him in his hauler at Michigan for a story about Daytona. Such was the case that day as Dale Earnhardt Sr., Sterling Marlin, and Ken Schrader went three-wide as turn four approached. It was only my third time covering the Daytona 500 for The Charlotte Observer. When we look back on tragic days in our lives, we always find what feel like missed signs of what was to come. He uncharacteristically bounded through his media obligations and answered hard questions about NASCAR safety, including in an interview with Ed Hinton of the Chicago Tribune and Orlando Sentinel, who was reporting on those issues as part of a series running that week. I didnt know what the final deal was, so I just told him it was big and Dale was in trouble, Schrader said. Leading into the race, Earnhardt tried to convince Waltrip that his winless skid wouldnt last for long., Thats not right, said Waltrip. 3 car after he collided with Ken Schrader on the final lap in the 2001 Daytona 500. In 1986 Earnhardt was in the lead then ran out of gas with three laps remaining. 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. Earnhardt later told Schrader how Dorothy had gotten homesick on the trip, and that he'd spent a night comforting her. How Penske's rookie sensation opened NASCAR's new era in style, Six key themes to follow in the 2022 NASCAR Cup season, Six key themes to follow in the 2022 NASCAR Cup season It was weird. WebKen Schraders age is 67. Since Earnhardts death, and its subsequent safety drive, NASCAR has not suffered a fatality in its major leagues. Racing is a dangerous way to make a living and these things are going to happen. Michael Waltrip was not there. Schraders next thought was to go to Michael Waltrip, who was celebrating his first win, unaware of Earnhardts death. "The cars went in side by side," he said. "To this day, I don't know why I went to the hospital," Waltrip says. I will say that I believe it is in rather poor taste and completely insensitive to any first responders. He won 76 NASCAR Cup races and earned over $42 million in winnings, per Racing Reference. according to the autopsy result. The ex-F1 driver taking on NASCAR with a new team, The early benefits and challenges of NASCAR's Next Gen car, The early benefits and challenges of NASCAR's Next Gen car It certainly didnt take long for fans of Dale Earnhardt Sr. to begin threatening Sterling Marlin following the fatal accident. You can see blood, the bent steering wheel . 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. No one knew that February day would be the last one of Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s life. Sterling Marlin went on to finish fifth behind Waltrip, Earnhardt Jr., Wallace, and Rudd. You can actually see Ken Schrader telling Michael Waltrip about Dale's condition in victory lane at the thirty minute or so mark. The 67-year-old race car driver was born in Missouri, United When his race car smashed into a concrete wall at an estimated 180 mph Sunday at Daytona International Speedway, it broke eight ribs, his left ankle and his breastbone. 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. He touched many people in different ways. "This is undoubtedly one of the toughest announcements that I've ever personally had to make," he began, "but after the accident in Turn 4 at the end of the Daytona 500 we've lost Dale Earnhardt.". In the end, he decided he wouldnt let it. He looked completely at ease as he rode his bright yellow motorcycle through the infield at Atlanta and was confident when he climbed into his race car and drove it to a season-high eighth-place finish Sunday in the Cracker Barrel 500. But two hits from onrushing cars punted Stewart's car into the air. Now, NASCAR continues to flourish as it drives on into a bright future. He made contact with another car and both vehicles hit the concrete wall. 40 Coors Light car. He was survived by Dale Jr. and his other son Kerry as well as his daughters Kelley and Taylor. ONE BY ONE, cars started leaving the hospital to return to Daytona International Speedway. Actually, it was in fact the entire Earnhardt clan who got Waltrip to victory lane. What I saw in the car that day, that will stay with you, Schrader said in his first extensive interview about the wreck. There were rumours at the next week's race that Schrader was going to quit, that what he had seen in Earnhardt's car -- which he won't discuss in detail -- was just too much to overcome. Crew chief Tony Eury Sr. was also his uncle, handpicked by Earnhardt Sr. to lead his son's career. 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. Evans Chebet and Hellen Obiri give Kenya a Boston Marathon sweep, USWNT standout Julie Ertz joins Angel City FC on a one-year contract. For a fraction of a second, the nose of Earnhardt's Chevy corrected itself, pointed briefly in the right direction to resume racing. Six key themes to follow in the 2022 NASCAR Cup season, How NASCAR had to learn a harsh lesson ahead of Next Gen arrival, How NASCAR had to learn a harsh lesson ahead of Next Gen arrival Racing and winning, Budweiser and No. Or do I write about the time he was so gracious in his hauler talking to me and another reporter about Daytona? Earnhardt Jr. recalls the day of his dad's fatal crash (3:04), 'How did we let this happen? Youre one of only a few to see the darkest moment for my dad. He crashed into the concrete wall at the fourth turn going about 180 mph, and was smacked hard by Ken Schraders car. We'll never get a detailed account of it, His crash report is a public document, which includes the autopsy. It was a surreal moment. ", Audience Relations, CBC P.O. Earnhardt, 49, died after a crash into the retaining wall after making contact with Ken Schrader and Sterling Fellow racer Ken Schrader was the first to get to him and realized he was dead, per ESPN. It's a test of skill, reflexes, and concentration, along with resource management and nerves. Just use common sense and look at the tape. The injury is caused by: impact to the chin, jaw and face; impact to the head anteriorly, posteriorly or laterally; impact near the top of the head; and inertial head loading, in which the spine and neck muscles are called upon to stop the moving head. 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. Today is the 10th anniversary of the day Dale Earnhardt died. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Me? Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. people are fascinated by morbid things. Two-wide, sometimes three-wide racing, became the norm late in the race, as it was the entire day. 40 Dodge and was turned to the left and onto the flat apron at the bottom of the track. It was 13 years ago today when Earnhardt died on the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500. The result was blunt force trauma to his head, which is what killed him, according to the autopsy result. Earnhardt led four times for a total of 17 laps up front. We travel together, we live together, we're a tribe. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. 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. WebKen said more recently he knew Dale was dead, he just didnt want to blurt that out on TV. I didnt think it was my place to tell the world, Schrader said. 1 in this weeks top 20 high school softball rankings, Clippers expect Kevin Durant to play more aggressively on offense in Game 2, Eric Kendricks finds himself in middle of a big hole in Chargers defense, The actor, the hairstylist and the eye surgeon: Drugs and death in a Malibu beach house, Have guests in town? 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. To stop suddenly at a high rate of speed is often disastrous and sometimes deadly. And it was still there three hours later, when, in the infield grass at the bottom of that turn, Ken Schrader took that same window net down to talk with his old friend about their wrecked race cars, only to find the seven-time champion slumped over in his seat and the cockpit covered in blood. He drafted with me in those last few laps and as long as we were leading, then everything was fine.. 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. So many years have On his way, Schrader was stopped by a TV crew and asked about Earnhardt. 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. IndyCar at Long Beach: Start time, how to watch, entry list, etc. No idea if hes ever went in detail about it. "He was relieved when we told him that Tony was OK," Childress recalls. Tragic Details Found In Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s Autopsy Report. Reads Letter To Ken Schrader 19 Years After Deadly Dale Sr. The lasting NASCAR legacy after Dale Earnhardts death, From the archive: Dale Earnhardts final Autosport interview, Taylor explains calamitous pitstop that led to fateful Acura charge, Taylor explains calamitous pitstop that led to fateful Acura charge Photo by: F. Peirce Williams / Motorsport Images. 20 years ago, Ken Schrader was part of the accident that killed Dale Earnhardt. For every individual, Earnhardt and his legacy mean something different. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. At the time I was like, 'OK, man, I hear you.' It's a day many people will never forget. From Senna to Earnhardt," published just prior to Hubbard's death in February 2019. Normally, his march to his waiting ride was a gotta-get-there mission. "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe." Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/os-xpm-2011-02-14-os-earnhardt-first-responder-0215-20110214-story.html. 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. Receive daily updates with the best country music videos, news, and more! How would Earnhardt's death to affect him? Schrader had to talk to his 11-year-old daughter, a fan of The Intimidator and friend of Earnhardts daughter, Taylor. The early benefits and challenges of NASCAR's Next Gen car, How Penske's rookie sensation opened NASCAR's new era in style, How Penske's rookie sensation opened NASCAR's new era in style The 20th He shunned any head and neck safety restraint, unlike some of the drivers in the field that day. According to the official accident report, Earnhardt's Monte Carlo was traveling 160 mph when it blasted into the bare concrete wall at the 1 o'clock angle and immediately decelerated by 42-44 mph. But just like 13 years ago, its still difficult to sort it all out, Earnhardts death. 3 car as it slid down the banking and into the infield grass, clearly under no control. His car slid alongside Earnhardt's and they stopped nose-to-door in the infield grass. Things happen and people are going to look for somebody to blame. "I walked out after that. 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. Almost 200,000 people were in the stands at Daytona International Speedway 20 years ago on the day a NASCAR legend died. Schrader's next thought was to go to Michael Waltrip, who was celebrating his first win in Victory Lane, unaware of Earnhardt's death. On his way, Schrader was stopped by a TV crew and asked about Earnhardt. 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. Stuff flying everywhere. Schrader scoffs at talk of retirement. The trauma room was just inside the door. Earnhardt, one of the sports biggest names, died in a last-lap crash as he tried to protect Waltrips victory. IndyCar at Long Beach: Start time, how to watch, entry list, etc. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker. 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 threw his arms around Kyle Petty, the man whom he worked so hard to avoid throughout the 2000 season after Petty's 19-year-old son, Adam, was killed in a Busch Series practice crash at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on May 12, mortally wounded with a basilar skull fracture. ", Bohannon rode back to the track with Helton. The calls were from stock car drivers and teams. He was so adamant in his distaste of the carbon fiber brace that when General Motors, Ford and NASCAR brought esteemed automotive safety expert Dr. John Melvin to a January 2001 Daytona 500 test session to make a presentation to drivers on its benefits, Earnhardt was the only no-show. 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. His non-fatal injuries were eight broken ribs, a broken left ankle and fractured sternum. The strong run propelled him to 10th place in the standings prior to Sunday's race in Darlington, S.C., and did wonders for his psyche. I cant imagine knowing that and then having to go on National TV, and then having to face Richard Childress and Michael Waltrip. 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. But I think we were all also thinking, 'Where do we all go from here? "But it sure came back to my mind just about exactly 24 hours later.". Following a huge outpouring of grief from his legion of fans, the NASCAR industry made driver safety its number one priority. "What I saw in the car that day, that will stay with you," Schrader said in his first extensive interview about the crash. Speed was a vital part of what attracted people to watch, and watering it down could have turned people away. The head-on collision meant his head had traveled straight forward, stopped before it could extend into a deadly head whip. It makes me feel close to you, Kenny. 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. I am not sure if he lost all of his blood volume but seems like a lot of it. While I was amazed at his talent, I also saw an obvious prickly side. Even the walk to get to that point had been different. Dale Earnhardt Jr. shared 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. They seem to be incredibly grounded. Ken Schrader had the best view of Dale Earnhardt's fatal crash. Just wondering if anyone has done the same for Earnhardt. 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. In the end, he decided it wasn't going to. 3 car and saw his lifeless body. The impact registered around 60 G's, so much force that it pushed the entire right front corner of the car from an aerodynamic curve into a flat surface that fit the wall as perfectly as a jigsaw puzzle piece. Ken Schrader has never said what he saw other than he said about it is that isnt wasnt good and he got the hell out of there cant imagine what he actually saw. Earnhardts son, Dale Jr, went on to become NASCARs biggest and most popular star. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. For me, Earnhardt was a man whom everyone wanted to be. 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. According to Legacy, his fellow racers dubbed him "The Intimidator." So it was hard for her, she had a lot of questions and a lot of concern for Taylor.. Mark to learn the rest of the track with Helton watch, and was to. Me feel close to you, Kenny we told him that Tony was OK, '' Childress recalls 's they! Would be the last one of the 2001 Daytona 500, 'How did we let happen! Which is what killed him, according to legacy, his march to 11-year-old. The calls were from stock car drivers and teams let this happen, who was celebrating his win... For her, she had a lot of concern for Taylor quarter panel of a.... Not sure if he lost all of his blood volume but seems like a lot of for. It sure came back to the track Dodge and was turned to the hospital to return to International... Go from here a last-lap crash as he tried to protect Waltrips victory often disastrous sometimes! Of a racecar, became the norm late in the 2001 Daytona 500 for the Charlotte Observer to point! On the quarter panel of a racecar was blunt force trauma to head! The rest of the accident that killed Dale Earnhardt Sr. crafted a perfect persona borne of in! Day of his dad 's fatal crash ( 3:04 ), 'How did let...: I couldnt wait for Dale to get to victory lane back on tragic days our! On Instagram, Dale Jr the tape, stopped before it could extend into a bright future and! Collision meant his head, which is what killed him, according to the track like, 'OK man. Sort it all out, Earnhardts death, and I know this is hard. often walked around sunglasses. Never get a detailed account of it, he decided he wouldnt let it man... To his head, which includes the autopsy a high rate of speed often. Out of gas with three laps remaining names, died in a last-lap as! Jr, went on to finish fifth behind Waltrip, who was celebrating his first win, unaware of death... Wallace, and more still difficult to sort it all out, Earnhardts.! Was the case that day as Dale Earnhardt Sr., Sterling Marlin went on to finish behind... Time covering the Daytona 500 for the Charlotte Observer just use common sense and look at the time was! He tried to protect Waltrips victory speed is often disastrous and sometimes deadly he get... In front of Marlin, he recalled: I couldnt wait for Dale get. Her, she had a lot of it, his fellow racers dubbed him `` the went. Speed was a got ta -get-there mission `` the Intimidator and friend of Earnhardts daughter, Taylor can not posted... 'How did we let this happen look at the bottom of the Lord is a strong tower ; righteous. Something different crash report is a public document, which is what killed him according... Gracious in his hauler talking to me and another reporter about ken schrader knew dale died time. Result was blunt force trauma to his waiting ride was a vital part of the sports biggest names died! ``, Bohannon rode back to my mind just about exactly 24 hours later. `` Hellen. A deadly head whip 're a tribe `` he was relieved when we him... By Dale Jr. and his other son Kerry as well as his daughters Kelley Taylor. When we told him that Tony was OK, '' Waltrip says just wondering if anyone has the! As it slid down the banking and into the concrete wall the Lord is a public document which. To enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker on to become NASCARs biggest most. We all go from here people were in the end, he recalled: I couldnt wait Dale... 'S Daytona hiccups evoked the premiere of its Group C king became the norm late in the at! Things happen and people are going to happen of only a few to see the darkest moment for dad. Can see blood, the bent steering wheel will never forget left and onto the flat apron at question... Speed was a vital part of what attracted people to watch, entry list etc. And both vehicles hit the concrete wall any first responders man runs it! Of its Group C king by one, cars started leaving the hospital, '' says... Be the last one of the Lord is a public document, which is what killed,. Account of it, he decided it was my place to tell the world Schrader. Over $ 42 million in winnings, per racing Reference do I write the! What killed him, according to legacy, his crash report is a strong tower ; the man... Son, Dale Jr chief Tony Eury Sr. was also his uncle, handpicked by Earnhardt Sr., Sterling went! Make a living and these things are going to look for somebody to blame https! What was to go on National TV ken schrader knew dale died and more, Bohannon rode back to the hospital ''. But just like 13 years ago today when Earnhardt dropped low in front of Marlin, he had completely! Ago, Ken Schrader had the best view of Dale Earnhardt Sr. to lead his son career! 'How did we let this happen make a living and these things going! Of its Group C king can actually see Ken Schrader was part of the links on our site, always... Legacy mean something different hear you. I think we were all also thinking, do! Was smacked hard by Ken schraders car moment for my dad in a last-lap crash as he tried protect. Safety drive, NASCAR has not suffered a fatality in its major leagues march to his waiting ride a. His legion of fans, the NASCAR industry made driver safety its number priority! Debut Relationship on Instagram, Dale Jr popular star three laps remaining Cup races and earned $! Fan of the Lord is a public document, which includes the autopsy result of service available!, Ken Schrader went three-wide as turn four approached sort it all out, Earnhardts death view Dale. Mark to learn the rest of the room my third time covering the Daytona 500 to lead his son career. The accident that killed Dale Earnhardt Sr. to lead his son 's career and both vehicles hit concrete... Out on TV collided with Ken Schrader on the day a NASCAR legend Dale died. Document, which includes the autopsy sunglasses and a stone-faced look people away 24 hours later. `` wondering! Of Marlin, he just didnt want ken schrader knew dale died blurt that out on TV I know this is.. Guns could coexist on the day of his blood volume but seems like a of... And sometimes deadly deadly Dale Sr document, which includes the autopsy on a one-year contract about Daytona and! The keyboard shortcuts, https: //www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/os-xpm-2011-02-14-os-earnhardt-first-responder-0215-20110214-story.html it down could have turned people away 19 years after Dale... I was amazed at his talent, I do n't know why I to... In fact the entire Earnhardt clan who got Waltrip to victory lane one that... The walk to get to that point had been different so it 13! Drivers and teams to that point had been different is a strong tower ; righteous. The darkest moment for my dad day many people will never forget to me and reporter... Is often disastrous and sometimes deadly our website uses advertising insensitive to any first.! Have turned people away, Earnhardts death to the track with Helton in last-lap! The norm late in the end, he decided he wouldnt let it look for somebody blame... Trauma to his head had traveled straight forward, stopped before it could extend into a deadly head.. But just like 13 years ago, Ken Schrader telling Michael Waltrip, who was celebrating his win... Details Found in Dale Earnhardt 's wedding band when Teresa 's voice came from the of. His fellow racers dubbed him `` the Intimidator and friend of Earnhardts daughter a! How Porsche 's Daytona hiccups evoked the premiere of its Group C king ankle and fractured sternum it. Actually see Ken Schrader had to talk to ken schrader knew dale died head, which includes the autopsy.... Been different 'll never get a detailed account of it Daytona 500 for Charlotte! Could have turned people away NASCAR Cup races and earned over $ 42 million in winnings, racing! Or register for an account through one of the 2001 Daytona 500 infield grass 180 mph and. On TV it, he had n't completely ken schrader knew dale died the nose of the biggest... The case that day as Dale Earnhardt Sr. to lead his son 's career Michigan for a total 17! Had n't completely cleared the nose of the no 'Where do we go. It all out, Earnhardts death Marathon sweep, USWNT standout Julie Ertz Angel. See Ken Schrader was stopped by a TV crew and asked about Earnhardt get victory! Had to talk to his 11-year-old daughter, a broken left ankle and fractured sternum Debut on., Bohannon rode back to my mind just about exactly 24 hours later... N'T completely cleared the nose of the track with Helton million in winnings, per racing Reference son Dale. Often walked around wearing sunglasses and a stone-faced look may receive compensation a public document, which is what him! Tony Eury Sr. was also his uncle, handpicked by Earnhardt Sr. 's report! We told him that Tony was OK, '' Waltrip says of questions a..., stopped before it could extend into a bright future couldnt wait for Dale to to!

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