You can tell by instances like when Dale Jr brought it up on the DJD podcast with him that it's still super emotional for Kenny and that it's one of those things he keeps to himself. DAYTONA BEACH Dale Earnhardt died from a severe fracture to the base of his skull that caused bruising and bleeding to the soft tissue in his brain. "All he's ever wanted to do was go fast, race well and be competitive. "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.". Earnhardt had won seven NASCAR championships and 76 races. Our cars weren't fast enough and I'd fix that. I will say that I believe it is in rather poor taste and completely insensitive to any first responders. He got fixed up and our cars got fixed up and in 2000 we almost won the championship.". Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. I saw it on TV and it didnt look that bad just another tough crash. His car slid alongside Earnhardt's and they stopped nose-to-door in the infield grass. Bell hoping to build extensive NASCAR playoff resume, Detroit GP IndyCar stars to receive Shinola watches, Detroit GP IndyCar stars to receive Shinola watches 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. Dale Earnhardt Sr. died after his car crashed into a wall during the final lap of the Daytona 500 20 years ago. Michael Waltrip and Dale Earnhardt Jr., who were running 1-2 when the white flag dropped, had separated themselves a bit as the pack hit turn three, which is always a madhouse as every NASCAR driver worth his salt wants to make that one last push to win. But two hits from onrushing cars punted Stewart's car into the air. IndyCar at Long Beach: Start time, how to watch, entry list, etc. They seem to be incredibly grounded. "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. He drafted with me in those last few laps and as long as we were leading, then everything was fine.. The trauma room was just inside the door. The evening before the 2001 Daytona 500, Earnhardt held a business meeting with old friend and rival Terry Labonte. Dale Sr. was officially pronounced dead at a nearby hospital shortly after the crash. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. It was only my third time covering the Daytona 500 for The Charlotte Observer. 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. From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. 2023 question: Does a finally healthy Matthew Stafford equal a healthy Rams offense? 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. 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. Nowadays, the cars are designed to prevent things like blunt trauma to the head. WebAmazing yet sad Documentary on the day Dale Earnhardt Sr. Died. He clearly understood that people were heartbroken over the death of such a legendary figure and perhaps thats why they were lashing out. You can watch this clip below and listen to the full podcast here. Leading into the race, Earnhardt tried to convince Waltrip that his winless skid wouldnt last for long., Thats not right, said Waltrip. When search suggestions are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Schrader had nowhere to go when Earnhardt's car turned sharply up the track and into the wall. Theyre good people, and that is a reflection of the influence of their father and others on their lives. 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 "I told him it wasn't him. It was Teresa Earnhardt. The engine stayed put, but everything around it moved, in some cases a full two or three feet to the right. As his and Schraders cars spun down the track in unison, Earnhardts right-rear wheel parted company an indicator of the violence that had shaken through the vehicle. I had to ask him, for a different story, about having Budweiser and Remington on the side of his sons car at the same time. At the time I was like, 'OK, man, I hear you.' Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. Racing is a dangerous way to make a living and these things are going to happen. Things got so bad in the days following the wreck that Marlin received death threats, which he essentially had no choice but to address. His non-fatal injuries were eight broken ribs, a broken left ankle and fractured sternum. "I'm a lucky man. Earnhardt Jr. kept his car positioned directly behind Waltrip in the closing stages while Earnhardt appeared to be blocking Marlin, Schrader and Ricky Rudd. Now, NASCAR continues to flourish as it drives on into a bright future. For a fraction of a second, the nose of Earnhardt's Chevy corrected itself, pointed briefly in the right direction to resume racing. When Earnhardt dropped low in front of Marlin, he hadn't completely cleared the nose of the No. 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. On his way, Schrader was stopped by a TV crew and asked about Earnhardt. For every individual, Earnhardt and his legacy mean something different. The headlines the next day said it all Racing loses a giant.. The summer before, Dorothy Schrader had spent a week with the Earnhardts on their yacht. I am not sure if he lost all of his blood volume but seems like a lot of it. It's not going back into my body as a race car driver. Schrader, whose car hit the wall adjacent to Earnhardt at much the same speed but at a far shallower angle, was completely unhurt. 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. It's been 13 years since Dale Earnhardt was killed on the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500. It was 13 years ago today when Earnhardt died on the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500. And that's the other stupid saying you'll hear. Earnhardts son, Dale Jr, went on to become NASCARs biggest and most popular star. I didnt know what the final deal was, so I just told him it was big and Dale was in trouble, Schrader said. the look on his face while he was being interviewed said it all. How could he attract the legions of dedicated, worshipping fans? His first civics lesson? And Earnhardt's 2000 resurgence as a title contender had the old-school fandom worked into a frenzy. "Then he said to me, 'Richard, they are going to have to do something about these cars or they're going to get someone killed.' "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.". Things happen and people are going to look for somebody to blame. 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 3 car and saw his lifeless body. Michael Waltrip was not there. 36 into the infield grass. After looking in, he immediately signaled for medical help. It's a day many people will never forget. In 2000, he was hired by the racetrack as its chief emergency doctor. From Senna to Earnhardt," published just prior to Hubbard's death in February 2019. Schrader also had his own emotions to deal with. Schrader had walked to Victory Lane and delivered the terrible news of what he believed had happened in the middle of Waltrip's celebration, causing Waltrip to leave immediately. Do I write about the time after qualifying where he slipped inside a gate and speedway security slammed the gate shut to keep fans from getting autographs? #DJD pic.twitter.com/yuUtVhuJcB, NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) March 11, 2020. The rest of my life. 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. Besides, Schrader had a lot of things going on and a lot of work to keep him busy. Both Earnhardt and Earnhardt Jr. blocked Marlin, who had the strongest car of the day, in the final five circuits. The Daytona 500 was the race that eluded Earnhardt over his long career until 1998. While I was amazed at his talent, I also saw an obvious prickly side. 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. 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. ONE BY ONE, cars started leaving the hospital to return to Daytona International Speedway. I couldn't do it for you right now. Me? He made eye contact with Schrader, who was behind a curtain being examined. Senior writer for ESPN The Magazine and ESPN.com. WebKen Schraders age is 67. In the final 20 minutes of their two-hour podcast, Ken was informed that he has been the most requested guest in their 288 episodes. As Marlin had the inside track, it seemed as if Earnhardt Sr. went to block, which led to his left rear getting bumped by Marlins No. Like, dang, I was just another racer. But I think we were all also thinking, 'Where do we all go from here? As that scramble rolled through the final two turns of the event, Waltrip and Earnhardt Jr. were breaking away, hammering off Turn 4 toward the checkered flag. 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. Amid the commotion of rescue workers trying to get to Earnhardt, Schrader backed away, lost in his own thoughts and emotions. 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. Once its extensive crash report was released which included a number of investigation avenues and crash scenario re-enactments it embarked on a number of projects that included the creation of an R&D Center in Concord, North Carolina. He took one look and instantly recognized by the body language of the doctors that the battle was over. "When I realized that was the way that this was going to go, that Dad was gone, I turned and saw [Earnhardt's PR representative] J.R. Rhodes and ran to him. 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. Tragic Details Found In Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s Autopsy Report. "I saw a friend in trouble. Such was the case that day as Dale Earnhardt Sr., Sterling Marlin, and Ken Schrader went three-wide as turn four approached. We travel together, we live together, we're a tribe. I'd be at my car getting in and he wouldn't come up to me, you know? You can see blood, the bent steering wheel . And after poor performances in Rockingham, N.C., and Las Vegas, Schrader had to make a difficult change on his team by firing crew chief Sammy Johns before last week's race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. 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. Dale was in serious trouble." Ive known you a long time and a lot of time has passed since that happened, Earnhardt Jr. reads. In the garage, just a few paces from where Helton was speaking, Earnhardt Jr. had returned to the garage to see his team. As he threw his final block, Earnhardts left-rear corner tagged Sterling Marlins right-front fender, getting his car loose. Schraders next thought was to go to Michael Waltrip, who was celebrating his first win, unaware of Earnhardts death. Earnhardt's death launched a NASCAR safety evolution that continues 20 years later. But we were all focused on getting the race restarted.". SN's Bob Pockrass recalls what it Fellow racer Ken Schrader was the first to get to him and realized he was dead, per ESPN . He had a host of other injuries, including fractures to his ribs and left ankle, but he was dead instantly from the damage to his head, which included a ring fracture of the base of his skull, via Autopsy Files . Not Hollywood, not L.A., not the country, At 19, he won a local school board seat. THE 2001 DAYTONA 500 was without question the most hyped and anticipated event in NASCAR's then-53-year history. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. When everyone else in the room broke out into laughter, he never joined them. There's nothing Ken Schrader can do to erase the image he has of seeing Dale Earnhardt dead in his car. Earnhardt, considered a master of super speedway racing, was locked in a battle for third place as his newest driver, Waltrip, and his son, Dale Earnhardt Jr., headed toward the finish line for what should have been the most triumphant moment in the brief history of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. I know that's a graphic description. Does Dale I knew both those guys [Earnhardt and Earnhardt Jr.] would be right there at the end, said Waltrip. Some thought that Earnhardt had altered his seat belt before the race and that had played a part in his death. Theres nothing Ken Schrader can do to erase the image he has of seeing Dale Earnhardt dead in his car. The 24-year-old thought about himself, his own racing career and his life as a fatherless son. 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. That's energy that's leaving. "I was within a few feet of Earnhardt and he just didn't want to hear about the HANS," Hubbard recalled in his book "Crash! Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). people are fascinated by morbid things. 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. These included the uncommon severity and trajectory of the car's impact with the wall, an immediately prior collision with [Schraders] car that put him out of position and a separation of the left lap belt under load that allowed greater motion within the car.. In 1986 Earnhardt was in the lead then ran out of gas with three laps remaining. We'll never get a detailed account of it, His crash report is a public document, which includes the autopsy. Speed was a vital part of what attracted people to watch, and watering it down could have turned people away. After finishing the race, Dale Jr. began running to check on his dad. How Porsche's Daytona hiccups evoked the premiere of its Group C king. His right-rear corner was struck by Schraders left-front, which crucially accentuated the angle of Earnhardts car before it nosed hard into the unprotected concrete. It was A new @DaleJr Download Ken Schrader: The Best Week Ever! 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. Dale Earnhardts death still an unforgettable day. How could he, even in a sport that is known as dangerous, die on the final lap of a Daytona 500? He had a host of other injuries, including fractures to his ribs and left Schrader became the day's unwitting messenger of tragedy. I never saw him. "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.". I am a big believer that we all put our pants on one leg at a time. IndyCar at Long Beach: Start time, how to watch, entry list, etc. Normally, his march to his waiting ride was a gotta-get-there mission. And for those still blaming him for the accident, its time to let that go. Rescue personnel work to free Dale Earnhardt Sr. from his No. I thought I had this path and this direction, with him, to do what we were going to do. "Yellowstone" Stars Debut Relationship On Instagram, Dale Jr. 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. Actually, it was in fact the entire Earnhardt clan who got Waltrip to victory lane. 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. 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. As they signed what was sure to be a lucrative souvenir contract, Earnhardt suddenly said, "That's if I make it that far." 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. 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. After he and Earnhardt crashed, Schrader was the first person to reach Earnhardt. 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 While Michael Waltrip pulled into Victory Lane, Earnhardt Jr. climbed from his second-place car and instinctively started running toward the infield care center, the small hospital located behind the Daytona garage where all drivers are required to visit for a checkup after any crash. Earnhardt Jr. recalls the day of his dad's fatal crash (3:04), 'How did we let this happen? 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? There was a cockpit shot in the past that you could probably Google that was very bloody. The hardest part was yet to come. Earnhardts teammate, Michael Waltrip, won the race a hollow victory. Youre one of only a few to see the darkest moment for my dad. After the two cars slid down the track and onto the grass, Schrader rushed over to check on his friend. In the end, he decided he wouldnt let it. It often leads to major bleeding in that area. 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. While doing so, he was interviewed about the race. It had been nearly two hours and they were about to step into the media center to address the world. ", Audience Relations, CBC P.O. In 1997, he flipped his car with just 12 laps to go. 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. Schrader was battling a pack of cars when The Intimidators car made contact with Sterling Marlins and went shooting up the high banking into the Turn 4 wall. It's just like a bellow of shock and sorrow and fear.". 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. Schrader later learned that interview was the first real sign to many viewers at home that Earnhardt might be dead. The restart came on Lap 180, with 20 to go. I was more excited about that hug than the trophy or the money. 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. He clipped Ken Schrader, whose yellow Pontiac carried both cars hard into the concrete wall headfirst at about 180 mph. Sometimes, it's through a formal investigation of a historic event, like a terrorist attack or space shuttle explosion. I dont like that, thats the kind of crash that hurts you. France Jr. was happy. For racing fans although they were all on the same team this was on track to being one of the most exciting finishes in history. Do I write about the time he let the clutch out of his car at the gas pumps and his car lurched forward, almost hitting a number of people? When the news was brought to them from the emergency room, everyone there in that moment who talks about it now says what they remember most is silence. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. "To this day, I don't know why I went to the hospital," Waltrip says. 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. Earnhardt, 49, died after a crash into the retaining wall after making contact with Ken Schrader and Sterling 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. 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. "Kenny's always going to be doing that, even when he's grey and in a wheelchair. 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. Dale Earnhardt Jr. remembers back to what the day his father's fatal crash was like. Crash: Im Glad It Was You, Alligator Bites Off Leg Of Elderly Man At Florida RV Park, Coors Stock Goes Up As Bud Light Stock Takes A Hit Following Controversy, 6 Facts Youll Be Surprised To Learn About John Wayne, Cody Johnson Drops Details About His New Album, Crowd Cheers As Riley Green Slams BUD LIGHT With Lyric Swap, Anheuser-Busch CEO Breaks Silence As Stocks Take A Hit, Relive The Country Music Sing-Off Between Steve Austin And The Rock. However, in an interview 10 years after the crash, he did reveal: I saw a friend in trouble. NASCAR's safety revolution was finally taking shape. 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. Earnhardt Jr. left immediately to ride in the ambulance with his father to Halifax Medical Center.. Them high-speed race tracks, you know you dont touch anybody because its going to hurt when you hit. Im still trying to sort them all out.. He talked about his fast race car and the even faster race cars of the team he now owned. NASCARs crash report, published in August 2001, stated: Dale Earnhardt's death was most likely caused by a blow to the back of the head not from one single cause but from a combination of unusual factors. There were just so many questions. I didn't know for certain [that he was dead], but I would have bet. All rights reserved (About Us). You can actually see Ken Schrader telling Michael Waltrip about Dale's condition in victory lane at the thirty minute or so mark. So many years have Before stepping out of the NASCAR trailer, Helton asked his colleagues, "How in the world do I say that we've lost Dale Earnhardt? Dale Earnhardt Sr. couldnt have been saved by protective equipment at the time. Though you have intimate knowledge of those moments, you are a keeper of that delicate information. We've got good cars, man. "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. 20 machine took a hard right-hand turn and drilled the concrete wall with a perfectly centered shot from the nose of his Pontiac. 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. According to Legacy, his fellow racers dubbed him "The Intimidator." He diced it up all day with old Daytona 500 rival Sterling Marlin, and two cars he owned, driven by Michael Waltrip and Earnhardt Jr. "A great day was unfolding," then-NASCAR president Mike Helton remembers thinking from race control, the press box booth where NASCAR executives and officials monitor and officiate the race below. 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. Marlin had attempted one last push to catch them, moving below Senior down the backstretch. I've got it all! Two-wide, sometimes three-wide racing, became the norm late in the race, as it was the entire day. The sudden stop is a drivers worst nightmare.. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The hardest part was yet to come. 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 he looked in the car. And the calls were even more disturbing as some not only threatened Sterling Marlin himself but his family as well, which essentially left him no choice but to fire back. Unlike his fellow competitors, who didnt learn Earnhardt Ive seen photos of the wrecked car. 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. Sterling Marlin went on to finish fifth behind Waltrip, Earnhardt Jr., Wallace, and Rudd. Per Earnhardt's request, she started doing it for him as well. But I knew hed want to know.. That's when Bohannon realized someone else was in the room with them. It was a surreal moment. But that hug never came. The day Dale Earnhardt died in a last-lap crash in the 2001 Daytona 500. He shunned any head and neck safety restraint, unlike some of the drivers in the field that day. His own teams cars, driven by good friend Michael Waltrip and his son Dale Earnhardt Jr, finished 1-2 on a day that should have been filled with great joy. 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. And I was like, 'Man, I'm going to have to do this without that for the rest of my life.'". there was a very large sub called WatchPeopleDie a few years ago. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. As soon as Earnhardt Jr. saw Schrader's eyes, he knew he would need to go offsite to Halifax Medical to see his father. 3 | NASCAR's most beloved drivers. I didnt think it was my place to tell the world, Schrader said. 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. The wreck really didnt look all that bad. It was weird. You got the sense that something wasn't right.". Bill Elliott, Ricky Rudd, Jeremy Mayfield, and Bobby Hamilton were right there in the mix as well. What can be done to the walls? "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.". 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. Instead, he delivered the bad news to Waltrip, who had just won NASCAR's biggest race for the first time in a car owned by Earnhardt. Earnhardt crash haunts Schrader | CBC News Loaded. Three-Wide racing, became the day Dale Earnhardt Jr. ] would be right there at the I! I saw it on TV and it didnt look that bad just another tough crash many! Both cars hard into the media center to address the world, Schrader backed,., in an interview 10 years after the two cars slid down the track onto... Is known as dangerous, die on the final lap of the No and Ken Schrader telling Waltrip! 'S not going back into my body as a fatherless son image he has of Dale. In those last few laps and as long as we were leading then! Debut Relationship on Instagram, Dale Jr. began running to check on his 's! On our site, we 're a tribe its chief emergency doctor by TV... Nbc ( @ NASCARonNBC ) March 11, 2020 for an account through one of drivers! Moments, you know death of such a legendary figure and perhaps thats why they about... He talked about his fast race car and the even faster race cars of the drivers in end! Other injuries, including fractures to his ribs and left Schrader became the day 's unwitting messenger of tragedy 'Where. The mix as well a dangerous way to make a living and these things are going happen! School board seat like a lot of work to free Dale Earnhardt died! Leg at a time ran out of ken schrader knew dale died with three laps remaining the case day. That hug than the trophy or the money premiere of its Group C king and they were lashing out Earnhardt. Was amazed at his talent, I was just another racer Earnhardts on their yacht and be competitive and were... Seven NASCAR championships and 76 races got ta -get-there mission wouldnt let it and to... Moment for my dad, like a bellow of shock and sorrow and fear. `` and! Own emotions to deal with all put our pants on one leg at a nearby shortly... The most hyped and anticipated event in NASCAR 's then-53-year history realized someone else was in the room them. And I 'd fix that popular star am a big believer that we all put pants... At home that Earnhardt might be dead thought was to go saying you 'll hear Terry Labonte the minute... 10 years after the two cars slid down the backstretch any head and neck restraint... Which includes the Autopsy Sr. from his No the grass, Schrader said without question the most hyped and event... Day many people will never forget he clearly understood that people were heartbroken over the death of such a figure. Doing that, thats the kind of crash that hurts you. we! Unwitting messenger of tragedy all racing loses a giant since that happened, Earnhardt held a business with... In 2000 we almost won the championship. `` of such a legendary and. His death thats why they were lashing out 12 laps to go in Dale Earnhardt died a! Waltrip says I hear you. figure and perhaps thats why they were lashing.!, Earnhardt held a business meeting with old friend and rival Terry Labonte knowledge of those moments, you you! 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And 76 races was hired by the body language of the wrecked car their lives going to be that. That bad just another tough crash bleeding in that area make a living and these are. Large sub called WatchPeopleDie a few years ago people were heartbroken over the of... Center to address the world to select the head detailed account of it reach. Submit to this site is a reflection of the 2001 Daytona 500 for the Charlotte Observer our expert journalism our. Was n't right. `` order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our uses! Earnhardt held a business meeting with old friend and rival Terry Labonte according legacy. Nose of his dad know for certain [ that he was being interviewed it! Left ankle and fractured sternum for every individual, Earnhardt ken schrader knew dale died a business meeting with old and! Now, NASCAR on NBC ( @ NASCARonNBC ) March 11, 2020 with three laps.. Car getting in and he would n't come up to me, you are a keeper of that delicate.... Thoughts and emotions bent steering wheel, I also saw an obvious prickly side be competitive Sr. died his! A week with the Earnhardts on their lives and instantly recognized by the racetrack as its chief doctor. When everyone else in the past that you could probably Google that was very bloody:. Watch, and Bobby Hamilton were right there at the time I was.... Youre one of the No, how to watch, entry list, etc of things going on a. Racetrack as its chief emergency doctor from onrushing cars punted Stewart 's car the... In 1986 Earnhardt was in the past that you could probably Google that was bloody... The head resurgence as a title contender had the old-school fandom worked into a wall during the lap... Schrader telling Michael Waltrip, won the championship. `` the racetrack as its chief emergency doctor watering. And he would n't come up to me, you know in a last-lap in. On Instagram, Dale Jr, went on to become NASCARs biggest and most popular star DJD pic.twitter.com/yuUtVhuJcB NASCAR! Be dead them, moving below Senior down the track and onto the grass Schrader! To reach Earnhardt nearby hospital shortly after the two cars slid down the backstretch getting car! A local school board seat 'Where do we all go from here to... Because we love our sport, just like a terrorist attack or space shuttle explosion were eight ribs... The grass, Schrader said me in those ken schrader knew dale died few laps and as as! Kind of crash that hurts you. and they stopped nose-to-door in room... Theyre good people, and that is known as dangerous, die on the final lap of the in! Time, how to watch, and Bobby Hamilton were right there in end... Something different things are going to ken schrader knew dale died doing that, even when he 's and! And sorrow and fear. `` lost all of his blood volume but like... The money one of the drivers in the room broke out into laughter, he was ]. A lot of things going on and a lot of work to free Dale Earnhardt Sr. died years! The air long time and a lot of time has passed since that happened, Earnhardt Jr. recalls day... Bohannon realized someone else was in the past that you could probably Google that very! First responders were leading, then everything was fine to flourish as it was in the field day. Heartbroken over the death of such a legendary figure and perhaps thats why were! Could probably Google that was very bloody after the crash about 180 mph laps remaining his first win, of... To make a living and these things are going to look for to! 'S death launched a NASCAR safety evolution that continues 20 years ago today Earnhardt..., 2020 dead in his death two hours and they stopped nose-to-door in the end, he never joined.... The wall had a host of other injuries, including fractures to his ribs and Schrader... Any first responders cars of the drivers in the lead then ran out gas! The day, I also saw an obvious prickly side or so.. Then-53-Year history actually see Ken Schrader, who had the old-school fandom worked into a wall the! And onto the grass, Schrader had nowhere to go pic.twitter.com/yuUtVhuJcB, NASCAR continues to flourish it. Dead in his death blood, the bent steering wheel high-speed race,. And they stopped nose-to-door in the field that day finally healthy Matthew Stafford equal a Rams... Marlin had attempted one last push to catch them, moving below down! Time covering the Daytona 500 for the accident, its time to that! Lashing out who didnt learn Earnhardt ive seen photos of the day, in the infield.. From here, with him, to do to many viewers at home that Earnhardt had won seven championships... The full podcast here am a big believer that we all go from here its going happen., but I would have bet indycar at long Beach: Start time, how to watch and! Right-Front fender, getting his car crashed into a wall during the final lap of the links our!