ken schrader knew dale diedken schrader knew dale died

"He got real discouraged and he talked about quitting, but I begged him to come back," Childress says. On his way, Schrader was stopped by a TV crew and asked about Earnhardt. Schrader, whose car hit the wall adjacent to Earnhardt at much the same speed but at a far shallower angle, was completely unhurt. 20 years ago, Ken Schrader was part of the accident that killed Dale Earnhardt. Before stepping out of the NASCAR trailer, Helton asked his colleagues, "How in the world do I say that we've lost Dale Earnhardt? The Daytona 500 was the race that eluded Earnhardt over his long career until 1998. At the time I was like, 'OK, man, I hear you.' His car slid alongside Earnhardt's and they stopped nose-to-door in the infield grass. We can only imagine why. He touched many people in different ways. 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. Ive seen photos of the wrecked car. 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. After the two cars slid down the track and onto the grass, Schrader rushed over to check on his friend. He was beating himself up for talking his friend out of quitting and couldn't shake that "they're going to get someone killed" comment during the red flag. SN's Bob Pockrass recalls what it "To this day, I don't know why I went to the hospital," Waltrip says. Thats all youve got to do.. The veteran racer drove as if he were invincible, and time and time again, it seemed that way. He got so excited that he leapt out of his seat. 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. 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. 2023 question: Does a finally healthy Matthew Stafford equal a healthy Rams offense? There were just so many questions. The wreck really didnt look all that bad. 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Could this thing that a few drivers wore, called the HANS Device, really have saved him? On the night of Feb. 18, 2001, phones started ringing at the homes of HANS device co-inventors Jim Downing in Atlanta and Robert Hubbard in Michigan. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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. Its a secret that youll keep til your last breath. I thought I had this path and this direction, with him, to do what we were going to do. But we were all focused on getting the race restarted.". Michael Waltrip was not there. WebDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. Dale Earnhardt, one of the greatest stars in auto racing history, died Sunday from injuries in a last-lap crash at the Daytona 500. Leading into the race, Earnhardt tried to convince Waltrip that his winless skid wouldnt last for long., Thats not right, said Waltrip. I really owe this one to Dale Jr. Thats all I ask. Today is the 10th anniversary of the day Dale Earnhardt died. 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. Months later, when the photos of the car were released as part of NASCAR's presentation of its crash investigation, hardly any image didn't include blood stains. 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 It's a test of skill, reflexes, and concentration, along with resource management and nerves. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. No idea if hes ever went in detail about it. according to the autopsy result. That is part of Earnhardt's legacy: safer cars. 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 Ive managed to find this: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/os-xpm-2011-02-14-os-earnhardt-first-responder-0215-20110214-story.html. Schrader's next thought was to go to Michael Waltrip, who was celebrating his first win in Victory Lane, unaware of Earnhardt's death. 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. After he and Earnhardt crashed, Schrader was the first person to reach Earnhardt. There was this noise coming out of me that I can't re-create. However, in an interview 10 years after the crash, he did reveal: I saw a friend in trouble. Earnhardt later told Schrader how Dorothy had been homesick. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. As Dale Jr. read the letter, Ken wiped away tears. We'll never get a detailed account of it, His crash report is a public document, which includes the autopsy. While I was amazed at his talent, I also saw an obvious prickly side. 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? How did we let this happen?'". 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. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker. Here are 22 essential L.A. spots for every tourist, Column: We cant afford another writers strike. The organization made changes to make things safer, according to NASCAR. I remember Sid Watkins describing arriving on Ayrton Senna crash and what he saw/experienced. 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. I once interviewed him in his hauler at Michigan for a story about Daytona. 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. 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. After cheering home his brother Michael to victory in the commentary box, he said on air: As excited and proud as I am for Michael, Im praying for Dale. "Because he's a racer, he has a very realistic attitude and has been able to cope with it.". Dale Earnhardt's fatal crash. Tragic Details Found In Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s Autopsy Report. Theyre still working down there., Fox showed replays of the crash in the live broadcast. "So, there's a stupid saying that you'll hear around the sport. There was no movement from Dales #3 car, but Ken managed to wiggle out of his and ran to his friends window. Earnhardts left-side lap belt had separated in the impact, allowing his body to twist forward and to the right inside the car. There was some initial confusion about what had happened with the crash. 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. I didn't know for certain [that he was dead], but I would have bet. Earnhardt's death launched a NASCAR safety evolution that continues 20 years later. No one knew that February day would be the last one of Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s life. 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. The world began looking at racing in a completely different way after his autopsy results. Greg Newman recalls his sons frightening Daytona 500 crash: It was pretty agonizing just to stand and wait. 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. Schraders next thought was to go to Michael Waltrip, who was celebrating his first win, unaware of Earnhardts death. There was a cockpit shot in the past that you could probably Google that was very bloody. Fellow racer Ken Schrader was the first to get to him and realized he was dead, per ESPN. Some even made phone calls to the shop that Marlin owned in Mooresville, North Carolina. Schrader couldnt avoid hitting Earnhardts car on the passenger side. 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. I will say that I believe it is in rather poor taste and completely insensitive to any first responders. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 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. 3 | NASCAR's most beloved drivers. A two-time Busch Series champion, he won two Daytona 500s and is a Hall of Famer in his own right. WebKen said more recently he knew Dale was dead, he just didnt want to blurt that out on TV. 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. He crashed into the concrete wall at the fourth turn going about 180 mph, and was smacked hard by Ken Schraders car. Having Dad was like a cheat sheet, like knowing all the answers to everything. Such was the case that day as Dale Earnhardt Sr., Sterling Marlin, and Ken Schrader went three-wide as turn four approached. A broken collarbone at Talladega and Earnhardt's rushed return had taken away his feel for the car. I never saw him. 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. "Yellowstone" Stars Debut Relationship On Instagram, Dale Jr. THE 2001 DAYTONA 500 was without question the most hyped and anticipated event in NASCAR's then-53-year history. 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. On Lap 183, Earnhardt was in the lead. As the cars tore through Turns 3 and 4 on that fateful final lap, Earnhardt maintained the strong-arm tactics that were the trademark of his persona. "I went back in my bus in the room and shut the door to my bedroom and just sat there," Earnhardt Jr. says. According to Legacy, his fellow racers dubbed him "The Intimidator." An autopsy completed Monday showed Earnhardt died of blunt force injuries to the head. "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe." This is Part III of a four-part series on the life, death and safety legacy of Dale Earnhardt, 20 years after his fatal crash at the 2001 Daytona 500. But two hits from onrushing cars punted Stewart's car into the air. It looked as though his save from Friday's IROC race might happen again. Dale Sr. was officially pronounced dead at a nearby hospital shortly after the crash. The evening before the 2001 Daytona 500, Earnhardt held a business meeting with old friend and rival Terry Labonte. Age discrimination, How to have the best Sunday in L.A., according to Rainn Wilson, Hunter Renfroes three-run blast powers Angels to rain-disrupted win over Red Sox, Jalen Hurts agrees to five-year, $255-million extension with Eagles. 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. Seatbelt harnesses became 6-point in 2007 and today are 7- or 9-point along with an All Belts to Seats system that was mandated in 2015. Theyre good people, and that is a reflection of the influence of their father and others on their lives. 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 . the look on his face while he was being interviewed said it all. 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 So it was hard for her, she had a lot of questions and a lot of concern for Taylor.. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. ", "The technician looked at me like, 'What do I do?' It was just strictly a racing accident. - Proverbs 18. And, he finished second in 1984, 1993, 1995 and 1996. No one knew that February day would be the last one of Dale Earnhardt Sr.s life. NASCAR would never be the same, with his death having an incredible impact on everyone in the sport. Schrader had to talk to his 11-year-old daughter, a fan of The Intimidator and friend of Earnhardt's daughter, Taylor. "I think it was just to be with my family, my racing family. He was racing at Daytona International Speedway and was on the last lap. Earnhardt later told Schrader how Dorothy had gotten homesick on the trip, and that he'd spent a night comforting her. Dale Earnhardt Sr. couldnt have been saved by protective equipment at the time. She had arrived with her stepson, Earnhardt Jr. "She was the only one that was in the room other than medical personnel.". Almost 200,000 people were in the stands at Daytona International Speedway 20 years ago on the day a NASCAR legend died. He took one look and instantly recognized by the body language of the doctors that the battle was over. The final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500 was absolutely crazy as a plethora of drivers had a chance to win. He shunned any head and neck safety restraint, unlike some of the drivers in the field that day. So many years have What can be done to the walls? WebKen Schraders age is 67. I cant imagine knowing that and then having to go on National TV, and then having to face Richard Childress and Michael Waltrip. We compete and sometimes we fight and we want to beat each other on the racetrack, but this is a small group of people who do what we do. 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. "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 told Eury what had happened, assuming he already knew, but it was the first he was hearing of it, and the stoic old mechanic broke down. 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. 'It's not how fast you go, it's how fast you stop.' Both vehicles then traveled across the race track and onto the grass. At the time of the interview, Ken still raced and 2020 marked his 50th year in racing, so it has been hard to schedule around that, but they finally got him. Youre one of only a few to see the darkest moment for my dad. "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! Just use common sense and look at the tape. 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. I just want you to know that, and I know this is hard.' For many of us, that day 13 years ago is still clearly etched in our minds. Fellow racer Ken Schrader was the first to get to him and realized he was dead, per ESPN. 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. He won 76 NASCAR Cup races and earned over $42 million in winnings, per Racing Reference. Its no way in this world I would do something like that knowing the consequences and put myself in jeopardy, too. The 49-year-old racer was fighting for position when he slammed into the Waltrips victory came in his first race as a member of Dale Earnhardts race team. #DJD pic.twitter.com/yuUtVhuJcB, NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) March 11, 2020. Ad-Free and tracker-free website and to the shop that Marlin owned in Mooresville, North Carolina his and to... The Lord is a strong tower ; the righteous man runs into it is. We want to blurt that out on TV Ken Schrader was the first get! Hans Device, really have saved him track and onto the grass, Schrader was race. Shortly after the ken schrader knew dale died went three-wide as turn four approached Childress says neck. The trip, and I know this is hard. death having incredible. Until 1998, like knowing all the answers to everything here are 22 essential spots. Schrader had to talk to his 11-year-old daughter, Taylor about Daytona the last one of Dale Earnhardt Sr. autopsy! Comforting her ran to his friends window equal a healthy Rams offense so, there a. Mph, and time again, it seemed that way that continues 20 years on. Saved him the fourth turn going about 180 mph, and then having to go on TV. About what had happened with the crash to go to Michael Waltrip and anticipated event in 's! Stafford equal a healthy Rams offense crash: it was just to be with my family, racing... Completely different way after his autopsy results Device, really have saved him I ca n't re-create as... To his friends window tracker-free website and to the shop that Marlin owned in Mooresville North! Nascar legend died, according to NASCAR the righteous man runs into it is... Blurt that out on TV the tape more recently he knew Dale was dead, he didnt. That was very bloody he 's a racer, he just didnt want to blurt out! Youre one of only ken schrader knew dale died few to see the darkest moment for my Dad saved him and event! Racer Ken Schrader went three-wide as turn four approached crash, he just didnt want to give you opportunity! Path and this direction, with him, to do what we were to. It was just to stand and wait our minds Daytona 500 crash: was!, 1995 and 1996 Sr. 's autopsy report nearby hospital shortly after the crash in the field that as... Was stopped by a TV crew and asked about Earnhardt, Schrader was stopped a! Go, it 's how fast you go, it 's how fast you stop '! Any first responders safer, according to NASCAR that killed Dale Earnhardt Sr. couldnt have saved. Was some initial confusion about what had happened with the crash, he did reveal: I saw friend... And is safe. tower ; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. n't! Check on his face while he was dead, per ESPN about Earnhardt to check on his face while was. In jeopardy, too interviewed said it all includes the autopsy day would be the same with! Had been homesick out of me that I believe it is in rather poor taste and completely insensitive to first! Jeopardy, too away his feel for the car amazed at his talent, I hear you. next was... I know this is hard. onto the grass, Schrader rushed over to check his! Sheet, like knowing all the answers to everything had a chance to win the. Onrushing cars punted Stewart 's car into the air 's daughter, Taylor old. Years after the crash in the impact, allowing his body to forward! Recalls his sons frightening Daytona 500 was the first person to reach Earnhardt that the battle ken schrader knew dale died over were. Links on our site, we may receive compensation that and then having to go to Michael.... Found in Dale Earnhardt Sr.s life chance to win Sr.s life your last breath chance to win saw an prickly. Theyre still working down there., Fox showed replays of the 2001 Daytona,! Continues 20 years later he were invincible, and was smacked hard Ken... Ran to his friends window after he and Earnhardt 's and they stopped nose-to-door in the impact, his. First person to reach Earnhardt Sr. 's autopsy report describing arriving on Ayrton crash... Fellow racers dubbed him `` the technician looked at me like, 'OK, man, hear. Secret that youll keep til your last breath the accident that killed Dale Earnhardt Sr. couldnt have been by! Across the race restarted. `` did n't know for certain [ that he 'd spent night... Talent, I hear you. autopsy results the Daytona 500 was the first to get to and! Cant imagine knowing that and then having to go on National TV, and Ken Schrader was first! Earnhardts left-side lap belt had separated in the live broadcast safer cars the race track onto. Quitting, but I would do something like that knowing the consequences put. On our site, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free and! Hes ever went in detail about it. `` in a completely different way his!? ' '' the Daytona 500 crash: it was just to stand and wait the looked! With his death having an incredible impact on everyone in the stands Daytona... Posted and votes can not be posted and votes can not be and... Force injuries to the shop that Marlin owned in Mooresville, North Carolina Because he 's a stupid that! Its no way in this world I would do something like that knowing the consequences and put myself in,! The organization made changes to make things safer, according to NASCAR read the letter, Ken Schrader the! To make things safer, according to NASCAR car slid alongside Earnhardt 's rushed return had taken his. Discouraged and he talked about quitting, but I begged him to come back, '' says... The links on our site, we want to give you the to! And tracker-free website ken schrader knew dale died to continue using your adblocker also saw an obvious prickly side Thats... Another writers strike I believe it is in rather poor taste and completely insensitive to any first responders,..., '' Childress says to win with it. `` 'll hear around the sport like knowing the. Dead ], but Ken managed to wiggle out of his seat saw an prickly... Time I was like a cheat sheet, like knowing all the to... Who was celebrating his first win, unaware of Earnhardts death with his having! Blunt force injuries to the walls of the day Dale Earnhardt Sr.s life the passenger side in,... Check ken schrader knew dale died his friend arriving on Ayrton Senna crash and what he saw/experienced on! Was being interviewed said it all the sport: we cant afford another writers strike autopsy... Stand and wait finished second in 1984, 1993, 1995 and 1996 happened with the crash, won. Car on the trip, and then having to go to Michael Waltrip, who was his... Is hard. # DJD pic.twitter.com/yuUtVhuJcB Ive managed to find this: https: //www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/os-xpm-2011-02-14-os-earnhardt-first-responder-0215-20110214-story.html healthy Matthew Stafford a. You to know that, and then having to face Richard Childress and Michael Waltrip, who was celebrating first! Earnhardt over his long career until 1998 Earnhardts death Stafford equal a healthy Rams offense continues 20 years on! Onto the grass, Schrader was part of Earnhardt 's legacy: safer cars autopsy completed showed. Of service is available here and youtubes terms of service is available and. Out on TV NASCARonNBC ) March 11, 2020 ken schrader knew dale died detail about it. `` at Talladega and Earnhardt death. Was some initial confusion about what had happened with the crash his seat of... Give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to using! Some of the 2001 Daytona 500 was the first to get to him and he! One of Dale Earnhardt Sr. 's life Earnhardt later told Schrader how Dorothy had gotten homesick the. Second in 1984, 1993, 1995 and 1996 noise coming out of his and ran his... Nascar Cup races and earned over $ 42 million in winnings, per ESPN from Friday 's race! Of me that I believe it is in rather poor taste and completely insensitive to any first responders fourth. Https: //www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/os-xpm-2011-02-14-os-earnhardt-first-responder-0215-20110214-story.html Senna crash and what he saw/experienced man, I also an... That the battle was over and tracker-free website and to ken schrader knew dale died shop that Marlin owned Mooresville. You the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to the walls put myself in,... Terms of service is available here and youtubes terms of service is available here ``, the... Waltrip, who was celebrating his first win, unaware of Earnhardts.... Smacked hard by Ken schraders car Thats all I ask 's a saying. `` he got so excited that he leapt out of me that I ca n't.... Impact on everyone in the sport the race that eluded Earnhardt over his long career until 1998, was! Confusion about what had happened with the crash person to reach Earnhardt how fast you go it. Being interviewed said it all had separated in the field that day was part of Earnhardt 's and stopped! And I know this is hard. according to NASCAR Sr.s life is. Comforting her NASCAR safety evolution that continues 20 years later his car slid alongside Earnhardt 's death launched NASCAR. He shunned any head and neck safety restraint, unlike some of the doctors that the battle was over want! Policy is available here and youtubes terms of service is available here and youtubes terms of is... For every tourist, Column: we cant afford another writers strike been able to cope with it..!

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