25 Years Ago: Daytona 500 Ends In Tragedy With Death Of Dale Earnhardt
The Legendary Dale Earnhardt Died On February 18, 2001
Tragically, Dale Earnhardt’s incredible career as a talented driver and beloved sports personality came to a devastating end during the final laps of the 2001 Daytona 500, which was held on February 18th, 2001.
Dale Earnhardt was a true racing legend and was regarded as one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history. He was given several nicknames such as “Ironhead,” “The Intimidator,” and “The Man in Black.”
During the final few laps of the race, three teammates all vying for the same prize and were sitting pretty in the top three places. Michael Waltrip was poised to win with teammates Dale Sr. and Dale Jr. hot on his heels – which would have made for an incredible team victory.
Sadly, the day was marked by tragedy as a few moments later, Earnhardt Sr. made light contact with Sterling Martin’s car and lost control of his own car. As he struggled to regain control while traveling upwards of 150 MPH, he turned the car slightly and came straight in front of Ken Schrader’s vehicle striking the outside wall of turn four with incredible force and getting pinned by Schrader as they slowly lost momentum.
Schrader was able to exit his vehicle after the cars came to a stop and rushed to check on Earnhardt in the famous #3 car. It was then that Schraeder knew his friend was in serious trouble and frantically called for medical assistance, flagging the field medics over. After being transported to a nearby hospital emergency trauma center, doctors determined that Dale Earnhardt Sr. had died on impact from a basilar skull fracture.
The Earnhardt family has never held it against Schrader, in fact, they take solace in the fact that Dale’s good friend was likely the last person who saw him alive.
Watch this emotional interview between Dale Jr. and Ken Schrader where they discuss the events of that day below.
Dale’s Death Changed Racing Forever
Now, 25 years later – the world of NASCAR has made incredible leaps in the safety measures taken to protect drivers, teammates, crewmen, and the spectators. A critical change in safety devices was implemented as a direct result of Dale Sr.’s fatal accident, and it likely has saved countless lives.
In October 2001, NASCAR mandated HANS devices be used in all cars for the top three series. The HANS device is a “Head And Neck Support” that greatly reduces driver injuries in crashes and specifically the basilar skull fracture injury.
The legacy of Dale Earnhardt Sr. has lived on for 25 years since his death and he remains one of the most influential drivers in the history of American motorsports.
The 2026 Daytona 500 marked the 25th Daytona race since the legend’s passing, and he was honored in more ways than one.
Since Dale Sr. drove for Richard Childress Racing, every Richard Childress Racing car sported a black #3 sticker above the door.
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Additionally, on the third lap of the 2026 Daytona 500, nearly every fan in the stands stood quietly, holding up three fingers in honor of Dale Sr.
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