Dale Earnhardt, Sr. Killed at Daytona 500

Having been only a distant and casual observer of NASCAR and Winston Cup Racing, I was a bit surprised to find myself mesmerized and glued to my television during the final dozen laps of the Daytona 500 on Sunday. As Michael Waltrip and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. battled at the front of the lead group of cars during the final laps of the race, I heard the commentators, including Waltrip’s legendary older brother, Darryl, commenting about how the Intimidator was holding off potential challengers. Specifically, they were referring to Sterling Marlin, whose car was thought to be fast enough to make a run at the checkered flag. As the cars headed into the final turn, the camera withdrew and only the smoke and sliding black #3 Chevrolet was visible in the upper corner of the screen. I noticed that, just as his little brother was crossing the finish line and he was cheering through tears, Darryl Waltrip glanced quickly and forebodingly up to where Dale Earnhardt’s car had come to rest on the infield grass.

In that briefest of looks from a wise, old driver, the concern on his face was unmistakable. To an untrained observer, Earnhardt’s impact with the wall seemed rather benign, especially in comparison to the horrific 19-car whirlwind crash that had occurred nearly 25 laps earlier. In that wreck, cars were literally flying all over the track, but a concussion was the most severe injury sustained. The damage to Earnhardt’s car did not appear to be extremely severe, but the "absolute deceleration" that had resulted from his impact with the wall had already killed him. The first rescue workers on the scene were sure that Earnhardt was already gone, even though they had arrived only moments after the crash.

Debates will undoubtedly begin and rage about NASCAR’s lack of mandatory head restraints and Earnhardt’s refusal to employ the optional safety equipment that was available. Having never watched an entire NASCAR event in my entire life, I am certain that, in the span of a few moments, I witnessed the absolute best and the absolute worst of the sport of auto racing.