MOTOR SPORTS: Daytona D.A. investigating Earnhardt crash

By Jason Marin Sportsuperstarz.com Columnist

When Dale Earnhardt died it was a tragedy. However, one major question remains from the day that the seven time Winston Cup Champion lost his life in a turn three crash at the Daytona International Speedway. That question is who is to blame for the former star losing his life?

Was it the seat belt? Sterling Marlin? Earnhardt holding back to help Michael Waltrip win the race? What contributed to this horrible tragedy? Who can be held responsible for a tragedy this big in magnitude? Was NASCAR or Daytona responsible for the crash that took the driver’s life?

According to a source in the Volusia County District Attorney’s office there is currently an investigation ongoing to determine if NASCAR or Daytona International Speedway hold any criminal liability for the death of the racing legend. The source told us that several members of the office believe that it is time for NASCAR to be held accountable for their deaths.

“We all think it was a tragedy,” said the source, which spoke with Sportsuperstarz.com on condition of anonymity. “However, they have a very good record of getting away with their tragedies. They had to speed up the cars for this year, this means the wreck could have been prevented. In my opinion, they absolutely hold some responsibility for his death.”

According to members of the D.A.’s office that we spoke with, charges of manslaughter and reckless endangerment are being sought. The office would not comment on who specifically is the target of the investigation, however they did say that several high-ranking officials in both NASCAR and Dayton are being considered. Both charges are high level felonies in Volusia County.

Word of the investigation comes after Teresa Earnhardt requested that the autopsy photographs of her husband not be released to the media. Sources within the D.A.’s office say they have seen those photographs and they tell a gruesome tale. However, the D.A.’s office is also in favor of the photographs not being released.

The death of Earnhardt was the fourth in the last nine months for NASCAR and the ninth in the last ten years. Unlike most major sports, NASCAR involves more risk and therefor they have been slow to react to the death of the racing legend. The last on field related death in major sports occurred in 1908.

According to sources in the Volusia County D.A’s office, this process is not a witch-hunt. It is just a quest to find someone responsible for an act no one wants responsibility for.

Article courtesy of Sportsuperstarz.com