Dale Earnhardt Sr., seven times NASCAR Winston Cup Champion, died due to injuries sustained during a two car collision at the Feb. 18 Daytona 500
Earnhardt lost control of his #3 Chevy Monte Carlo after he was nudged by Sterling Marlin. He crashed and turned four on the last lap of the race, taking Ken Schrader into the wall with him at 180 mph.
NASCAR officials are calling this an unforeseen tragedy. Earnhardt’s death comes less than a year after the deaths of two fellow Winston Cup drivers, Adam Petty and Kenny Irwin.
He was 49 years old and survived by his wife and four children, including Dale Earnhardt Jr. who finished second in the Daytona 500.
Earnhardt’s accomplishments include 676 starts and 76 wins.
Remembering a legend: Dale Earnhardt dies at Daytona 500
February 22, 2001
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