Dale Earnhardt dies in last lap crash
at Daytona
Dale Earnhardt, seven time Winston Cup Chmpion, died on Friday, February 18th as a result of head sustained in a last lap crash in the season opening Daytona 500. "He died instantly," said NASCAR president Mike Helton as he announced the tragedy at 7:00 pm EST. A news conference is scheduled for later this evening.
Earnhardt was tapped on the rear fender by Sterling Marlin in Turn 4 of the last lap of the Daytona 500. His car went straight into the wall after collecting Ken Schrader's car. The two cars came to rest on the infield grass. Earnhardt had to be cut from his car, and taken immediately to the hospital where he was last listed in serious condition.
Michael Waltrip went on to win the race, in a car owned by Earnhardt. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. finished second, but quickly left the track immediately after the race.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of this racing great. May God bless them in their time of sorrow.
