Dale Jr. Download: Ernie Irvan's Horrific Crash
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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2020
- Legendary NASCAR racer Ernie Irvan lived to tell his story, barely, and joins the Download for a tell-all interview with Dale Earnhardt Jr. His life almost ended in a horrific practice crash that left Irvan with severe head trauma and a 10 percent chance to live. He shares details of his bloody crash and the pocket-knife tracheotomy that saved his life.
For the full interview visit dirtymomedia.com or any podcasting platform. 
Развлечения
I"d also like to add when Ernie won his first race in the 28,he unzipped his driver's suit to reveal a Davey Allison t-shirt. He promised to wear it until he got a win. That was so classy & appreciated by Davey fans.
I am a huge Ernie fan (my first driver in NASCAR, at 5 years old my dad showing me that is the film you have in the camera you got for Christmas, and then Ernie winning the 500). That was a class act. But learn how he got out of the 4 ride and that part of his story was a dirty little secret. Telling Larry McClure you can't afford me after McClure saying they had a binding contract, then blowing multiple engines. Yes Ernie did what he had to do to further his career but man was that a dirty trick he pulled. McClure said Ernie told him I have control over the break peddle, the clutch, and the steering wheel. Basically I can destroy every car and motor you have if you don't let me out of my contract.
@@aaronz9410 honestly, i kinda really respect that, that's super ballsy, shoulda let the man leave
@@SillyGuyVolz then what is the point of a contract? To only protect the driver?
@@aaronz9410 The team felt that Ernie was of high value to them.
Yes it was! I was a big Davy Allison fan and just as big of a Swervin’ Irvin fan after Davy’s death.
My niece jumped the center devider on the interstate in Chicago and hit a semi head on in 2003 and sufferd a base skull fracture ,the neurologist was the same doctor that treated Ernie.
The primary care doc gave her up for dead! The neurologist was 100 percent confident that he could save her and now she has 4 children living a dream life.
That's cool.
So many drivers died from Basilar Skull Fractures, its a real miracle Ernie survived!
It’s what killed Dale Sr as well
Ernie and Stan Smith and Rick Carelli are absolute miracles I agree when it comes to that.
Formula One drivers Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna; IndyCar drivers Bill Vukovich Sr., Tony Bettenhausen Sr., Floyd Roberts, and Scott Brayton; NASCAR drivers Dale Earnhardt Sr., Adam Petty, Tony Roper, Kenny Irwin Jr., Neil Bonnett, John Nemechek, J.D. McDuffie, and Richie Evans; CART drivers Jovy Marcelo, Greg Moore, and Gonzalo Rodriguez; and ARCA drivers Blaise Alexander and Slick Johnson
@@TheUnsilentMajorityBigmo-ev8sr Senna's injury was the result of a suspension part hitting him in the head.
@@TheUnsilentMajorityBigmo-ev8sr didnt senna die from hitting debris which hit his head
That 28 Yates car had Davey and Ernie... both greats who unfortunately ended careers early... dang...
...... and Kenny Irwin Jr.
It was like the 28 was cursed or something when Davey had his crazy 92 season then died in the helicopter accident the next year and then Ernie had his near fatal crash
I was gonna like, but didn't because it is at 28 likes now. RESPECT!
Ernie was a powerhouse from the time he started driving for RYR at end of '93 . I really hated to see that Michigan crash completely upend his career but glad he survived more than anything.
"Swervin' Ernie Irvan" Ernie Irvan was FEARLESS! He was as exciting to watch as anyone I ever saw drive a Stock Car. FEARLESS! Another legendary figure of a truly amazing era of the Sport. Ernie, if you read this... THANK YOU!!! Thank you for the incredible Racing memories.
amen to that!
Next to Davey,Ernie is my all time favorite driver. To come back and win twice in 96 and at Michigan in 97 was amazing. A truly inspirational story. BTW Rest in Peace Robert Yates.
dave and ernie and alan too!
Agreed!
Ernie Irvan is the man. Ocala is so much better for having him as a resident!
Watched him at 99 speedway in Stockton, CA before he made it to Cup. He practically owned that place. Altamont also. He's a super good guy.
Yes he is. Was a big fan. Still am.
The Ocala part caught me off guard. It’s crazy to have a NASCAR driver so close to home
X-Man me tooo
I lived in Ocala/Silver Springs for years. Then Inverness. Never new Ernie lived in O Town. Enjoyed Swervin Ervin back in the Day. God Bless him.
The 28 Texaco Havoline Ford will always be my favorite car. Davey, Ernie, Dale, Kenny, and Ricky all were great drivers. I never met Robert Yates, but I had the honor to meet Doug a few years ago. It was amazing to share that with him.
I grew up an Ernie fan. So much lost potential but a true miracle he is with us today.
It is so good to see Ernie Irvan speaking publicly. Dale Jr does a great job with his podcast! I grew up watching Ernie racing at Stockton 99 Speedway a small high banked 1/4 mile bull ring in Stockton, Ca. He was are local hero that made it to the cup series. He had a great career and I am sure he would have been a cup champion if not for that crash. I am just happy to see him enjoying his Life!
Wow, I was there that morning as a fan. Happen to be doing a pit tour and was watching Ernie run his laps, it was a bit foggy and humid, but anyways, I'll never forget the sound of his car hitting the wall and then the silence.... TOTAL SILENCE everywhere. I couldn't see turn 2 from my point, but all of pit road stopped immediately, Mark Martin jumped into a blue ford tempo and raced out to the incident immediately. No one was saying a word, it was that BAD! If you get a chance, maybe ask Mark if he remembers the ford tempo, or who he stole/borrowed it from. not to make light of the situation by any means though. as always, cheers from Canada.
Ernie Irvan was my guy when I got into NASCAR, it was such a thrill watching him drive
Ernie is a top 5 most miraculous case of survival & comeback
He crashed a second time at MIS, five years later on the same day of his life altering crash, in a grand national event, which put him back in the hospital & promptly retired
Years after his retirement his house burned down, he lost everything, so NASCAR got together with all of tracks that Ernie won & replaced every NASCAR trophy to him in a special ceremony
Basal skull fracture. That was same injury that killed Dale Sr. It was an absolute miracle it did not kill him outright.
Based on what I’ve read, they gave him 10% chance of survival initially. It’s an absolute miracle Ernie survived the crash
@@bigjmac0816 Being old - 61 - I remember when this happened. They did not expect him to make it and if he did, he would never have a normal life let alone drive again. The fact he had three more years behind the wheel and looks as good as he does is a miracle.
A lot of drivers have had it , Ernie is the only one I can think of to survive. I know there is one or two others I read about but usually it's a quick death.
Basically its another term for a Fractured Skull - Quite Crazy Ernie survived it but not Dale
@@JJA1987 no it's not. It's a fracture at the base of the skull and is close to internal decapitation. His brain stem remain attached, so that was a big piece of survival.
Ive wondered about Ernie for many years. Big part of my growing up. Lookin good buddy.
Really enjoyed this show. Glad to see Ernie Irvan. Man what hard work to get back to where he is. A true miracle!
Irvan.
People love to say "if this guy wouldnt have got hurt, or died, or lost his ride" or whatever, they would have been a champion and its exaggerated. But really, Ernie Irvan, there's no doubt in my mind, would have been a Nascar Champion and had at least 30-40 wins if he hadn't gotten hurt.
Same with Davey, then Ernie, then Kenny Irwin drove the car and died after he left the 28. The 28 was cursed during those years, Ricky Rudd was the one to finally break the curse and that was at the end of his career (and the end of RYR's successful run) so he wasn't able to fully show his or the 28s ability.
Once Ernie got out of the 4 his true talent really came out. He would have won a ton of races and would have been close and may have won a championship or two in there.
Disagree completely. He was far too reckless and dangerous even before his vision troubles from the accident. Of all the guys over the years that people speculate about winning championships if not for one thing or another, the only one I truly believe would've been a champion was Davey Allison and I'm including Tim Richmond in that statement.
@@yojoeski the recklessness was from over-driving the 4 car. His last full year at MM he started to settle down. There is no doubt he was aggressive but the "dangerous" stuff was in his past.
@@yojoeski Like Kyle Bush?
He survived a Basal Skull Fracture ?? That is absolutely insane that he survived it !
Not only survive but race again is mind boggling
@@TheBushRanger. not just race again, win again with a goddamn eye patch on. He was a badass
I’m glad y’all talked to Ernie. I still can’t believe he came back from that. That’s just absolutely incredible.
This was my dude for a few years.
I've been wanting to hear about this for 25 years. He was one of the best.
I loved Erine Irvan back in the 90`s and still do, so happy to see him again and happy for him and his family. i still have so much memorabilia of his and no one else.
I'll never forget praying so hard for Ernie.
I was and still am a huge Ernie Irvan fan. This is pretty cool! Thank you all for having him on the show!
He was my guy from the #4 Kodak days. Dale Jr became my man in his Busch series day. Awesome to see them together.
Huge fan, Ernie. I am so glad you were able to come back from the crash and win again. I don't think there was a driver that charged harder than you. So many great memories. Good to see you looking well.
One of my favorite drivers. So glad he beat the odds and is here today for himself, his family and us fans.
Ernie is my all time favorite driver it broke my heart when he crashed at Michigan and made it back to drive the 28 in 96 and he just wasn't the same driver. If that crash never happened he would of won multiple championships and at least 35+ wins.
That first weekend, they gave him a ten percent chance of surviving... It was over a year before he got back in a car, but his first race back (North Wilkesboro if I remember right) in the fall of '95, he finished sixth. Then he won two races and (again, if I remember right) one of the Twin 125 qualifying races at Daytona in '96.
Sounds about right.
DRIVING with an EYE PATCH no less!!!
Dude, how can you forget that he also won at Michigan?!
This man survived a Basilar Skull Fracture, what a fucking hero man
So glad you had Ernie on Dale. I am relieved to see him doing well. I bumped into him in the pits at Hickory a year or so after he retired and he was so friendly to talk to me for a few minutes. At that time he was having some difficulty speaking. He could do it but he was struggling. His mind was right but it must have been so hard for him to do that. So pleased to see he's progressed so well.
I'll never forget your dad sticking up for him at that driver's meeting at Daytona early in his career after he'd caused a big pile up. Never seen anything like it since.
Was a big Irvan fan back in the 90s. Glad to see him again and well.
That guys has always been a hero of mine..to come back from what he went through is incredible.
Will always be a fan of Ernie Irvan.
Swervin Irvin
My brother's driver
Mine was always Davie Allison
Man....he looks so much better today. What an awesome and amazing story of survival!
Tracheostomy...Glad you made it through that. We were at Daytona for a SCCA race that weekend.
So glad you lived. We missed seeing you after that wrecked glad you're doing very well now
Awesome podcast. I'm glad you did that interview with Ernie 👍💞🤗💞 IT was a MIRACLE that trauma doctor was right there. Ernie is a living MIRACLE from that unbelievable wreck 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
I wasn't sure how I would feel about this episode but just this small bit and how you guys were for Ask Jr makes me want to watch it all. I really wish we could watch complete episodes. It's so much richer and feels more complete when I can see everyone and their expressions.
Swervin' Irvan-always a joy watching him behind the wheel!! - good interview!
The 28 car was cursed. Thinking about the run of misery that number laid down on it's drivers is scary to think about. I don't know how Larry Mac's not in the mental institution after both Davey's passing and Ernie's accident. Michigan just had it out for Ernie, the track got the last salvo in, in the end and it sucks. I was sad for him when he had to retire. He deserved to go out in a better way than that.
It’s so good to see and hear from you Ernie I miss seeing you driving an thank you Dale for getting Ernie on the show ❤️👍👍👍❤️
Miss you ernie. One of the greatest drivers ever. You enjoy life. Keep going forward. We love you for all you have done in the sport.
So glad To see this video, Being that I am A huge Ernie Irvan fan, and would love to hear more about where his story goes after NASCAR.
Met Ernie as a kid, great guy. Glad technology came a long way and glad he pulled through. Wish some others were here too but their sacrifice was not in vain.
Alright! An interview and questions I've been waiting for.
Thanks Dale!
Great clip Dale. Thanks Ernie, I know that was not easy.
I met Ernie Irvan in Charleston about 10 years ago. Really nice guy.
That same excellent physician is still practicing at the same track to this day! He just recently retired full time practice.
Glad that you are still with us Ernie... I have been a fan of yours for years and have a "Tool Box Cart" made by your Dad at Irvan-Smith Inc from the mid 90's that love! See Ya, Mike...
I was at the track when you made your come back. I was a big fan at the First Brickyard 400 and was rooting for you!
Nice. I been wondering how Ernie been doing. Good to see him again.
There needs to be a Ernie Irvan Documentary.
Finally! I hope there more to his interview and the details about his comeback.
There's so much more. Listen to the full podcast at dirtymomedia.com or any podcasting platform.
My grandpa's favorite driver. I've been ready for this one
Man, I sure liked Ernie. Huge respect to you sir, you were a champion. ☮️ He was ‘NAILS’ on the track. 👏🏻👏🏻
It’s obvious with this interview, he still has some effects from that crash and others he took afterwards. I was amazed to see him come back period but to get a win at Michigan mustva been the day’s meow!
Considering he had two of em in 5 years at the same track and the same injury but the 2nd one wasn't as severe as the one in 1994
Being a lifelong Allison fan (Bobby, Donnie, & Davey), it was hard accepting Ernie in the 28 at first. His crash in the 92 Atlanta race collected Davey and cost him the championship. They say winning cures everything and I would say it did. I became a diehard Ernie fan. I am glad he's doing well.
That was one great podcast, also enjoyed Mark Martin
Thanks for doing these shows
Ernie gave 100% every lap and then some 🏁👍
Ernie Irvan was my idol I was so elated when he returned to racing when they were talking it was unlikely he would return but it was short lived in the 28 car and he ended up driving the 36 skittles pontiac until he retired just broke my heart to see him struggle and he dissappeared off the face of the earth and never heard from him again until recently still a fan ernie
This is awesome what Dale Jr does 😃👍
I was a huge fan and I remember him having a less than 10% chance of surviving the first night. Watching the news report with my dad and I think we were both resigned to the inevitable. But he made it through that night, and the next, and the next... each day they percentages would get better. The fact that he managed to win 3 races after that, wearing a freaking patch over one eye, is still unbelievable. To get one of them at Michigan even more so; nothing like passing the very spot that almost took you, 200 times in a row, at 200mph.
Forever an Ernie Irvan fan. I still have my copy of Winston Cup Scene from his first win after he came back from the crash.
Ernie was awesome
It's just a blessing!
Great Show!
He looks and sounds great for all he has been through.
great interview great person
He was one of my favorite drivers. Such a scary time when he crashed!
Basular Skull Fracture gave me chills hearing that again
Ironically, Irvan lost control of his Kodak car in 92 that cost Allison the championship. But won back a lot fans while sitting in the Texaco Havoline seat. Great driver, great guy.
Ernie Irvan was my all time favorite driver. I have about all his diecast in my collection. Best race watching as a kid was the 1991 Daytona 500 in the #4 Kodak car.
It was great to see you sir, I still have a sidewall cut of a tire from the #36 skittles car hanging in my garage!
I was a Rusty fan back in the day but always liked/pulled for Irvan! He had the right type of swagger /talent to be one of the all time greats in this sport but fate robbed him and us of that. He could win at any type of track and his desire to dominate races/lead the most laps was a scary combo. Irvan immediately elevated McClure racing when he replaced Rick Wilson in 1990. The #4 Morgan McClure car was a "solid" ride in the 80's but he took it to another level. The "Swervin Irvan" nickname was always extremely unfair since it defines only a short portion of his career. He definitely had stretch of poor decision making during the first 1.5 years in the 4 car. However, once he made that apology at Talladega he really became a different/better driver.
I went to nearly every race at Dover and Pocono during the 90's but sadly never saw Irvan win. He had Dover won in June 1997 (last 500 miler there) before hitting oil and wrecking with about 30 laps left. That was probably the closest he came with me in attendance.
So glad Ernie made it!!
I was listening the morning that Ernie called in to the John-Boy and Billy show on WRFX in CLT from his hospital bed...Nobody at the hospital or his people knew he was on the phone. It was classic, and once John-Boy figured out what was going on they went to commercial....Nothing was said out of the way but it was Ernie letting his fans know he was still alive.
Wow, I miss that guy. Irvan was a great driver.
Me too, I was happier than a pig in sh** when I heard he was going to be the driver of the #28!
Started on pole at Sonoma, had a flat (I think) early in the race and drove from last to 1st in the Kodak car (Morgan McClure Racing #4) Incredible drive.
Him coming to and realizing that he was supposed to be driving the 28 car despite not knowing anything else reminds me of my first concussion. I had no idea what happened, I kept asking if it was a car accident, if I got hit by a truck, if my siblings were okay, but also knew to ask if my bike was okay 😂 brains are weird
Hard Charging Ernie Irvan !!!
About ready to watch this full episode on NBCSN. 😉
My dad was at this race with my older brothers and his buddies. Been to pry 25 races at Michigan, and every time my dad would tell me about this wreck.
Woah, he actually seen it?! That's crazy!
What did he say about it?
Yes sir, my dad watched this wreck in real time, live. Said it was hands down the hardest hes ever seen anyone hit the wall up there. He really thought Ernie died on impact. I started going 6 yrs later when I was 3 to the June and August races every year. Hardest wreck i saw up there, was around the same area of the track, Bobby Labonte hit the wall hard coming out if 2 and caught fire in the back straight away. We were always camped behind the TV tower in turn 3.
Sorry, was not Labonte, am thinking of his wreck at Chicagoland, the one I saw that I remember was Todd Bodine and Kenny Wallace
When to High School with Ernie, Man did I Cry and Pray when he crashed! Glad to see he's doing OK! Sup Ernie?
That was my 1st day at a Nascar track. I had a scanner that could pick up cell phone calls, and heard a conversation about Ernie and that he probably wasn't gonna live.
Ernie, good to see you. Hope all is well.
Ernie Irvan rocked a race car!! Love this mans skills
Here it is 26 years later and I never knew it was a basilar skull fracture. I remember that clear as day, as it was the only time I remember hearing about NASCAR on the local news that wasn't about the Labonte brothers (KIII Channel 3 in Corpus Christi). It was also the day I got a red power ranger from the store that had the flippable head. August 20, 1994 I believe.
A memorable day indeed.
I sure hope we get more of Ernie's interview here on youtube! Always loved Ernie. Folks, BUY & READ ( if it's still in print ) Ernie's autobiography, it was published years ago, and it IS Ernie himself, telling his entire life story. BEST BOOK EVER relating to stock car racing, and I'm not even kidding. I couldn't put it down. He talks about other drivers & stories pertaining to them, intense stories both on and off the track, and it's just like Ernie is sitting there telling you face to face, IT'S THAT GOOD. It was years ago, so sorry, I can't recall the exact name of his autobiography. ( After reading it, I loaned it to someone else, and you know how that usually turns out. ) Example: Ernie explains the REAL reason that Bill Elliot was so dominant & won his only championship. Can anyone else reading this guess WHY Elliot was so strong that year? I know, thanks to Ernie......and know what Ernie said was true, because after "the secret" of Bill's car was leaked, it spelled the end of his dominant streak & he never won another championship, because the following season, ALL cars had "the secret". I would have never known, if not for Ernie's book. THANKS ERNIE, LOVE YA MAN!!!
The book name was no fear
@@joegeorge6143 Ah......Thank you George. Did you read it? I'm gonna wait to see if or when anyone comes up with the correct answer for why Bill Elliot's car was so dominant that year. Not even the other Ford teams knew what they were doing. Everyone was crying foul, but NASCAR was shown what they were doing & told everyone else "it's perfectly legal". Later in the season, they finally shared it with at least a couple other Ford teams, who also began running much better. But after season's end, someone leaked the info & by the next Daytona 500, every car in the field had it. So..........does anyone know the answer? I'll wait a while & spill the beans if no one else comes up with it first.
Have not read the book "No Fear", but I think part of Bill's success was swirl chamber cylinder head/piston combination
@@danaitz203 Nope. Not even close. And keep in mind, as I stated originally: Once the info leaked about what they were doing ( Elliot's team at first, and then 2 or 3 other Ford teams later in that same season ), and everyone had it ( ALL teams of every make ) for the new season, it ended Elliot's AND Ford's dominant streak. This is why you can bet the farm that Ernie was right. He knew, he was an insider after all. HINT: Power is nothing without control.
God he was lucky. I remember that season. He was tearin it up prior to that wreck
I believe that Ernie was first in laps led for the season even though he was unable to compete for the rest of the season.
It’s good to see Ernie in this condition today. I talked to Ernie at an appearance later in the 1990’s at a Save Mart in Oakdale, CA, back when they were the primary sponsor for the Sonoma race. He seemed punch drunk, not fully coherent. Ernie was jovial, but not the same as he was before the Michigan wreck. Honestly, I thought he’d never get back to the point he has today.
Nice to see you
Good to see Ernie.
I remember watching Ernie at Concord, NC Speedway before they paved the place. It was shortly after he came East from California, and he could drive the wheels off a dirt late model! Seems like it was yesterday!
I saw Earnie at Hickory Speedway last year watching his son race.
i was a huge fan of Ernie Irvan back in the 90`s
A miracle he lived , much less able to drive again !
Larry McReynolds told a story that the 3 pit crew took the 28 backup car off the hauler and put it in the garage on jack stands so NASCAR could inspect it.
Wow, a basilar skull fracture! I knew he had like a 90% chance of not surviving the night, but I never knew he had that. Ernie is lucky to be alive, let alone, able to function and win a race a year or so later!
Hall of Famer. no question. When he was in the 28, that team started rollin' better than it ever had. No disrespect to Davey, but Ernie out performed him
I am old enough to remember Ernie and he was a great driver. Davey Allison is another one that could have given a lot to NASCAR.
It's a fascinating piece I have not seen ernie Irvan in a while. I did see the what if if ernie irvan hadn't had that bad wreck at Michigan I mean he might have stopped Earnhardt from getting a 7th title.