2001 Dale Earnhardt And Darrell Waltrip Interview On FOX Sports Net

[@thegreatcarraway]

He has such balls he's just like "Hold the fuck on is DW working I need to talk to him..."

[@Jpw824]

Had

[@ilikepepsi3883]

If that man had lived, he could have made an absolute killing doing TV. Just a natural charisma about him that would have made him a blast to watch.

[@nazcarcup]

ilikepepsi3883 a lot like his buddy neil bonnet. charisma and great tv skill.

[@packisbetter90]

Yah imagine today if he was on fox with the guys like waltrip, gordon, joy, and mcreynolds. Be awesome

[@Dardev123]

At least Jr will be in the broadcast booth in 2018

[@88fanforlife]

I totally agree and we’re gonna see some of that next year and years to come with Jr in the booth

[@DuckOfRubber]

TV? He'd still be driving.

[@epzik8]

I love how Dale completely avoids the question about his Shootout car versus his 500 car just so he could talk with Darrell. Dale had a cool "It's my interview and I'll say what I want to" attitude.

[@b2b545]

epzik8 agreed what a badass

[@fatpatlives1998]

By that point dale was in control of nascar from a driver perspective like MJ in the NBA everyone followed his lead but I think his death was caused by the seat belt

[@a.m.creativ]

Agreed! This man would've ended up running NASCAR after retiring from the track had he not tragically passed away. There was no way NASCAR had the balls to fine him for not following interview protocol like they do now.

[@stellarwind1946]

It was more like he wanted to talk to one of his peers and someone he had a lot of respect for in Darrell.

[@michaelm2998]

@@fatpatlives1998 um no if he was wearing a HANS device, he would have lived regardless of the improperly installed seat belts

[@ColtIS350f]

I’m 30 now, was 8 on that fateful day and I will ever in my life forget it. I don’t remember a lot from back then but I remeber every little event and detail of that day. I honestly had never seen this interview and I will not lie, I needed to see this. Dales wreck still haunts me and hurts to this day, 22 years later. RIP Dale and fly high #3!

[@roneasleyjr.1831]

Agreed!!! Don't think I'll ever get over it!!! Miss my Superman!!!

[@GonF93]

😭😭😭😭😭

[@kobyparks7007]

I was 7 going on 8. Saw him race twice at Texas in ‘99 and 2000 and saw him and Jr celebrating together for Jr’s first win. It was so unreal losing this man. Long live Dale. Rest in Peace❤️

[@ThePaintballernick]

It's really earie that they're talking about this right before his death

[@Bean-ox9jq]

He died from not wearing a Hans device... He was 49 years old and had multiple neck surgeries... It was only a matter of time..

[@Paranormal_Gaming_]

@@Bean-ox9jq How do you know were you there??!!

[@Bean-ox9jq]

@@Paranormal_Gaming_ I wasn't there, but that's what the doctors said when they had to make a statement... What the hell is your problem kid?

[@VicRattlehead1980]

@@Bean-ox9jq He's an idiot who isn't worth arguing with. Some people don't like facts.

[@bigandbeastly9274]

@@Bean-ox9jq agree unfortunately. A lot of people don’t know about his previous neck injuries. He knew every time he stepped in a race car that could’ve been it. Although it was a tragic death, he died doing what he loved at the end of the day. RIP intimidator

[@davesikes7309]

I'm not sure "legend" is even big enough of a word to describe this man. He was truly larger than life. The kind of person who walked in a room, and everyone stopped and watched. But also humble enough not to exploit that. Amazing human being.

[@quentindiaz9418]

He was the NASCAR God. Petty was the King but Dale was so special.

[@michellelemar1995]

Dave Sikes Just like Elvis, when the Intimidator was in the room the whole room was electrified!

[@danielcanales3404]

There will never be another one like Dale Sr. Point blank period.

[@gloriaannopperman2734]

The Oppermans from Texas will always love and miss you Dale Earnhardt Sr, your devoted fans forever

[@Chillforev-dd9wr]

Exactly he has a mythical persona and he will forever be a champion in death sure JJ has 7 championships but he is kinda bland rip Dale and fly high #3

[@BarryJowers]

So eerie they're talking about his seat and his open face helmet and the next day I lost my hero :( But I had never seen Earnhardt show up at the racetrack in a better mood than he did during 2001 speedweeks.

[@boltonbiggs3]

This Day Was February 12th Because They Also Talked About The Budweiser Shootout From The Day Before And That Was Ran On February 11th

[@BarryJowers]

+Bolton Biggs you're right I didn't even catch that

[@thespaceman2243]

No this was Monday February 12th, as they are talking about the Shootout. You can tell by the part of the conversation that starts at 2:50 when Dale is talking about how his left side tires had 70 laps on them. Back in 2001 the Twin 125's were still 50 laps long and the Shootout was 70.

[@daniele.644]

Good call, I believe you're right.

[@boltonbiggs3]

Daniel Elbert

[@theoriginalshew]

Didnt realize how much Jr sounds like his old man (Voice wise)

[@reubensteel4632]

Chip off the ol block as they say

[@jeffomspaugh6691]

How could anyone not love Dale Earnhardt?

[@Jimaybob]

I mean he seems like a total asshole, I'm more confused by how he became a legend given his terrible attitude

[@zanemarte9877]

@@Jimaybob After getting called to the office of NASCAR president Bill Jr in late 1980's he became a better person and driver to that day.

[@honchoryanc]

@@Jimaybob he's endearing and charismatic

[@merlotpapi4930]

@@Jimaybob I agree with you 100%, the kind of people that find his attitude endearing are the same types of clowns who think Minion memes and Family guy are still funny. Abrasive shitty attitude who drove through people like Kyle Busch's worst years but it's ok because he had a drawl.

[@joshpitts7256]

@@merlotpapi4930 stick with 🎾

[@daveb4013]

52 cars in practice competing for 43 spots, NASCAR of old.

[@JasonTigno]

Now they can’t even get 39 cars for 40 spots

[@wolfman21]

There were 80 some cars on the entry list for the first brickyard

[@DupontandLowesWarrior]

75 Drivers in The 1950 Southern 500

[@robertopucheta7564]

@@DupontandLowesWarrior 59 cars daytona 500 1959

[@santinopucheta1111]

2007 Daytona 500: hold my beer

[@dwent77]

'I dont know... is Darrel working today?' I love Earnhardt!

[@richardmorris7063]

Loved him since he was a rookie. Still have hats, t shirts gloves w/ #3 on them.

[@personale-mail1393]

The open face helmet not only helped his field of view, he felt the air on his face. He could read the air better than anyone. The way the airflow and air pressure would change in the interior of the car when he was side by side with another car as opposed to in line. So many cues from the air on his face alone. He couldnt see the wind, but he could talk to it just about. Now he rides it, I am sure. Forever the Man. Dale Earnhardt. : )

[@NickyD]

and now its banned because it was dangrous he wouldnt have ever gotten away with it now a days

[@mikemerrill8054]

"When it's blowing in your face you can."- Dale Sr about the open face helmet and "seeing" the wind.

[@officerlarry2686]

No ,he could see the air. It's not easy to explain but as a driver myself I get what he's saying. It goes beyond feeling it.

[@KohenWizard]

@@NickyD if I’m not mistaken (lord knows I probably am) they Banned the open face helmet because Dale’s chin banged against the steering wheel causing his death

[@MisterTwister88]

@@KohenWizard His chin didn’t hit the steering wheel, he died from a basal skull fracture. If hed been wearing a HANS device, he would have stood a much better chance of survival.

[@eduardopadilla6464]

20 years later and still real shocking to know that this is where Big E was the happiest he's ever been in his life, as he once mentioned the night before the 01' Daytona 500. And to see this footage, how happy and settled he looked during this interview. To know that that the practice car in this video was the car he passed away in during the final lap of the 500, just gives this video a dark eerie feel. RIP Dale. You're still the man!

[@DixytheGoat9]

I heard from Dale Jr Download with Mike Joy that after he would retire from Nascar he would run with the The Lemas cars

[@FishingPleasures]

Thank you for uploading this. I haven't seen this footage since 2001. Brings back many fond memories. I sure do miss him.

[@rosscorlett4592]

What’s scary is DW is arguing Dale about wearing the open face helmet. Almost as if he was hinting to Dale, “Something is going to happen to you.”

[@Jimaybob]

Almost as if Dale died because he refused to use basic safety equipment that was available to and used by all other drivers...
But I forgot he's a hero because he won a lot of races and his death was a tragedy even though it was caused by his refusal to use safety equipment

[@hotdogs5265]

@@Jimaybob helmet would not make a difference. It was his seatbelt that broke. They were wearing those helmets forever back in the day and hit walls at 210mph+ and no safer barriers.

[@Jimaybob]

Hot Dogs His seatbelts broke because he wore them incorrectly and didn’t tighten them properly, a closed face helmet would have at least prevented some of the damage done by the steering column, and his refusal to use a HANS device and vociferous arguments against its adoption likely cost him
his life and the lives of many other drivers.
Dale Earnhardt argued against almost any improvements to NASCAR safety and then died in a crash that would have been survivable with those safety improvements. He was a fucking idiot

[@Jimaybob]

Hot Dogs so because others had crashed like this and not died this means that safety equipment would have made no difference?
That is horrible reasoning. If the risk of dying in a crash is 1 in 100, of course the vast majority of accidents will not result in a fatality. However, let’s say a safety device could reduce those odds to 1 in 1000.
Wouldn’t it be much better to adopt the safety device, even if that accident was usually survived without it?

[@hotdogs5265]

@@Jimaybob many drivers did not wear the HANs device at the time. Him possibly loosing his belts during the red flag and not retightening them was a the main factor. The investigation even said that a full face helmet would have not made a difference.

[@MrXylo1966]

He was such a driving force within the Nascar community. Sadly missed, fondly remembered.

[@WRLeGrand]

There just has not been a personality like him in NASCAR since the day he died.

[@zachhatten261]

Ryan LeGrand I don't know Clint Bowyer is pretty charismatic

[@crowley29]

Tony stewart does his interview almost the same way

[@AlonsoRules]

Tony Stewart was pretty good but he's retired now

[@DLBlckwl]

I think Kyle Busch has been trying to be the next Earnhardt attitude-wise. But it ain't the same.

[@jimmybraum942]

Ryan Blaney has a personality

[@brentanic]

I miss this guy. Not so much because of the legend behind the wheel, but the funny interviews and the character Dale was. I bet ya he wouldn't have changed to this day and would probably be a full-time owner by now with DEI still in operu

[@brentanic]

Operation*

[@quentindiaz9418]

for sure. DEI would be the new Hendrick Motorsports or JGR of today. RCR would probably be more stronger with the help of Dale as well. I fkin miss DEI.

[@crowley29]

Dei would definitely still be around and i wonder if tony stewart would of been driving for dei at some point in his career too. The way dale did interviews is really close to how stewart did his interviews.. And Especially how jr and tony got along and earnhardt was the one that found harvick and we all know how close tony and Kevin are. Just imagine harvick stewart and jr driving for dale earnhardt sr that might of been something

[@MrChill156]

@@crowley29 Im not sure why your comment isnt more well liked!

[@VicRattlehead1980]

Yup. He would have been Junior Johnson AFTER Junior Johnson.

[@brimtime8117]

Wow, just gave me chills when they were all talking about his helmet and his seat position. Sad day for NASCAR that Sunday. He was the face of the entire NASCAR organization and it was all gone in 1 wreck.

[@hardenmatt82]

Hehe if it's blowing in your face you can see it. Classic Earnhardt

[@MileyonDisney]

Dale will always be missed. He was the greatest racer ever. And a good man.

[@MrWrestling2]

It is unthinkable they are talking about all the controversial objects involved in his death the day before.

[@jeffhammers5677]

He was very nice....he once went out of his was to compliment me for having done what he thought was a good job at a lunchtime show I put on during a Nascar race that Dale ultimately won at Seattle International raceways

[@MrBigShot110]

Car sounded amazing.

[@gallennorris782]

Dale Earnhardt was the toughest competitor in nascar but also one of the funniest as shown here. wish nascar had more drivers like him today and the racing would be better

[@Blackisbeautifull96]

I remember being 10 years old in my 4th grade class and hearing my teacher (ms. Stanley) talk about him with our class. Even though the Majority of us weren’t NASCAR fans, for some reason, we listened quietly as she talked about him. I remember going home that afternoon and turning to ESPN and seeing all the reports about his life and his death, his wins and his losses and it just made me feel so sad. Dale Earnhardt Will never be forgotten in my mind. Truly one of a kind. It’s always the Real that die first

[@tcevans1962]

First time seeing this. It does give me chills. I lost my hero the next day. Miss your candor, and your talent as a race car driver. You were the best and I miss you like I miss a member of my own family.

[@realdealaneil]

Watching this fifteen years later, the technology advancement is amazing

[@DerrickRG]

Improve the technology all they want, they can't fix the shitty racing.

[@zanemarte9877]

SinikkaL The 2016 season was some of the sorrowiest racing since 2000 and that contributed the start of stage racing. Do you really want to go back to sorrow racing and aero packages that gives one manufacturer UNFAIR advantages and no competition from other teams except in the plate races.

[@raymonddionne5088]

What's amazing is that it took so long for safety sdvances. Did you know that for about 25 years that there is a sensor on an Indycar tire to let you know that it's losing air pressure? Sometimes the crew sees it and tells the driver before an accident happens. Hans device the safer barrier. Ray Harroun who won the first Indy 500 in 1911 48 years before the first Daytona 500 invented the rear view mirror so he didn't have to have a riding mechanic. You know when you're going 200+ mph with your HEAD sticking out of the car you'll probably think up some safety features

[@cfishernb]

I was a massive Nascar fan and even bigger Earnhardt fan. As a 9 year old, the day he died part of me died. That was the first true loss I ever felt. Watching this interview... I just wish we had another decade of this man being with us. Not even racing... but him trackside or in the booth would have been gold. He softened up so much in his last years and we really get to see his personality shine in some of these old clips.

[@markwallace5274]

Here I am in 2022 still missing Dale Sr a true Man’s man he had the talent and charisma that’s soo rare lots of talented drivers but very few have both and none of them will ever be Dale Earnhardt

[@StevosNetwork]

Very erie interview...watch till the end...erie...

[@Ka_Gg]

Sad that this is one of the last interviews before he died, but a great memory as to his personality. He had a good sense of humor. Really wish I could have met him.

[@KeyoRacing]

The thing about that Dayton he seemed to be in a REALLY FUN GOOD mood that whole speed week. I wasn't a fan of his but i remember telling my GF at the time... "This is THE best I've ever seen his mood... he just seemed more relaxed with himself than i had EVER seen him.

[@JJA1987]

Keith Yo Darrell admitted Dale was the happiest he was in his life at the time which is very obvious from the video

[@KeyoRacing]

TheDieHardWWEAddict
Its sad.

[@chrismooney5737]

Keith Yo how could you not be s fan of dale sr

[@devinaschenbrenner2683]

@@chrismooney5737 simple I was 7 and Liked Mark Martin.

[@JivinJoe1984]

You it sucks that we have to watch old tapes to remember what the greatest driver sounded like, but that's reality and I never get tired of watching my fav driver to this day and always will. God bless Ralph Dale Earnhardt Sr

[@MappythePoliceMouse]

One of Dale Earnhardt's final interviews. Very sad. :(

[@BestBuds]

Yet very funny.

[@cajunfamily5227]

What was sad was the one right before the 500 something along the lines of You gonna see somethin you ant never seen today

[@cedricfeacher5993]

no the last interview is Daytona 500 2001 before the race

[@cedricfeacher5993]

ruclips.net/video/JFzfx1u94L8/видео.html

[@spoda81]

And that my friends is how gentleman handle their differences

[@ghosttargets9288]

Dale is certainly missed. RIP Dale.

[@twotoned1000]

My dad was at the race looking at turn 4 from the camping area. We'd just gotten to Florida at 3 that morning He left the race with 20 laps to go since he hadn't slept at all . And I'll always remember the way he cried when he found out Dale had passed away on the very spot he had been watching all afternoon he was my dad's favorite driver still gives me goosebumps

[@richardmorris7063]

He's not the only man to shed a tear that day.

[@drinkmesilly]

I so miss all the drivers that were racing then. Nascar hasnt been the same since winston left as sponser.

[@ekardnnam897]

yeah. dont even get me started. thats when they started to become the wwe of racing, and alienated all of us old timers who had watched it all our lives.

[@Manuel-ox1gk]

I don't even watch it anymore. Growing up I watched every race. I watched NASCAR from 1995 up until 2016. It's not been the same for awhile. Once I learned you could miss 1/3 of the season and be champion, I lost interest. It's not that there isn't talent, the system just sucks. And NASCAR turned it's back on the fans who made it popular when that trust fund baby Brian France took over. He has no passion for it like Bill France, Jr and SR had.

[@michelleloehmann3385]

drinkmesilly absolutely correct

[@rcracer8872]

Yes I miss the Winston cup too

[@mnphiladelphiaflyers3070]

Then Jamie Mcmuarry droven the good wrench car

[@kylewilliams4156]

Man, this really hits you in the feels. A wonderful man gone way to soon.

[@HikaritheGreat]

"Wait a minute, I worked with him for a year and a half he ain't NEVER wrong!" 😂😂😂

[@brianhenkel1886]

The only thing that could of saved Dale in that wreck would of been a soft wall. Dale was the best driver ever hands down, but being the best all gave him a false sense of security I believe. His accident was a freak accident I have never seen a wreck like it before or after his. He gave everything to the sport including his life. If we could go back in time and mandate all the rules that are currently being used Dale would of fought tooth and nail against these rules no doubt. What is tragic is the fact that it took his death to open everyone’s eyes to this underlying issue. NASCAR should of mandated driver safety improvements after losing the 3 drivers before Dale. And what’s amazing is that even in his death Dale gave back to the sport and changes were made that saved with out doubt many other drivers. His sacrifices and contributions to the sports are remarkable and this is a few reasons why Dale is loved so much he was willing to put his life on the line every time he put his helmet on. I believe this is why he drove with reckless abandon because he believed the end could be coming at anytime. Loved by many understood by few. Champion of champions. R.I.P. Dale I miss watching you race you’ll be forever missed.

[@Jimaybob]

I mean a HANS device would have easily saved his life. A device available for him to use that he refused to wear. But yeah it's NASCARs fault Dale didn't listen to everyone else

[@BMF_Network]

@@Jimaybob what a fu***ing loser you must be to feel the need to comment on a 100 different post about how a HANS would have definitely saved him. The company itself says out of 126 auto accidents with skull fractures the Hans may have saved them in in 34 of those..27% far from being a guarantee as you keep pointing out but hey these are facts and you're a idiot I don't expect much

[@Jimaybob]

@@BMF_Network I don’t know any driver whose died from a skull fracture while wearing a HANS device. Keep crying because some guy that didn’t give a shit about your existence died from being a dumbass

[@BMF_Network]

@@Jimaybob ooooo so because you (a fucking nobody) doesn't no of any then it hasent happened?? I guess we should take your word over the actual stats from the fucking manufacturer.... I will say this you got me curious as to what kind of shit has to go wrong to create a loser like you that spending time arguing somethings 100% effective when manufactures data says its 27%

[@gloriaannopperman2734]

The Oppermans from Texas will always love and miss you Dale Earnhardt Sr, your fans forever. Jerry and Sugar Bear and Gloria and Bear from Texas

[@bryanhusman2508]

This is eerie. I've never seen this interview. I miss this man... the legend...The Intimidator

[@danachappell9783]

Everything about this is eerie. Talking about his helmet. Talking about his not wearing a HANS. It's all so eerie knowing he'd be taken less than a week later..

[@garyslama4092]

"Have you ever been with him in a regular passenger car? Oh my goodness, what a nightmare." Lol.

[@EthynReasoner]

This is an incredibly ominous interview. Even if Dale listened to Darrell, I don't think it would've saved him.

[@VicRattlehead1980]

Next to my daddy. I love this man. He was something else. Miss him. The only "celebrity" that I mourned when he died.

[@andrewvaldez1710]

He saved hundreds of lives with his death, god speed Mr. Earnhardt, RIP. We miss ya and we love ya

[@brimtime8117]

Hard to believe he past away a few days later... He will never be forgotten!!! 3

[@briancromartie3149]

Dan Brimer This is so eerie to watch. 😢😢

[@Presley3]

miss you Earnhardt

[@MAel-qh3sn]

Miss that unique voice.

[@KCS4LifeOFFICIAL]

Thats crazy how much they talked to him about the helmet in 01. RIP the greatest

[@bhamjacob]

When dale demands FOX to help his sponsors out.. FOX helps his sponsors out.

[@christianloubardias6375]

Is it possible that someone could invent a time machine in the future and travel back to 2001 to prevent Dale's crash?

[@billymcdaniel4855]

If Sr. had lived Jr. would still be racing at DEI. Teresa would not have run DEI into the ground.

[@DixytheGoat9]

And Hendrick wouldnt be as dominant as it has been for the past 15 years

[@mattrank3722]

So eerie hearing him talk about how safe the open face helmet was.

[@CBright7831]

The Earnhardt/Waltrip feud continued even after Darrell retired.

[@JJA1987]

CBright7831 Not at all Dale & Darrell were friends yeah they had their Disagreements on track back then

[@VicRattlehead1980]

There was no rivalry. Waltrip drove the DEI #1 car when Steve Park was injured.

[@brink442]

He was convinced that his best friend Neil Bonnett died because he was wearing a full face helmet. Honestly, not enough information was released regarding Neil Bonnett's cause of death. So, he carried the belief that full face helmets were dangerous in crashes. He sure had a lot of charisma that is missing in the steering wheel holders of today. It's not nostalgia...the sport really had more character back then.

[@NickyD]

not having a hans device killed bonnet and i believe that guy had a blown tire is why he even crashed and no safter barriers in the 90's open face helemnts were actually not safe

[@SENDittt]

God damn I miss him. Blessed to be old enough to have seen him dominate. I remember exactly where I was watching the race when he passed. RIP intimadator.

[@richardmorris7063]

I used to get my #3 diecast model, my hats & all my Earnhardt gear out for Sundays race. I went to the bathroom and my roommate put my Earnhardt car on it's roof. I said Barry why did you do that? He said just watch, 3 hrs later Dale was gone.

[@timlawrence7246]

What I remembered as a kid. A business side that was focused and dead set honest and the smile that showed his passion for the sport and competition.

[@roncoburn7771]

man just watching him get ready in that car he
can do it blindfolded gives me chills

[@dannym631]

He was going to have a heck of a 2001 season. I just know it.

[@dylandrake3361]

Ive seen this clip countless times and I just now realized at the end as Dale is stepping into his car se says "Hey, I'd prefer Larry on TV... if I'm going to do it".

[@gjman1972]

If he only knew this was his last day alive, rest in peace Dale....

[@roshardgermany3507]

this is eerie to watch them discuss his head rest and open chin helmet knowing when he crashed his head went forward hitting his chin on steering wheel and his head head immediately jerked backwards hitting the head rest causing blunt force trauma.(cause of death)

[@TheRockmart]

damn I really miss seeing Dale on the track

[@xxrocketman64xx86]

And the "safest helmet in NASCAR" played a large part in his death. “No fire could burn his character, no stone could break it.” We miss you Dale, rest in peace.

[@djretard]

No his left side seat belt "dumping" is what killed him.

[@CPAJayhawk]

@@djretard and no HANS device

[@gloriaannopperman2734]

That's our Dale Sr! Loved by us forever! Tx fan. The Oppermans from Texas will always love and miss you Dale Earnhardt Sr, your fans forever

[@bigtarheelfan]

Thanks for sharing.

[@49erfan160880]

Man I miss his interviews and talking with my dad about how he finished the race on Sunday evenings. My dad was a lifelong Earnhardt fan. He would go to Talladega twice a year with his buddies. I never watched or followed Nascar growing up. I was a baseball and football guy. This was the first year I was going to the Talladega fall race in 2001. I regret not going with my dad and sister to see Earnhardt race. Now, all I can do is watch replays. God bless you Dale. You were gone too soon.

[@falloutfan6649]

This is such an eerie video

[@kishdogg1594]

One of the final practice sessions of his life..

[@TheOriginalguns]

Nascar died when Earnhardt died.

[@kursed01]

Michael Sizemore Truth!! Point blank...

[@ryann8680]

it sure did

[@edwardkesock216]

I AGREE WITH THAT!!!! HE is the man in black the INTIMIDATOR #3 To me he made nascar fun to watch after his death I watched it for a few more years JR Was my driver then but it was never the same and I dont even watch it now I will watch the DAYTONA 500 and big races like that but other than that it's just not that good to me

[@DLBlckwl]

Junior, Gordon, Stewart, and Bill Elliott kept it breathing until they all retired. Now it's on life-support. I'm not gonna give up on it though. There could be another Renaissance.

[@NickyD]

nope its still around get real

[@QuickBoomerang]

Damn...that helmet question is such a butterfly effect

[@tamezzodiac2862]

He was happier then I think everyone has seen before.

[@giantpride323]

Hard like losing a family member.took years to heal my broken heart
Rip to my hero and greatest race car driver ever to hold a wheel

[@94nolo]

He was something wasn't he. 😂 A bittersweet interview, talking about helmet safety. Wish he had a HANS device.

[@ragingbull154]

Started following Nascar in 1979 which was Dale's rookie year. I was 7 years old and watched the first televised Daytona 500 and was hooked. Became a Dale Earnhardt fan that day. I've been a Junior fan since his death. Now Junior is retiring. Still miss Sr. going to miss Jr. No Earnhardt to pull for starting next year is going to be odd after 38 years. Great interview​ but kind of creepy with their conversation and what eventually happened. R.I.P. Dale. NASCAR hasn't been the same.

[@rocknroll_jezus9233]

It wasn't the helmet that killed him, it was him not wearing a HANS device

[@richalig6719]

MY HERO, THANK YOU

[@PaulSter]

So great! Love (DW) and loved (DE).
DW, the best of the best in the booth! And

[@MyKittyPercy]

Kenny Irwin Jr. and Adam Petty died from the same injury that killed Dale Earnhardt and they wore full face helmets. Again, it wasn’t the helmet. They all needed a HANS device. Unbelievable it wasn’t mandated after Kenny Irwin died weeks after Adam Petty

[@broken_bones_acres]

Hans device wouldn't have saved him bc his lap belt tore. Would have just about ripped his head off as tje lower half of his body got flung forward

[@merlotpapi4930]

@@broken_bones_acres No it would have saved him and you have absolutely no idea how kinematics or body anatomy works

[@williamdingman6408]

In some ways, its probably for the best that so many things in the accident contributed to his instant death, open helmet, no hans, broken belts. Imagine if he had the full face helmet, and lived just enough to be paralyzed because the belts still broke. Dale wouldnt have wanted to live like that. Im sure given the choice, death or paralyzed or a vegetable, he'd have chosen to go out right there, the way he did.

[@rsurf38]

I had goose bumps just watching this, as I've never seen it before. I was actually at the race when he died. It's chilling to see this now and the conversation he had with DW about his helmet, knowing that it contributed to his death, along with not having a HANs device or the safer walls. I still miss him, and now Jr, has had to retire too... :(

[@aaronwoodard1749]

I will never forget sitting on my couch watching the 2001 Daytona 500. Watched all of this happen. I was never an Earnhardt fan. In fact, I loved to hate him. But his death was a shock. NASCAR died with Dale Earnhardt.

[@mattplyler12]

It’s Halloween, and this is just spooky

[@vampsith]

Dude this is one of the best dale videos ever 3️⃣

[@andrewbonczyk8211]

Wow. The talk about the lack of safety in his helmet. Unreal. That is just eerie.

[@broken_bones_acres]

Dosnt matter when ur lap belt tears

[@merlotpapi4930]

@@broken_bones_acres Yeah because you purposefully wore it the wrong way during the caution before

[@zoefaith120]

He was a great talker and personality to love and for some on his bad side . Sr could really make your life a hell. Moments of listening is wonderfull

[@ridethepow]

"Have you ever ridden with him in a regular passenger car? Omg, what a nightmare!" Lol

[@josephlawson9950]

Dale rip a true badass hero

[@Wannagobackto1980]

Never thought I'd say it as much as I rooted against him but DAMN I MISS DALE EARNHARDT!!!!!

[@ryankoch504]

The helmet didn't make a difference anyways, he hit his left-edge of the forehead and compressed the neck and got the base fracture of the neck.

[@Cccc-ky4vq]

He was a Legend in every way

[@WahooBrad24]

52 cars were entered for this race. That's what made the Duels fun. The past 2 or 3 years didn't have any cars go home.

[@cyberandrewofficial]

“You shouldn’t be talking about the helmet it’s the safest helmet in the Winston cup today” um.... damn

[@JJA1987]

His belts failed and were outdated improperly installed

[@brendan7632]

Every time I find videos of him, I’m left so sad knowing we lost him shortly after this at such a young age. Was there anything he wasn’t good at!? Seems like such a down to earth guy when he wants to be

[@blonderaider4281]

Damn I sure do miss Dale in our world.

[@cyberandrewofficial]

Crazy to think Dale passed just a few days after this

[@timschmidt3784]

Sure do miss these days in NASCAR. Racing is not the same.

[@superkryp13]

When Dale started that car, what a glorious noise that engine made🔥🔥🔥