2001 NASCAR Daytona 500 Last 12 Laps

[@falloutfan6649]

When Darrell says, “I just hope Dale’s okay. I guess he’s alright isn’t he?” You get that feeling just from his voice that through the joy of seeing his brother win, he knows something is wrong.

[@S.K.R.E.Inc.]

He's been in the business for so long, he's experienced almost every crash type in NASCAR, except this one. Sudden stop. It's like a hangman's noose for NASCAR, and they're usually the worst kind out of any (his younger brother actually had a crash like this but the car he was in was designed to absorb the energy of the impact so it looked mangled but he was safe, a bit unconscious, but survived). He almost knew that there was no way his former rival/boss would come out of that car alive

[@CoasterMan13Official]

He's clairvoyant.

[@acrock21]

@@S.K.R.E.Inc. the angle too... that very angle has killed so many race drivers in many different kinds of cars... 1 oclock with no hans no safer barrier... Bonnett at just about the same spot in the same manner however he was running alone. Adam Petty ... different circumstances same angle. Senna at that same angle but mechanical failure...

[@jsimm4587]

He saw shrader wave for help he new it was bad !

[@acrock21]

@@jsimm4587 yes this is true.

[@markschultz4976]

Ken Squier said it best: "We were 7 seconds away from the greatest Daytona 500 in history."

[@fire1937]

Mark Schultz Wow!

[@Gage_Brumley]

I mean in terms of the racing it was the best 500 ever, it's what happened in turn 4 that marred the event.

[@PhilipCarroll64]

To me the greatest of all time was 1998 when Dale finally did it

[@erickling87]

​@@PhilipCarroll64but it was also incredibly boring before that

[@spencergwin9454]

@@erickling87 wasn't as bad as 2000 that produced the rules package in place for the 2001 500

[@TheBrainSpecialist]

Hearing Darrell cheer on his kid brother is one of the most beautiful and heartbreaking things I've ever heard.

[@tomdalfonzo9959]

It was one of the most awesome things I have ever seen and heard, the way that Darrell turned into a proud big brother in the TV broadcast booth during those final laps. He gave one of the best calls to a race finish in NASCAR history.

[@MrJc7998]

Darrell knew Sr was in a bad spot. Platte City MO, I’ll never forget

[@jraybay]

@@tomdalfonzo9959 I get chills every time but you can tell he was slightly distracted by Dale's crash. Racers know

[@blaineshores4184]

And then he immediately turns and says "I hope Dale's alright. I guess he's okay, isn't he?" Just awful. The literal thrill of victory and agony of defeat.

[@torque-ej4nu]

Dale and both his cars charging was epic. Still feel the loss of the man today but you could not ask for a more epic legendary exit.

[@sparky7679]

The sounds of the old nascars sends chills down my spine.

[@TN_T_]

Sounded beautiful in person. I miss the sound

[@jbaggs1903]

"I just hope Dale's okay." I was 10, and 20 years later it still hurts. Time can never erase watching your hero die in real time.

[@TheIntimidat3r]

Amen!

[@kimrheaume6988]

Amen. I was 25 when this happened. I still can't believe to this day that he is gone. I was hoping that he was okay but when I heard that he had passed away I cried my eyes out. I will always love him. He will always be the number one NASCAR driver in my books. ♥️#3

[@FlopBrosHockey]

Till this day it's the only celebrity death I've cried over. Hard to call dale a celebrity cause he didn't act like one. I was 10 and man. I couldn't believe I watch dale die.

[@nancyrussell-camp3076]

Me too. Only time I ever cried over someone famous. I have a 6 ft cutout of him in my playroom downstairs.

[@ronaldshank7589]

I'm reading your text, and fighting back the tears, even as I text this! Dale Earnhardt, Sr. died as a HERO that day! He was known for being "The Intimidator", but on that tragic day, he died, protecting his Son, and his friend Darrell Waltrip's Brother, Michael Waltrip, too! Think about it:He could've gone for the win, but he chose to help, rather than to be a hindrance. Number 3 Forever!!!

[@UltimateEEnEFan]

"I just hope Dale's OK. He's alright isn't he?" Darrell...I only wish he was...

[@GARails]

UltimateEEnEFan I wish too

[@DTSN_Marty]

He was immediately worried about Dale.....it's weird...it's like he knew something was wrong right away.

[@FathomMane]

I cant say i was or wasn't a fan i was only like 3 years old at that time

[@chrisprosser25]

Darrell knew it, as only a driver could.

[@joeledwards243]

Chris Prosser yea the crash looked so harmless but when you drive for 40 years like Darryl he knew it immediately

[@skarpaz]

Dale must have been so proud on those final laps. Watching his son and Micheal from behind. He knew Micheal was going to win, must have been grinning ear to ear.

[@IngenieroMan]

Seeing his team get a top2 finish while helping them during that last push totally was a moment of utter pride for him, sad that that's the last thing he ever saw

[@DanTroxell-fv2hm]

Not hardly. Dale was pissed at what he was seeing Michael out front and not helping Jr get that win. Fu$& Michael waltrip

[@Stopsign32v]

@@DanTroxell-fv2hm Yea I don't think that's what Dale was thinking.

[@starapplier3662]

@@DanTroxell-fv2hm Dale literally planned for him and Junior to push Michael to the win, they decided that at the start of the race

[@MarlboroGMGoodwrench]

​@@DanTroxell-fv2hm Shut up

[@11SEXMACHINE]

Anyone else notice Darell looking back to see if Earnhardt was ok the instant Michael crossed the finish line? Exactly in the moment his brother won the 500, he was still thinking of his friend and former rival. The most heartbreaking, exciting, devastating, crazy race finish in the history of all auto racing, period.

[@walmars3curity]

Literally everyone noticed..

[@olben1095]

Highest of highs and lowest of lows within seconds of each other.

[@bigyodatheman]

Still amazing to me the way Dale blocked everyone the final laps. The guy who spent a career of passing people and winning died doing the exact opposite so his driver and son could finish 1-2. RIP.

[@1thumpasaurus]

I still don’t believe he was doing that, he was right on Junior’s bumper taking the white flag. Everyone always forgets that this was the start of DEI completely dominating superspeedways. Dale had nothing for those guys, he kept backing up to get a push but never got a big enough run, then coming off of 2 he lost some momentum and suddenly lanes formed up above and below him. Everyone else lost the race coming off 2 when they went three wide with no help and nobody cleared. Unfortunately, that meant Dale was stuck three wide, and he always warned that restrictor plate pack racing would kill someone.

[@bigyodatheman]

@@1thumpasaurus Man there were three points he easily could have taken the lead in the final laps or made a run and he didn't. He could have let everyone go buy once he lost the draft the final laps but he fought back to keep them off of the front two. He didn't do that to battle for third, he did that to secure the top 2 running order.

[@ClaptonFan91]

No matter how many times I watch this race, I always sit there hoping that maybe it'll be different this time.. maybe Dale will move up a little.... Please don't go into turn 4 like that....😢

[@JokersWild70]

Unfortunately, it was Dale's time to go. I do believe that. He was dead when he hit the wall. I feel horrible for Kenny Schrader having to see his buddy like that. And yes, NASCAR started to decline right after this horrible death.

[@kylebuschhasover200winsinn5]

ClaptonFan91 that’s the definition of insanity you fucking moron

[@bendavis2652]

@@kylebuschhasover200winsinn5 Fuck you. Have some respect. Everyone wishes they could change that day

[@andrewr7982]

@@JokersWild70 no it peaked in 2006

[@sportballotaku2139]

@@andrewr7982 Why 2006? Just outta curiosity.

[@countryfan3709]

Michael Waltrips greatest thrill in racing turned into the worst day in racing

[@kodyhightower1903]

I've always felt bad for him. He won the Daytona 500 twice and no one cared either time because the first time the greatest driver ever died and the second was shortened by rain.

[@yamato6114]

@@kodyhightower1903 Same... What should’ve been his finest hour was marred by what happened later.

[@robertolmstead1346]

What should of been the best day of his life was the saddest for him. He’s said that he kept waiting for Dale and seeing that smile was what he wanted the most

[@4aj14camracing9]

Very erie watching this, like the outcome could possibly be different this time. Or just wishing it was

[@jinxbottleflip1942]

@@mjeepfan8145 I love Earnhardt & his passing away is the slow passing away of Nascar itself, but having the one wish would be Lynyrd Skynyrd not getting on that airplane

[@Mitchell2311]

Same when I watch it I hope for something different to happen

[@xdude2x]

Same here, still bums me out

[@CC-jj7ne]

Yep. It just wasn’t ever the same after that. Almost like it was the beginning of the end.

[@liberalssuck3155]

Earnhardt wasn't going to let any car get up there and pass those DEI cars.

[@n.w.owhoknowstheshadowknow58]

That what sucks to man. He went from been a racer to father, as a racer he would of been forcing his way to the front and looking for the W himself instead of been in the position he unfortunately found himself. One of the 10 best drivers all time without doubt in my opinion just below AJ, Senna and hill but could even be in front. A true great

[@liberalssuck3155]

@@n.w.owhoknowstheshadowknow58 ,I agree 100%

[@matthewmelvin9742]

Like watching a bad dream

[@sulphurous2656]

Also strange to think that Earnhardt himself could have won that race if he wanted to.

[@bradkroboth5490]

You're damn right on that one. He died helping the team. Sucks n sad but true

[@kool-aidman1677]

I get chills hearing Darrell say "I hope dales alright " best man in NASCAR R.I.P. Dale

[@pault.backes7565]

Same here.

[@pault.backes7565]

Uh, he actually said "I just Dale's okay" not "I hope Dale's alright". He said the "alright" thing afterwards.

[@beavismcquevis5]

Earnhardtsquarepants and people still say my favorite driver killed him, spotter and everything said Sterling was down low and still blocked, hit a wind pocket and went into sterling, Sterling was already there and Dale went down thinking he was cleared, sick of people saying Sterling killed him, he didn't move at all and all we see is Dale moving a little bit down into him

[@travismichael6107]

Paul T. Backes Ha... When you try and be a pompous ass by correcting somebody else, and you screw up the quote even more... Serves you right He says "uh actually..." Lmfao

[@brydawgs]

I feel like 2001 was a bad year America Frist dale died then 9/11 happened but that was lot wors

[@joshowenby6408]

The moment that I saw that Kenny was out of his car & Dale wasn't out of his, I just knew, "This isn't good."

[@VideoNarstee]

DW's emotional calling of his "little" brother over the last lap. RIP Dale.

[@99somerville]

Trying to hold back tears in his eyes.

[@tomdalfonzo9959]

I think it is right there with Ned Jarrett calling his son Dale's win in the 1993 Daytona 500. Maybe even better than that.

[@88dalejr]

Today I'm 70 days from my 50th birthday. Dale was 70 days from his 50th birthday. I miss him as bad today as ever!!! He was my HERO!!! GO DALE!!!

[@1ZosoLZ]

Did you die with 70 days left too?

[@jamiekirk2145]

I will be 50 April 5th..miss Dale...

[@jasonthomas4132]

@@1ZosoLZ thats fucked up go slap yourself and reflect on being a pos and think of how u could be a better person than when your done go have some pancakes

[@lynndempsey4096]

Spermfart was a piece of shit!!!!!!

[@walkerch]

I miss the sound of those engines

[@gravmelly]

me too

[@RealBron03]

Me too

[@SigTheSauceMan]

Do they not sound like that anymore? Aren't they still 7.0L 4-barrell V8s?

[@marshalljimduncan]

@@SigTheSauceMan They've been fuel injected for the past few years...

[@GarrettMyrick]

Me too

[@robaer9677]

No matter how many times I watch this, it still hurts.

[@AndyShepherd-bi1sk]

He was my man. Number 3 will live on with me!!! 3 forever!!! One of the worst days of my life..

[@loganeads3411]

6:36 watch dale sr hands there was no way he was letting them get past him he litterally died for his 2 boys up front😭❤️

[@devinaschenbrenner2683]

If he had just let sterling go. The lead Jr and Michael had, there was no way he was getting to them before the line.

[@jameshoran8]

​@@devinaschenbrenner2683 Dale didn't thing Sterling would bump him

[@nascarman38n88]

@@jameshoran8 Bump him? Dale was blocking like a madman. Dale came down on Marlin

[@mikeyoungblood1642]

@@nascarman38n88right? Like we all miss Dale, but if the roles were reversed, Dale would have dumped Sterling with 4 or 3 to go

[@mattsisoler6125]

@@devinaschenbrenner2683always thought that. By the time they got to turn 3, there was no shot anyone was catching Mikey or Junior. Dale made one move too many and it cost him. RIP Senior.

[@michellesouthflorida9682]

This always breaks my heart because Darryl is so excited for his brother to win and then immediately turns his concern to Dale.

[@BrianFalconsFan2]

I watched this race after church i was 11 i remember my dad saying around the last 6 laps this is the best racing he has ever seen it still hurts to watch yet i find myself watching this race from time to time

[@fire1937]

BrianFalconsFan2 i was 13 watching with my dad. What a wild day.

[@randyburrill2340]

The irony of Darrell being the first one in tears after Dale was killed, without even knowing it. So gut-wrenching..

[@ronaldshank7589]

Brings me to tears, every time I think about it. This was the side of Dale Earnhardt, Sr., that people rarely saw! Number 3 Forever!!!

[@LanDope]

"Darrell, is this better than winning it?" "Oh it's much better" Worst moment in nascar obviously, but I also can't help but to feel emotional hearing Darrell react to his brother winning it.

[@jerome8465]

"those two Earnhardts are right behind him" something about that sentence is really special and sad now..

[@S.K.R.E.Inc.]

That would be the last time father and son raced together, and not out of competition, but of companionship to help one of their own racers have his day

[@truckercowboyed2638]

@@S.K.R.E.Inc. not just racer, he helped his friend and son go on to become successful. Even at the cost of Dales life. It was a passing the torch. I truly believe Sr was having severe mental problems going on. He was ready to die versus becoming a vegetable. Just my opinion!!

[@cc2450]

TheTrucker Ed Show why would you say that ? Did you know him personally ?

[@truckercowboyed2638]

@@cc2450 it was said that dale wasn't well after his last accident, that he may have had underlying issues that would have retired him in 2001,

[@cc2450]

TheTrucker Ed Show that's what I thought. You don't know shit. 😂

[@MattJones1829]

Mike Joy: "Big wreck behind them!" It was two cars...that's it...two. But little did we know just how big a two car wreck could be 😓 It's never been the same...

[@RJERR]

. Never will be again, even if Jimmie Won 7 more nothing against him. RIP Dale Sr

[@bradkroboth5490]

Agreed 💯

[@thartley1390]

Changed the sport forever. If Sr was still around nascar wouldn't be half as barbidoll as it is now

[@mtucker505]

I haven't cared anything about racing since that day.

[@andrewp2279]

He probably said that thinking that they might collect more cars when Dale came back up the track and its amazing that only Earnhardt and Schrader were involved considering how close together those top 8-10 cars were running

[@codywaldron2486]

As much as I wish Dale were alive today, his sacrifice made that day saved literally hundreds of thousands of drivers from the cup series to the local short tracks. I doubt a sport has been so inclined to make drastic safety changes as NASCAR was in the aftermath of this race. I would give anything to have him back but I am thankful that this was the wake up call the sport needed to implement the H.A.N.S. device, softer walls and many more safety precautions. For3ver a fan

[@mattfolta6956]

Well Dale wasn't even obeying the rules set back then and he was slowing down marlin the whole time I was watching the end of this race I was telling marlin to wreck him already then he finally did which I kinda knew was gonna eventually happen i felt bad after when I found out he died for saying that but marlin had a way faster car at the end surprised he waited as long as he did

[@nintendostyle3500]

They shouldn’t have waited for Earnhardt to die. They should’ve made the cars safer after Kenny Irwin Jr. and Adam Petty both died at New Hampshire.

[@joecable39nc]

Also no more open face helmets like Dale wore. His sacrifice yes has saved lives for generations to come. But his death that day was slow death to Nascar racing. Use to you come into work on Mondays and people would be talking about the race. I honestly can't remember the last time I remember anyone bringing up a race on Monday morning. Myself have not watched a race in many years. Earnhardt would have retired years ago if he would have came into victory lane that day #3. I just wonder after he retired would people stoped watching racing like many did after his death ?

[@OnwardSoldier]

@@joecable39nc NASCAR continued to get popular after this season. It wasn't really until the start of the COT era when the slow decline started. You should start watching again, the racing imo is very good.

[@ronwilliams329]

In terms of the impact of tragedy, this was NASCAR's December 7th. Just like people of that generation who took that memory to their graves, such as with NASCAR fans who watched this will never ever forget it.

[@operationthrash9645]

You cannot accurately state how badass Dale Sr was here. Almost 50 and at his absolute best. Throwing effortless kamikaze blocks and declining to lead the race when we all know he could.

[@brandimccarty2588]

You know the first thought in Michael's mind after he won was "Where's Dale?" :( so sad

[@dragorionsargeOffical]

I remember watching this race. Then my mom calling my dad and i and saying we needed to look at the news a Special announcement t was being made. We turned it on and heard the announcement. I spent the next hour in disbelief staring and going back and forth between espn and NASCARS website. Then the next week reading every article I could finding just hoping it was a dream. NASCAR died that day

[@timconnollycgcs]

We still remember you Dale in 2018. The best stock car driver ever. I believe he would have won the championship in 2001 and retired in style in 2003, leading DEI to great things. Unfortunately, that just wasn't to be. We miss you Dale.

[@Thextoastxisxbob]

He died a hero and an icon

[@78FullSizeBronco]

And then his "lovely" wife fucked DEI all to hell and screwed Jr. over big time! She really showed her true colors after he died unfortunately, all about that money money money!

[@kylebuschhasover200winsinn5]

T Connolly stop talking about that nigga, this video is about mw lmao

[@ayrsellproquet3385]

@@kylebuschhasover200winsinn5 da frik

[@NascarFan03VER]

RIP (Race In Paradise) Dale Earnhardt, always has been and always will be my favorite driver, you Legend

[@tamezzodiac2862]

If sr didn’t die this would of been the best 500 ever. This package was so good. Sr should of just let them go into turn 3. Jr and waltrip where pulling away. Also if sr stayed on the bottom of the track off of 2 they couldn’t of done anything. But sr made his choice died doin what he loved. He always had bad luck at Daytona and his bad luck continued on this day. Dale sr was a true driver. I’ve never seen anyone wreak themselves and save it just to stay in front of another car. Dale did that 5 times and was successful each time. He practically turned his car sideways and caught it at the last second. That’s pure skill. Too bad the last time didn’t work. He would of saved it if ken wasn’t there.

[@rtanner7335]

I honestly believe that he would have won his 8th championship that year. He seemed like he lost his mojo there for a little bit and the year before this 500 he was getting back into his groove. The sport definitely has not been the same since. I think he kept NASCAR in check with the rules they came up with.

[@karter95]

Saved it no. But the impact with the wall may have been less. Emphasize may have been less. What got Dale was that sudden stop

[@tubeyou443]

There was blood all through his car, I don't think most of us will ever know what Schrader saw when he dropped his friends window net.

[@S.K.R.E.Inc.]

That would probably be for the best. Not everyday you see a gruesome display that gives you trauma

[@dontworry1568]

i couldnt imagine seeing all the blood that was in the car.... let alone all the blood that wouldve been running down his body.

[@zanemarte9877]

Ken revealed in an interview with NASCAR.com when he dropped the net and looked into the cockpit; he saw the left lap belt failed, Dale slumped toward the window and blood pouring from all over his face. That is very gruesome indeed.

[@rydoggo]

I kinda regret looking at the official report, cause they show the inside of the car. I can imagine him in there slumped over with the dash and belts bloodied and the wheel bent.

[@zanemarte9877]

@Eric King-Kester I found a closed source interview with NASCAR.com, Ken revealed to a reporter from there what happened. Also we all know that the left lap seatbelt failed, that's what everyone has been saying for 20 years. Don't believe me look for yourself.

[@briancromartie3149]

Such great quality. HD wasn't a thing in 2001, and it looks so clear.

[@Brand3nThund3r]

That's fox for you

[@rattmausch]

Actually there was HD in 2001. Monday Night Football had some broadcasts in HD around 1998/1999. They converted digital signal to analog back in the late 90's/early 2000's, so just about all sports broadcasts looked almost HD. Networks didn't exclusively use HD until about 2004/2005.

[@sulphurous2656]

The audio quality in this video is especially good compared to the other videos on the site.

[@Mitchell2311]

We lost him 20 years ago today February 18th 2021 We miss you dale Raise hell & praise dale

[@bwman1516]

If this race was the Daytona 499, it’d be one of the best races in Daytona history. It’s tough to explain but there’s something different about this race compared to most races at Daytona, and I’m not talking about the final lap. I’m talking about the buildup to it

[@fatpatlives1998]

It would have been remembered as a classic if dale doesn't die

[@bwman1516]

Joe D i wasn’t born when Earnhardt won and was too young to see jr win but i wish i was alive back then

[@zanemarte9877]

The superspeedway rules package with the roof spoilers and lipped rear spoilers still would've made this Daytona 500 the greatest of all (if it weren't for the tragedy). All of the superspeedway races in 2001 with that rules package had some of THE BEST racing EVER.

[@JA1940WM]

Without Dale Sr. the excitement of the Daytona 500 just doesn't feel the same. It's been 22 years and I still haven't fully recovered. Maybe if Teresa hadn't destroyed DEI I could have recovered. R.C. not retiring the #3 after Dale's death hasn't helped either.

[@AfterburnerGSXR]

The buildup to the race was insane, especially with Dodge coming back. The whole town had Dodge stuff everywhere. I was at this race as well as the 50th Daytona 500. The buildup was bigger in 2001. The vibe was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I think the buildup was insane due to the following factors; -Dodge coming back to NASCAR. -Earnhardt having a shot to win his 8th championship. -Earnhardt Jr. coming into his own. -New TV package. -The rules package. -Perfect weather conditions. -Gordon not winning the championship the 2 years prior (I never in a million years thought 2001 would be his last)

[@michellesouthflorida9682]

If Dale had gotten caught up in Stewart's crash instead of driving right by it, this would be a different story too :(

[@travisbrueck9076]

I thought that too if he just got caught up in that wreck maybe he would still b alive but dale was playing around with death too much through out his career he would never believed all the safety gear they have today could save a life

[@Mark-sj3xb]

Maybe if the cars behind Michael , Jr and Sr had simply realized a 123 finish was the intended fate and just let it happen we wouldn’t be talking about a death. Schrader should be ashamed.

[@aethyr6776]

@@Mark-sj3xb You should be ashamed, even 10 months after your comment. Schrader wasn't even the cause of Dale's crash, he just got caught up in it. And he was the first to check on Dale and realize there was a problem.

[@bobbymonteforte3705]

@@aethyr6776 I'm Sure Ken felt the impact and had a sense that something was wrong when he noticed Dale didn't get out of the car after the crash.

[@aethyr6776]

@@bobbymonteforte3705 Ok. And? I don’t disagree with your comments, but I dot understand the point. I was responding to the guy who said Schrader should be ashamed. Given the person didn’t clarify what they think Schrader should be ashamed of, I assumed they thought Schrader caused the crash, which is clearly wrong.

[@Zoomer30_]

To this day no one wants to know what Ken Shrader saw when he looked in that car.

[@JLange642]

I watch this 22 years later and keep wishing what happens wouldn't, and the tears start. RIP Dale!

[@NemechekFan87]

I watched this multiple times and my heart was racing whenever i watch this

[@williamstevenson9057]

This is back when nascar was worth watching, if Dale Sr was still with us he would say the hell with stage racing and the playoffs of chase, whoever has the most points at the end of the season wins, Dale, Sr, you are missed.

[@guiltypleasures01]

I wish my brother would be as happy and proud of me one day as Darrell was of Michael! It was touching.

[@mgraysonhay]

I know, it was an amazing moment. It breaks my heart to know it was overshadowed by such tragedy though...

[@CappySeventyOne]

It’s been so hard to watch this back, that I haven’t since I watched it live. Man, I completely forgot how well Dale drove those last laps to defend the two DEI boys up front. What a drive!

[@JediGamingX]

I can't get my eyes off the #3 car and thinking this was his last moments alive. RIP Dale 😢

[@kyleenglandracing701]

Almost everything about this race was perfect. The passing, the track, the broadcast, everything was perfect. Except for one corner. That one corner made this go from the best race in history to the worst. Rip Dale. Nearly 23 years later you are still missed by fans each and every day.

[@eagan79]

That was a great race, I absolutely remember watching it on tv. Such a tragic loss for any nascar fan. Just look at all those big names and the amount of talent on the track back then. RIP #3 and RIP NASCAR.

[@rocksreviewsreactions337]

Roc and Ks: We just realized two things. Both 2001 and 2020 were some of the worst years in recent America history. And they both started with an eerie Nascar race. In 2001, Dale died, and then in 9/11 the attack on the Twin Towers happened. In 2020, Ryan Newman almost died, and then after, Covid happened. Very eerie indeed.

[@judefernandez9234]

Note: Donald Trump was in attendance for both of those races

[@Godblessamerica2012]

It was the way he wanted to go and was one of the happiest men in the world at the time...he even said it.

[@philipbarwick3079]

I lost my hero that day , racing hasn't been the same

[@SDRacing88]

Ditto.

[@beavismcquevis5]

Philip Barwick and people still say my favorite driver killed him, spotter and everything said Sterling was down low and still blocked, hit a wind pocket and went into sterling, Sterling was already there and Dale went down thinking he was cleared, sick of people saying Sterling killed him, he didn't move at all and all we see is Dale moving a little bit down into him

[@smylebutta7250]

beavismcquevis5 Dale is the one that took it three wide in the first place. Sterling wasn't responsible for anything. He probably had the best car that day.

[@99somerville]

Nascar probably peaked at this time and started its slow descent from here on. Attendance and interest declined right after this.

[@tamezzodiac2862]

smylebutta7250 sr didn’t take it 3 wide he was ganged up on.

[@rinzler6425]

Mike Joy screaming “Ohh!” as the camera just barely misses the crash is burned into my memory & it’s probably one of the worst sounds to hear, knowing what happened it just rips you apart.

[@S.K.R.E.Inc.]

That was DW saying that, Mike Joy would get the infamous honor of calling the wreck: "Big trouble! Big wreck behind them!"

[@R20711]

“Look at them boys go” - Dale Earnhardt’s last words

[@MrShutupbro]

You never see anything more iconic in racing then seeing Waltrip, Earnhardt Jr & Sr running 1-2-3 together like you did at 0:03 Still feels like yesterday that Dale Sr passed

[@FakeACU96]

23 years ago today, we lost the legend.

[@tjtaylor6431]

Darrell gives the greatest call of all time on the most haunting day in the history of NASCAR, and sprinkles in his own little haunting “I just hope Dale’s okay. I guess he’s alright, isn’t he?” while already overcome with emotion. My God the entire gambit of emotions trapped inside of this one call is downright Shakespearean. Beautiful, glorious, absolutely tragic. Darrell Waltrip is one of the best sports commentators of all time.

[@AustinOgonoski]

Even more amazing considering it was his first race as a commentator.

[@joekaput747]

Dale let's Sterling by on the back stretch the last lap, there's no way he passes both Jr and Michael before the line, and Dale probably lives to race the season. God, so many things, so many what ifs. Damn it sucks.

[@WhoopityDoo]

NASCAR didn't get serious about safety until Earnhardt's death. I remember Adam Petty and Kenny Irwin passing away and it seems like NASCAR had a "well that's the way of the business" attitude (don't even get me started on that half-assed idea of restrictor plates at New Hampshire). It wasn't until Earnhardt died that they really got together and made the changes you see today that have kept drivers from being killed. Think about SAFER barriers, HANS devices, no racing back to the caution, and all these other numerous additions that have saved the lives of such drivers such as Michael McDowell (Texas, '08), Jerry Nadeau (Richmond, '03; though seriously injured, would have definitely been killed without the SAFER barriers), or Austin Dillon (Daytona, 2015). While tragic, it took a name like Earnhardt passing away to make NASCAR get serious about safety.

[@sportballotaku2139]

Whoopity Doo. Especially Austin Dillon, since he drives the 3 car.

[@kodyhightower1903]

@@WhoopityDoo Very true. Today those cars are safer at 200 mph than a street car going down the highway at 60.

[@thomasredden4263]

Yeah but he reality is that we loved the intimidator bc that was him. "Put me in the wall but but you ain't driving by me." While nice to think about he just would never have drove off his line no matter what. Drive through me or around me but you won't out drive me. That was Dale Earndhart. That's why he's still a legend hot on the tongue of even new fans

[@Ghostmotorfinger]

We all have our days to die. Dale is/was my hero. I have thought about this every day for damn near 19 years... I wouldn't want Earnhardt to go any other way. Daytona/Earnhardt will forever be synonymous.

[@jackward4373]

He was my driver, and ALWAYS will!!!

[@braydenfletcher8159]

This was a half mile away from being the best 500 mile race in NASCARs history

[@4373fg]

“I just hope Dale’s ok...” 😔

[@reidhagler3651]

Feb 18th is my birthday and dale earnhardt is my all time favorite nascar driver and the 2001 daytona 500 was shaping up to be one of the best of all time until dale wrecked and when darrell waltrip said I just hope dale is ok I just knew that something was wrong when he said that and the daytona 500 is my all time favorite nascar race 🏁 too

[@moparpelican340]

He was dead when the car was sliding into the infield. That’s why Ken Schrader (hope that’s spelled right) saw his condition upon walking up to him and frantically motioned for the paramedics. Not seen in that coverage as they showed him walking around the back of the car, and then cut to a different shot. He knew right away.

[@NickB1121]

If only he had been 1 foot further ahead of Marlin. So many if only scenarios go through my mind and this man would still be alive. Nascar ended that day.

[@housesports000]

or even if Schrader was just a foot closer to Earnhardt he wouldn’t have hit the barrier at that angle

[@AfterburnerGSXR]

I think the same thing. Or if Rusty would have hooked him. He would have still wrecked but I seriously doubt it would have been fatal.

[@donnadreyer2580]

I watched this race and I've never watched one since.

[@CSDonohue11]

I mean The Last Lap... it’s still mind boggling how it all ended up.

[@ChrisMolyneaux93]

"The Ford Thunderbird of Ricky Rudd..." That's a Taurus, Larry.

[@MrScrubby55]

He thought of the #28 Ford Thunderbird the great Davey Allison

[@danieljung7407]

Darrell saying(i hope hes ok) still gives me goosebumps. Happyness and sadness so close to eachother

[@racerx2580]

One of the darkest years for this country. We lost an icon of this sport AND we have the biggest attack committed on American soil in our history. Unbelievable. RIP Dale. #3

[@Myst3rium]

It is so terrible that he passed, but at least he died doing what he loved. And just think of how proud he must have been seeing his two cars in front of him, knowing that one of them was going to win.

[@stevecupp7456]

Doing what? Being a dirty driving pos?

[@dlaffin10]

@@stevecupp7456 dude you are a dipshit lol haha. You dont know racing then bud, ever heard of the bump and run, bump drafting and sorry but that is the most exciting racing. Why do you think nascar is losing all of its following, they are making it boring to watch. Also, stfu, i swear if i saw you on the road, i wouldnt have a second thought about driving you off a bridge with ease 😂😂 You are just uneducated, dont comment lol

[@garyturner3465]

l lived about one mile from DEI on 136 when this happened and I will never forget all of the TV and radio station's that was outside DEI the next morning and the flowers on the gates.Telovision station's and all of those people stayed there all week. The Man Was Truly loved.!!!

[@davidisaacson5993]

I was there that weekend. Watched Dale jr win on Saturday. And Sunday had a sick feeling that death was waiting for someone all day. Never dreamed it would be Dale.

[@TN_T_]

I honestly felt that way too. I wasn't there.. I was sitting in my moms living room I was 19 at the time... I just had a weird feeling.. when the green flag dropped I told my mom.. someone's going to die today.. she said.. don't talk that way. Little did I know it would be my favorite driver.

[@Doody2010]

Darrell's voice cracked a little at 0:57 when talking about Earnhardt putting Michael in a DEI car, you can tell he's getting choked up that his friend gave his kid brother a chance

[@Presley3]

One of the saddest days of my life.

[@rcracer8872]

I know how you feel I miss Dale too i was a huge fan of him

[@loganbaileysfunwithtrains606]

This was the race where everyone was a Chevy fan and its also the hardest race to watch, the only comforting thing about it is the last thing Dale Sr saw was his team, Son and Car Driver racing 1-2 to the finish line

[@deering1134]

i will never forget that last lap commentary every time i hear it it gives me chills ....yet i know every word even 10 years later RIP DALE WE ALL STILL WISH U WERE HERE

[@thevmanvj]

Dale knew (and still knows) Mikey won that race......he drove his @$$ off. I can’t even this without being choked up about it. We love you Mikey!.....God Speed Dale!

[@maxp2305]

Dale Sr was blocking the rest of the pack like an absolute madman. Dale Jr was right there ready to do the same. Mikey drove his ass off but he had a hell of a lot of help

[@moddim]

Maxwell Patterson he had to fight his way to the front with a tight car the whole race, they only protected him once he made the comeback

[@jeffcarroll1990shock]

Dale gave his life so Mike could win.

[@truckercowboyed2638]

I just always wondered why Dale started blocking it was so uncharacteristic of him, his car if I remember was actually fast that whole weekend....

[@AfterburnerGSXR]

Earnhardt definitely had a fast car all week. I think Ward Burton actually had the fastest car before being taken out. Obviously Waltrip and Jr were bad fast. As was Marlin.

[@stargazer7876]

The thing that amazes me as soon as his brother crossed the start finish line to win the biggest race of the year he immediately looked at the wreck to see if Dale was ok. Ill never ever forget that. He kept asking hope Dale is ok. That day still haunts me. But thats one moment ill never forget. DW in a split second after his brother crossed victory lane looked over at that wreck. Haunting!

[@GeorgeVreelandHill]

Dale's legacy will make racing great and inspire drivers forever.

[@iTzZTCxD]

What a feeling you’re supposed to have not realizing it’s the worst feeling you’ll ever have Man..... RIP buddy

[@Gage_Brumley]

Man it sucks knowing that if Dale let off on that final lap he would still be alive. Those other cars were not going to catch Waltrip and Junior as long as they guarded the bottom.

[@haydenrose866]

This was the Day NASCAR as everybody knew and Loved it Died. Dale Jr Kept A Large Portion of the NASCAR Fanbase Engaged with his Restrictor Plate Success in the years to Come….along with other Household names such as Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Stewart, Harvick, etc. Saddest Day in Sports…

[@thomasdalton1829]

This broke my 11 year old heart watching it live ..something Bout ol dale he was my driver from beginning..i remember my first time watching race with the family and dad said ..who do you like son ..and i liked the name earnhardt so i said i like that Earnhardt guy ..my family was proud as hell ..were all southern and they loved dale too ..i didn't even know it at the time ..just the name Earnhardt stuck with me amd thats who i chose ..it was meant to be

[@michaelclayton7367]

Best quality recording of this race I've seen. Thank you Yesterdays Today for the video. R.I.P Dale

[@davidb.9786]

Ah yes the Days of the CRANKSHAFT... would watch EVERY sunday. Packed stands, GREAT racers. INcredible racing. and now?? WTF.. This WAS truly the day Nascar died..... RIP Dale

[@lemonsarecool9306]

yeah but ratings peaked in 2005....

[@waynegouin939]

Im pretty sure the intimidator could have won this race. I think he was blocking.

[@truckercowboyed2638]

Which was uncharacteristic of him ?? Dale is a charger not a blocker !! I think somehow he knew this would be his last race !!

[@Itz_Racelol]

6:37 my favorite part

[@Michellethompson5231]

This shill gives me the wieldest chills running down my back! A true legend was lost that day & for anyone who is a die hard NASCAR fan knows exactly what I'm talking about...always R.I.P #3❤💔

[@joeshade2938]

dw knew Dale was in trouble and you can hear it in his voice

[@Nakedguy36]

Life changed so much that day for so many people. RIP Dale

[@joshdeen6946]

Even to this day, I still expect a different finish to this race.... 😢

[@americanveteranaceshigh9051]

drivers...thank you again for putting it on the line for us fans...

[@Nocstaa]

@discodarth No.. Sterling didn't get into Earnhardt on purpose. If you think he got into him on purpose, you have something wrong with you.

[@Benchpress33]

didnt he say in a interview he got loose in the final turn and tried to avoid dale but just couldn't do it

[@danieltroxell8558]

The 15 was unbeatable that day . The 15 setup on this day is the setup that the 8 had the next time the cup cars came back to Daytona in july

[@danieltroxell8558]

What's sad is the 3 was by far the fastest car with the best driver and Dale died playing a deadly game

[@laneallen8555]

Dale made an amazing last stand for Michael and junior

[@49erfan160880]

My dad was an Earnhardt fan since ‘79. He would go to Talladega every year with his race buddies and I never could figure out why. When I moved away from home after graduation, I would always call home on Sunday’s to talk with dad. I would always ask him how Earnhardt finished. 2001 would be the first time I would attend a race with my dad at Talladega in the fall. I was so excited about seeing Earnhardt race in person and how my dad would react. We still went that year and cheered Jr in to victory. That was the last race my dad would attend. He stopped watching Nascar after Earnhardt died. I’m glad I was able to see a race with my dad. I just wish I could have seen that 3 car in person. May God continue to bless your family Earnhardt. You are truly missed out there.

[@TravisMSimpson]

Anyone notice that Larry Mac said Ricky Rudd was in a Thunderbird. at the start of the video. Thunderbird's left after the '97 season.

[@DKrueger1994]

He was used to seeing Davey Allison (who drove the 28 before) in a Ford Thunderbird

[@ViperKeeper2070]

Travis M Simpson they were using the Taurus that year weren’t they??

[@retroguy1976]

@@ViperKeeper2070 ford ran the taurus up to 2005

[@thartley1390]

I was 13. I'll remember it like it was yesterday. Hard day watching your hero become mortal. Learned a lot from that day. RIP Intimidator

[@patriotastronomer5113]

Watching Nascar just was not the same after Dale Sr died. I stopped watching into the 2002 season. I followed Dale Jr's progress until he retired after the accident he had. Just not the same...Sept. 2018.

[@retroguy1976]

no earnhardts, im not watching. I watched daytona for 30 years since 1987 now I dont watch anymore

[@CincydarthO]

I’m not a NASCAR fan, but I still remember exactly where I was at when I heard the news. This is probably the darkest day ever in all sports. It is still surreal watching the video all these years later. RIP #3.