The 2001 Daytona 500 Could Have Been The Greatest

What could've been...
Follow me on Twitter: / blackflagmatter
Follow me on Instagram: / blackflagma. .
Black Flags Matter is a channel where we discuss the good and bad of NASCAR history.
I love NASCAR and love to make NASCAR videos that I can think of that will keep you entertained. Subscribe if you want, I would love to have you join my channel!
Race Footage Credits:
Somedorc
redracer1985
jinjabreadman46
SMIFF TV
RaceFan84
AlloutNASCAR
Michael McIntyre
Dave W
nascarman History
Swagger Racing
Matthew Sullivan
Randall Dubin
Some Full Races 2017 - 2019
HODIUSDUDE
Keith Lyons
Dumindu Meegahawatte
ESPN
FOX Sports
localdog44
NASCAR
NBC Sports
rowdyeverylap
Sprint9988
KingCuervo88
Thumbnail Image Credits:
Getty Images
NASCAR Media.com
NASCAR.com

[@daleearnhardtsmustache3984]

Like one guy said, it was the greatest Daytona 499.75 ever.

[@haywardbarrows5906]

Are you referring that the race was phenomenal until Dale's crash as Junior and Mike were going onto Turn 4?

[@brantbridges526]

Well, duh!!!!!

[@haywardbarrows5906]

@@brantbridges526 Thanks

[@DV1287]

The last .25 miles would be a black day for NASCAR

[@amog_melon]

@@haywardbarrows5906 yes

[@grantaldrich1146]

“Even in his final race, he still beat 30 other drivers”-EMP Lemon

[@FastDuDeJiunn]

i watched it when it aired that weekend. i feel and even now seeing the replay feel he could of won it. but as they said he was taking it easy for his kid and michael who was like a little brother to him.

[@Shawn6751]

@@FastDuDeJiunn Richard Childress knew that he and Dale Sr had the car to win his second 500. He flung his headset before he got back on and Dale Sr was long gone when he got back on.

[@AlexLikesToons]

"Dale died doing what he loved. The last thing he ever saw was his son and teammate with nothing but open race track in front of them."

[@irisanavegaaguilar8818]

Yeah he finished 13th

[@brianedmonson3776]

It was sad he mentioned earlier in the race to Richard Childress if they didn't do anything to the cars someone will get killed. Unfortunately he was the one then the cars changed. Rip Dale

[@rashimirfieros43]

“President’s Day, February 19th, 2001. Nobody’s talking about Michael Waltrip’s first win. Nobody’s taking about DEI’s 1-2 finish. Nobody’s talking about the record breaking 49 lead changes. Nobody’s talking about the exciting racing we saw. In the end, none of it mattered. Nobody won. Because the sport had lost its greatest driver _ever..._ “ Well said, Darian. Well said.

[@johnnyboy8603]

And the year would only get worse...

[@NickyD]

gorfen was better sorry not sorry

[@NickyD]

@@johnnyboy8603 2001 was awful until 2020

[@nascarfan8891]

@@NickyD dale was far better 7 titles to 4 and a better career average finish

[@RosaFan161]

No outro for this video, either. That's how you know things were serious.

[@jackietang3789]

Seeing DW ask if Dale was okay breaks my heart everytime not knowing he wasn't 😭 💔

[@SinginShooter]

Similar energy from Jr's onboard when Dillon went into the fence.

[@jackietang3789]

@@SinginShooter yeah Dillon's wreck at the line is still gut wrenching to watch even 5 years later, I'm so glad he was okay after that. If Dillon was in a older generation car, imagine how much worse it could have been

[@Lukeijob]

Jackie Tang DW knew dale died immediately

[@KR1736]

My exact thought too. Gets me everytime

[@shawnreap]

There's a version out there with the audio that DIDN'T go over the air - the booth talking to each other and getting info from the production team. They knew. They had seen Ken Schrader's frantic wave to the safety crew and were monitoring the NASCAR officials radio. They all knew it was really bad, if not fatal, already.

[@evannuh-koo-la4054]

What should've been one of the most happiest moments in NASCAR, Darrell cheering on his brother to the win, turned out to be the most shocking, and devastating moment in all of NASCAR

[@rydoggo]

Because somebody couldn't figure out that their seatbelts are defective. (Cough cough) Sampson (cough cough)

[@The_Doug124]

Rydog5392 This is actually true. For pure speed and less weight, Dale always opted for shitty belts. In this case, upon impact in the wall, he was killed instantly by a basilar skull fracture, what a HANS would have no doubt prevented. However, as soon as the car hit the wall, hit light weight unsafe belts ripped, thrusting him face first with the open faced helmet into the wheel. So it’s not the belts that killed him. However, if he did have a HANS, he would’ve been killed the instant those belts ripped off his seat.

[@jermaineboyd6594]

Could't say it better myself..lots of emotions on that day.

[@jefferyrobertson7520]

CBS Sports first ever live flag-to-flag coverage 1979 Daytona 500 that's fun fact

[@davethevtwinaddict2151]

@@rydoggo NASCAR should have implemented the Hans device and the full face helmet weigh before they did and Dale Earnhardt senior would still be here today I guarantee you that my neck brace saved my life many times in Motocross I would not be here right now without it

[@bartj19]

"I hope Dale's alright. He's alright isn't he?" - Darrell Waltrip I literally cried when I heard him say that.

[@michealkeck2877]

Always get sad watching anything on the 2001 daytona 500

[@RavenStation711]

It's sadder with the real quote. He actually says "I guess he's alright, isn't he?" and it's sad because it shows how everyone assumed he'd be okay in such an anti-climactic looking wreck. It was easy to believe he'd be okay since Stewart walked out just fine in a wreck that looked 10x worse.

[@Sephytester]

@@RavenStation711 the best part is, from what ive heard anyway, is tony could have been the second fatality that race, i read somewhere that he was talking to jeff gordon about how close he came to smashing in his roof when he was flipping about, shows just how scary motorsports can be

[@BHSmotorsports]

@@Sephytester Tony and Jeff actually discuss that in this video of Tony showing off his car collection. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoLTeqymbLl3bpI

[@CrazySniper04]

Dale was one of those larger than life figures that you just assumed was immune to something like that

[@whatincarnation95]

A gem etched by tragedy.

[@Karsten-Melton]

Honestly, I can’t imagine Dale would want to go out any other way. The driver he took a chance on winning in his first race for his new team. His son finishing second in a Dale Earnhardt Inc 1-2. Going out racing and with that finish for his team was ultimately the ending that I’m sure Dale Sr could be at peace with RIP to a legend #3

[@FastDuDeJiunn]

Michael wasnt just a driver. He was like a little brother to dale.

[@tortminator3675]

Karsten Melton he saw his best friend win not only the biggest race of the year, but his first race in the cup series and right behind him his son who would have a bright future ahead of him. He must of been so happy. I just wish we could see how proud he was.

[@noviranger88]

He lives in his three drivers that day.

[@chainsmokinggc8]

He supposed to be celebrating with Michael for his first win as owner. If you saw the video that talked about this from Michael's perspective, it was heart breaking and no way Dale wants to go like this. RIP Dale, you still in motorsport fans' hearts around the world.

[@NascarFan-hi4et]

He said in an interview at some point that he never wanted anyone to be sad if he died in a race car, because he was doing what he loved

[@Lycan_Jedi]

Until THAT moment... This Race was absolutely phenomenal.

[@Jasper1815]

I still get chills watching that pre race Dale Sr. interview. It’s such a spooky and unsettling foreshadow to how it ends.

[@jasonstraight1320]

Bilbo Swagginz even creepier is what he tells his crew on the radio during the red flag. ”They gotta do something about these cars. Someone's gonna get killed...”

[@MRNASCARFAN25]

@@jasonstraight1320 yep that was beyond scary to hear but he also had the chance to wear hans device he said nope it felt weird and didn't like nascar already was starting new saftey measures

[@Chicken_Wing91]

Bilbo Swagginz I forget which driver he was talking to but they had just switched to a full faced helmet and dale asked them “are you afraid of dying?”

[@devils352]

Arthur Morgan I saw something awhile ago and I believe it was Dale Jarrett

[@Chicken_Wing91]

Michael Gabriel it was Dale Jarrett

[@DepravedCoTApologist]

"The sport's greatest tragedy was prevented by inches, and the sport's greatest tragedy was caused by inches."

[@theread3480]

I smell a never ending downward spiral right there

[@lucazzz0]

For those wondering, referring to Emp Lemons - There will never ever be another driver like Dale Earnhardt, he meant 1987 Winston 500 when Bobby Allison could’ve crushed the crowd

[@hourlardnsaver362]

Also by degrees. If Bobby Allison had spun at just a slightly different angle, the front end of his car might’ve missed the back wall and he would’ve gone into the stands. Conversely, after his car and Kenny Schrader’s collided, Dale Earnhardt struck the Turn 4 wall at just the right angle that the impact threw him forward and fractured the base of his skull.

[@joshbacon8241]

@@hourlardnsaver362And if Bobby’s car _did_ go into the stands in that crash, many, many spectators would have been killed that day (you’d be looking at at least 100 fatalities from what I’ve heard), and it would have been Le Mans ‘55 all over again…

[@ryeinc]

"Four Chevy's, a Pontiac, a Ford, and a Dodge... to fight it out, three miles to the finish of the Daytona 500!"

[@sharpbleydz500]

Also a lot of "What Ifs" and "How many more ifs" - What if _that_ accident never happened? - How many titles would have he and/or the team won more? - Would Dale Jr. win a Cup Series title if it never happened? - Would DEI still be around today? So many questions and what if scenarios...

[@TrickiVicBB71]

I've read on alternate history forums. Many believe that Dale Sr. would win an 8th championship but would retire soon after 01 season. The Chase For The Cup, Stage Racing and anything else. Kevin Harvick's Cup career would be delayed But a lot of the safety stuff would not exist cause of his death.

[@Bakaroons]

Oh Dale Jr would had for sure won multiple cup championships. Jr had previously said on the Joe Rogan podcast that he almost never talked about racing with his father until the later years. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5i7emabjKyhoaM here's a clip of it

[@TrickiVicBB71]

@@Bakaroons I watched that podcast when it came out. Saw a lot of comments from people that hated Junior to being humbled and liking him. I ended up buying his book the day after the podcast

[@88fanforlife]

I’d hate to be so grim about this but how many other drivers die if this wreck never happens. Nascar obviously wasn’t as proactive on the matter when it was Adam Petty and Kenny Irwin Jr

[@jefferyrobertson7520]

SB500 Do You Like Alex Bowman

[@ericfording3556]

Imagine a Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson rivalry... Or even Kurt Busch.

[@chrismaxwell6192]

Eric Fording I’m surprised Hendrick didn’t put this race on Johnson’s 2001 schedule.

[@ericfording3556]

@@chrismaxwell6192 he didn't start until October 2001 at Charlotte.. at least he raced Kurt

[@enzozanon4]

Even if Dale would have retired before JJ reached his prime it would be awesome to see these legends racing each other

[@DupontandLowesWarrior]

Jamie McMurray driving against Dale Earnhardt would be so cool

[@Huddle_House56]

No. Could you imagine an old grizzled Dale Sr. Vs 2005-2011 Tony Stewart?!

[@nohbody85]

Watched it live. It was the Greatest Daytona 500 until turn 4 coming to the checkered flag.

[@trentburgomaster9589]

The 2001 Daytona 500 before Dale Earnhardt's fatal crash is one of my favorite 499.75 miles of car racing. That unbelievable race with every single emotion that exists had my favorite moment of the race (Michael Waltrip winning) and my least favorite moment of the race (The crash) happen within seconds of each other. It was a amazing race but at the same time arguably the saddest moment in motorsports or even sports in general. Rest in peace The Intimidator Dale Earnhardt.🏁

[@dergenmusic2081]

Just think, soon it’ll be 20 years since we lost the Intimidator... Rest In Piece Dale. You were truly a legend.

[@Earthshaker513]

I'll never forget that day. I had just turned 9 a few days prior and I always loved the fact that the Daytona 500 was always on or near my birthday. I remember watching on TV with my family ( we were all Earnhardt fans, especially my dad) and when we saw the crash we figured we'd see Dale climbing out of the car ready to kick someone's ass for wrecking him. I miss watching The Intimidator so much. He made me smile a dozen times, he only made me cry once, but that day is long gone. I hope somewhere up there Dad got to finally meet his hero and that I'll see both of them too someday.

[@edvarditos7724]

That is so touching... I feel for you man.

[@wolverine9632]

I was 4 when I watched this race, it's the first one I specifically remember seeing, although I must have seen others before it. My whole family were huge Jeff Gordon fans, so we didn't like Dale Earnhardt much, but it was still so shocking and terrible hearing the news of his death.

[@nascarnational]

This race can be only described by the last lap that would change the sport forever: What if Dale didn't die???

[@JackTASM2]

We all have that question. I loved DannyBTalks’ video on it because it actually makes sense for the possible scenario if Dale Sr. hadn’t died

[@RailStalkerAdventures]

@@JackTASM2 The deal was before the 2001 Daytona 500 started was that Dale Sr didn't like the Hans Device at the time

[@jermaineboyd6594]

For sure, check this channel out if you haven'tkzbin.info/www/bejne/hHeolHhsqZajpJo

[@davethevtwinaddict2151]

I think a lot more Racers would have died we haven't had a racer died in an accident since Dale died there World water Racers getting killed every year until then and NASCAR finally started to listen they should have listened long time ago and made it mandatory to have better seat belts and a neck brace and a full-face helmet I was in a motorcycle accident a little over a year ago without a full face helmet I would have been killed No Doubt

[@travisjohnson8282]

A classic Daytona 499 a terrible Daytona 500. A day the sport has still not recovered from.

[@krsimpson89]

I coincidentally watched this race in it's entirety and the final laps felt so helpless. Like you know what's coming and you cant do anything to stop it.

[@jaydentyson9124]

Exactly its like you know its coming, and you hope it doesnt happen this time, but inevitably it always does

[@DupontandLowesWarrior]

2001 Would've Been Jeff Gordon Vs. Dale Earnhardt Sr. Round 2

[@BarryJowers]

And Sr would have taken the 🏆

[@Mattgotsdagreenlight]

That's so sad, we return to school on the Tuesday after President's Day and we found out that Dale Earnhardt died.

[@user-gu1hl2kx2k]

Sr wouldve gotten beat and retired the following season.

[@rcracer8872]

@@user-gu1hl2kx2k no Dale would have won his 8th championship then retired

[@user-gu1hl2kx2k]

@@rcracer8872 Everyone said Dale was gonna beat Gordon in 1995 and get his 8th cup. NEVER HAPPENED.

[@kenzschueler]

Although this is mired by turmoil and heartache, I remember this race very well. It was a great race up until turn 4. For 199 and 3/4 laps. It was some of the best Superspeedway racing ever

[@Scotty2303]

"Richard If They Don't Do Something To These Cars It's Gonna End Up Killing Somebody" - Dale Earnhardt

[@diddykong521]

@Owly123 no, just no.

[@_slickerzentertainment6397]

I just watched the entire race and in the final 4 laps I felt like I was panicking

[@brandonstegall6909]

I get that same panic and dread each time I watch it and you get down to those last few laps. That race was so good, and so easy to enjoy over and over... I've watched it probably 15-20 times (when I was younger and had the time and there was no KZbin and I had 10 race tapes to chose from).. But for those last few laps when nausea and dread and panic take over.

[@antz350]

I skipped school the day after, felt pretty defeated watching your favorite driver killed. I wish he hadn’t missed Tony’s flipping car in the big one, pretty sure he drove right under it.

[@cohengamertv6548]

And then the last lap would kill a legend

[@nate2137]

I wish NASCAR could have kept this superspeedway package

[@friesareyummy]

It would have made for good action, with all the safety features today. But the sound of the cars, the sound........

[@TheRealYungCub]

I'm A Office Boy I was too young to remember this race, but from all the videos, man those cars looked and sounded sweet. Wish they still were like that!

[@wadevallbona5314]

@@TheRealYungCub man NASCAR when i was growing up was amazing. The sound of them. I watched my first race with my G-pa when i was 6. It was 1990. We seen Tony Ropers crash together as well as this one. NASCAR hasn't been the same since. In my opinion the G.O.A.T died in the G.O.A.T Daytona. Seeing this gives me cold chills. Amazing video

[@tylerhernandez5234]

@@TheRealYungCub yes it would be great to have those same cars, except by time all the extra safety gear is added, it'd probably ruin it

[@friesareyummy]

@@wadevallbona5314 The action and early Gen 4 was great, wasn't it?

[@NASCARFAN93100]

RIP Dale Earnhardt

[@ChaseFanNo.9]

A sad day for the entire sports world all together. RIP Dale Earnhardt 😢

[@jefferyrobertson7520]

ChaseFan#9 Do You Like Alex Bowman

[@ChaseFanNo.9]

I’m a fan of all 4 Hendrick Motorsports drivers

[@jefferyrobertson7520]

ChaseFan#9 Hendrick Motorsports underrated from the 80s and early 90s NASCAR organization team

[@DennyDeliversYT]

Teresa Earnhardt has entered the chat.... unfortunately

[@NASCARFan18_]

DennyDelivers I won’t be surprised if the video is taken down tomorrow.

[@mattsisoler6125]

My recommendation: download it if you like it. It might not be here once the wicked witch of the greed finds out about it.

[@Blueflag04]

Time to archive this

[@TheForeverRanger]

Screw her. I don't think anyone has a good word to say about that woman.

[@matildaharden1064]

🖕🏼Teresa

[@BeyondTheLineRacing]

Dale knew he was going to die or something. Just some of his pre-race interviews are bizarre. Dale saying "You'll see something you've never seen on Fox." Dale Jarrett said Earnhardt was giving him a hard time about the HANS Device saying "you afraid you're going to die?" Just everything was just crazy.

[@jttalks7174]

Beyond The Line Racing I agree. I think he knew this was it deep down. I mean shit he didn’t even try to win the race. When has he ever done that before?

[@evanwilliams6406]

@The mechanic Of all Those are seagulls, dude. It's Daytona Beach. I sure wish they were.

[@davethevtwinaddict2151]

@@evanwilliams6406 doesn't matter there were still Birds

[@HirokaAkita]

There's another thing. In the "THE DAY: Remembering Dale Earnhardt" documentary, Richard says one quote from Dale after the 173 lap big one. "...I dont remember if it was before the red flag, during it or after, but he said, *"Richard, if they (NASCAR) don't do something to this cars, they (the cars) are going to kill somebody"* ... He felt it, he knew that someone was going to die that fateful day. He just didn't know it was going to be... *_himself..._*

[@3521Rookie]

Damn that intro retro was a throwback to my child hood on Sunday afternoons! Thanks for the great content and videos!

[@DennyDeliversYT]

“THE 2001 DAYTONA 500” -Michael Mrucz Waltrip

[@emdotrod]

Early 2000s could've been a very spectacular title chase. Imagine Dale Sr. vs Jeff vs Jimmie vs Dale. Jr

[@DupontandLowesWarrior]

With Tony Stewart Mark Martin Sterling Marlin Kurt Busch Ryan Newman Dale Jarrett and What Could've Been Davey Allison and Ernie Irvan

[@Shawn6751]

That would have been epic and the epic duels for wins between Dale Sr and Dale Jr at Daytona and Talladega.

[@edvarditos7724]

That would be so epic... 😭😭😭

[@justinkrizenesky]

@@DupontandLowesWarrior y'all always forget Kenseth lmao smh.

[@DupontandLowesWarrior]

@@justinkrizenesky Ward Burton

[@FRGProductions]

What! No I am not crying my eyes are just sweating. Why did you have to make a sad video BFM.

[@joshuasweeney7864]

Part of me wishes Dale wouldve recognized when his cars weren’t getting passed and allowed himself to be overtaken, but i know better, he was never gonna do that

[@owenjago7308]

Joshua Sweeney But it’s because he blocked so hard that they were able to pull away. Sterling Marlin had the fastest car in the closing laps. He did the right thing.

[@winddmmy]

@@owenjago7308 if dale had tried to win he would still be alive and sterling would have won the race.

[@lgstack2496]

Nah honestly he blocked to his death to give either Mikey or Jr a win. Michael Waltrip said it was the DEI gameplan to help them

[@chrismaxwell6192]

I wish this race would’ve been on Ryan Newman, Jimmie Johnson, and Kevin Harvick’s part time schedule for 2001. They might not have made the field, but it would’ve been nice to see them on the track for qualifying and the duels.

[@jackietang3789]

Ah yeah back in the days of when even big name drivers or fully sponsored cars still had a chance to DNQ

[@tomdalfonzo9959]

Harvick and Earnhardt could've been a powerful one-two punch for Childress.

[@bw-leftturnracing7779]

@@jackietang3789 Joe Graf Jr can still do it

[@hell-sol5240]

Little tidbit. Kurt Busch is the only active driver that Was on the Track and got to Share the Track with Earnhardt on his last race on that fateful Day.

[@suprchickn7745]

Just to document it, Ryan Newman just had a horrible Daytona 500 wreck but fortunately it was just announced it's not life-threatening.

[@bryan_vlogs8823]

This was one of the worst days that NASCAR's been through. They lost a legend. If Earnhardt didn't die, this would have been the greatest Daytona 500 ever. We would have saw that dale sr would be celebrating with Michael Waltrip and Dale Jr would been happy too. That never happened

[@iankhan4614]

During the commercial break of that race,I had a different view. I envisioned that once Schrader walked 🚶‍♂️ up to Dale's car 🚗, that they would have talked about the wreck and then went to the medical center. Sterling and Earnhardt would have voiced their opinions about the wreck and moved on. Then he'd go to victory lane and would have shared in the celebration with Michael Waltrip. Michael would have been able to thank Dale for hiring him. Instead, once they came back from commercial, it was obvious that Dale wasn't getting out of his 🚗. They had to remove the roof with jaws of life. The slow pace of the 🚑 leaving the racetrack was terrifying. It had most people feeling that either Dale's injury was going to make him sit out a few weeks or worse. In the garage area, several crew members and fans were gathered in small groups. Everyone had a feeling that this wasn't going to end well. Two hours later, the dreadful announcement.

[@gerroncassady7230]

Every time I see it there’s a always a small part of me that wonders if it’ll happen this time. It always does😕

[@davethevtwinaddict2151]

I hope not

[@Flippersflops]

I was there. We left at the finish to beat traffic. One of our crew was a die hard Earnhardt fan-the rest of us not. He wanted to stay and see Dale climb out, but we pulled him away. Near the end of our mile walk back to the truck, we noticed everybody was crying in their cars. Some people watching tv outside their RV told us what happened. Our Earnhardt dude was crushed. He started crying and didn’t stop the rest of the night. I was 17, and it was one of the heaviest things I’d ever experienced. I walked into that race a huge Tony Stewart fan, and I was also aMOPAR guy, so I was so excited to see Dodge back in NASCAR. It really should have been the greatest 500 ever, but it was the day the sport would forever change.

[@TheDthatcher]

That still gives me chills when DW says I hope dale is ok

[@adamclarke7394]

Great video. Thank you so much. One of the hardest things about being a motor racing fan with a few years under the belt is that even though racing safety has improved enormously throughout my lifetime, I've still had the misfortune of seeing way too many legendary drivers lose their lives in competition. We are all so blessed today that these deaths have become so few and far between.

[@TomBoi]

That video where the camera breaks away to Waltrip and Junior, then a different shot comes in the feed of Senior in the wall, oh my goodness. That is just super eerie, just knowing that, right then and there, he passed. And as Shraeder was getting out of his car, Senior's car was just sitting there, motionless. I was way too young to remember this, I wasn't even 1 year old, almost. I wish I saw Senior race, because who knows how well he could have done later in his career and how he would be after retirement.

[@evannuh-koo-la4054]

It was Kenny Schrader who got out of the Pontiac to check on Dale, not Elliot Sadler

[@TomBoi]

@@evannuh-koo-la4054 thanks, corrected.

[@Mister_Matt_X]

2001 was a dark year for all of us...

[@brandonstegall6909]

Very true... There was life before 2001 and life after 2001... And one dark year that changed everything.

[@Shawn6751]

@@brandonstegall6909 Same will go for 2020

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

This year's Daytona 500 just finished, and I found it REALLY EERILY similar to 2001. 20 years apart, different by just 1 day, a huge crash (2 of them in fact), taking out half the racers, but this race finished with overtime, but instead of a head on smash to the turn 4 wall at 200 mph, it was the 6 car losing control at 200 mph, smashing its rear at the turn 4 wall, going airborne, only for another car to ram into it, sending it flipping into the inside before sliding on its roof, on fire. I don't know about y'all, but I think this may be the first time in 20 years a racer died on Daytona International Speedway, despite all the safety improvements they have made after Earnhardt's death, including the HANS device implementation. Hamlin won by mere SECONDS, little similar to Waltrip winning it after 462, and both had potential of being part of the wildest races in Nascar history, only for tragedy to strike hours later. More updates soon Update: He is alive, somehow he made it out and is in Halifax for treatment

[@evanwilliams6406]

On that day, the world of NASCAR changed forever, the single unifying balancing force of pure racing that bridged the gap between the rough and tumble old school racing to the racing of today perished at the end of that race. When Dale Earnhardt died there went a piece of racing right along with it, and it affected a lot of his competitors as Rusty Wallace, Ricky Rudd, among others retired early. There was a time where I didn't want to go to school the next day, but I knew that my parents and even Dale Earnhardt would have wanted his fans and his contemporaries to push on. We all miss him and he'll always be in our starting lineup.

[@tommythetreat000]

A fair amount of people forget that Dale Sr finished runner up in the points in 2000. Going into 2001, he could have been a contender for title number 8. We can only wonder what if......

[@nmyster3201]

He certainly could have if you base it off of Harvick's performance in the equipment that year. I personally think Gordon still would've beat him out, but I don't doubt that if he continued running he could've gotten 8.

[@thecynicalfurry4436]

I remember watching this when was only ten years old. Was happy for Michael. When I saw the wreck, I thought "Dale will be fine. He's gone though worse." However, when I heard he didn't make it, I cried heavily. I was a Jeff Gordon fan then, but did like Dale. I bawled my eyes out.

[@zerodos_02]

The rules package wasn't brand new as it debuted at Talladega in the fall of 2000. This was a fun rules package to watch as it really made the race a toss up. It was fun to see a guy like Dave Marcus lead laps too. Had the race not ended with Dale Sr's death, it would have been a much adored 500 by fans.

[@derrik-bosse]

"I hope Dale's ok, he is ok i'nt he?" That gave me chills

[@Jpw824]

*”i guess he’s alright, isn’t he?”

[@raf_cdn]

BFM, did you pick up NBA 2k20 recently? LMAO Love the videos!

[@BlackFlagsMatter]

You already know!!!

[@JasonTrew2018]

I was at my old home watching the race and saw the wreck happen on FOX and then I was on my way to work when I heard that Dale Earnhardt died and I was really stunned but knew that NASCAR would never be the same after that

[@heyitsvos]

Really like your delivery, no drama or dramatic music. Facts, opinions, and commentary. Keep bringin' it

[@princessnodak]

from the second the fox opening kicked in, I had a gut feeling that something was wrong, and something didn't feel right all the way thru the pre-race, and I never shook that feeling thru the race, and then turn 4 happened, and at first I was like Dale is going to be PISSED, but then I waited and waited, until ESPN showed Helton's speech, and I lost it

[@dylanhughes8388]

Even though the win is overshadowed by the loss of Dale I still tear up every time I hear DW cheer on his brother. Myself being the oldest brother of five resonates in a different way when I watch this.

[@Zelinkokitsune]

It's been almost 20 years. I've STILL not gotten fully over that race. I don't think I'll ever be able to think about this race without it feeling the same way it did back when it happened live.

[@quakemaxdead3838]

I remember watching this race when I was 3 in half years old

[@LAJay101]

Something my mom told me when this accident happened. I was four at the time, and when I told her about the crash and stuff I said "Mama, Mama, Number 3 is dead, he died." Now she didn't know who #3 was, so she tuned in later in the day to find out Dale Earnhardt died, and that I was smart enough to know what happened.

[@fishproductions22]

I can already feel the hate comments coming in lol

[@bartj19]

Suprising there ain't much yet.

[@DennyDeliversYT]

Teresa Earnhardt has entered the chat.... unfortunately

[@BarryJowers]

@@DennyDeliversYT And the copyright claim is coming along with the lawsuit 😂😂😂

[@josephhorvath2562]

It almost seems like Dale Earnhardt. Still racing at 49 at that point was never going to live outside of NASCAR racing. He was the Jimi Hendrix of motorsport racing. Revolutionized it and for fans of that era we will NEVER forget what a great driver he was. If you all want to see a really good documentary about that fateful day I would check out In the blink of an Eye. The director Paul Taublib is able to basically make you feel like a fly on the wall of that fateful day.

[@88fanforlife]

It could’ve been the greatest race ever if nascar held Adam Petty Kenny Irwin Jr and Tony Roper in the same vain As Dale Earnhardt

[@wadevallbona5314]

Amazing video man. Definitely brought back some emotions and memories of hanging with my G-pa. I do believe that this was the G.O.A.T Daytona ever despite losing the G.O.A.T

[@AviationandAutos]

This race wasn't the first appearance of that aero package. It was used in the fall 2000 Talladega race too.

[@zachhardware479]

gotta love that opening

[@mindofmyown333]

Definitely watch the Michael Waltrip documentary “Blink of an Eye”. I cried my eyes out. That said, I wonder how many other racing tragedies have been avoided because of this one?

[@badbooking3221]

The weird part about Earnhardt's wreck was that his impact in the wall on paper looked tame compared to other crashes Senior had endured in his career. That being said, mandating of the HANS device and the ever-expanding use of the SAFER barrier definitely helped contribute to lessen the injury count over the years.

[@mattmay7109]

In so many ways the 2001 Daytona 500 is still one of the greatest races in NASCAR history. It had everything a great race should have. Even though it was marred by the tragic loss of Dale Earnhardt it was still a phenomenal event. Everything that drivers and fans would want in a race.

[@MrMatthias]

I remember watching this race back a year or so later since my uncle had taped it, but all we could think about was that final corner. The quality of racing up to that point truly did not matter to us anymore

[@cementer4life]

19 years later and it still hurts like it just happened. We miss you Dale!!! #3

[@r48productions]

I appreciate the video. It is well done. The title felt misleading. I wish you did not end it like how you did. I wish you could have added your what ifs. Other than that, I enjoyed your video. :)

[@ICY-HURR]

I was 13. Still remember watching live. Super exciting. Best race I’ve ever seen. Until...

[@RosaFan161]

I went to my grandparents house (along with the rest of my family) for Thanksgiving back in 2016, and my grandmother regaled me with the whole story, because she watched the race live. Here I am in 2021 seeing this for myself, and wow. What a topsy-turvy year 2001 was.

[@Dirigo207]

Listening to DW scream for his brother winning his first race still sends tingles down my spine. Never did recall all that happened right up until the very end of the race since it’s been all shrouded by how it ended

[@petercorzo3407]

I was in love with NASCAR when I was 8 years old and I did not watch it on a real year of 2001 because I didn’t know them before until somewhere in the summer, I was. And then I never knew who Dale Earnhardt was until on a video game NASCAR 99, I was. But unfortunately it’s too late. In 2003, I did notice that he was far gone too soon and asking “what a big day” (sadly). I felt bad after this. But his son is the reason I love and asking “he’s an American cowboy”. He may not be like his late father as a forever seven time champion, (after Richard Petty and before Jimmie Johnson), he always wanted to impress him as he realize what racing really means until 1998, 2000 was a good year for new life and new respect, but since he was gone, I’m sure Dale sr would say to his son Dale jr “hey kid. don’t worry about yesterday. ever! just get in the car, just win every race for me. I’m here for you. Because I’ll always love you.” And he did on 2001 Pepsi 400 in the summer as the best highest praises race of the summer, and then this. 2004 & 2014, he did it but not for him but for his dad asking “I did it!!” I did not watch the 2004 Daytona 500 but in 10 years later, I was, I cheer him on, he’s forever my favorite greatest NASCAR hero. Because his late father was an American hero. I thank the Earnhardts mostly on Dale Earnhardt jr. For everything. Because his dad is the reason that owns the sport. But he’s forever a 1998 Daytona champion. Today, as a fan I’m sure he’s watching down to them and ask “what are they’re doing now?” #3 forever

[@deejayferguson5015]

This is SO well put together ... for free by a guy on KZbin with less than 100K subscribers 😶 && They wonder why cable subscriptions keep going down.... Thank you for what you do BFM!! 🙏

[@sams.358]

Thank you for making this video man. RIP Dale, you took NASCAR with you.

[@yfz77]

"I hope Dale's okay, he's alright isn't he?" I'm 14 and I cry at this

[@rcracer8872]

Too bad you didn't get to see Dale he was the greatest

[@yfz77]

@@rcracer8872 that is true. I am thankful though that I have been able to watch old races and videos of him.

[@rcracer8872]

@@yfz77 Dale was my favorite driver I was 12 when he passed away one of the saddest days of my life

[@jammubalz9857]

Im 15 i am big nascar fan but i live in Finland every Time I watch 2001 Daytona videos I always think maybe this time he doesn't crash but nothing can Be done i wish i could see The Legend one More Time Drive on paradise Black 3

[@CrazyChase12345]

I was 13 when I watched this race live. Looking back, this race is one of the most important races in Nascar's history. The outcome of this race changed the sport forever. In the years following Nascar did the biggest push for driver safety never seen before. They mandated the HANS device, introduced the COT, eliminated racing back to the caution, and nearly every track has the SAFER barrier. This past decade there have been (if my memory is correct) 0 fatalities in a Nascar race. Had it not been for Earnhardt's death, we might have seen some fatalities instead of drivers surviving some horrific wrecks.

[@athleticgeek8997]

I appreciate the effort you took to make this video. Unfortunately to say I had to turn it off when the clips of the race started. Too much emotion with happiness listening to DW cheer for his brother then with what we know happened. I’m sure the rest of it was great.

[@davidbuell7051]

Remember watching this like it was yesterday. I was glued to the tv all day and I was watching what I thought was the greatest 500 or perhaps race ever. As a young Earnhardt fan I was rooting like crazy for him and jr/mikey. Before the unfortunate happened I was taken away by the big wreck and Tony's flip. I spent days re watching that wreck from the vhs tape I recorded. Robby Gordon literally showed up to the party for 2 minutes and crashed 3/4 the field. As the final laps winded down I realized Sr would not be going for the win and instead was going to block for Mikey and Jr. What was looking to be perhaps the greatest race ever going into turn 3 turned into the darkest moment in the sports history. I was so upset I could not go to school the next day. It had the feeling of a close relative passing. Looking back now, anyone who blames the package or Sterling are just plain wrong. That wreck in the way it started is very reminiscent of how plate wrecks happen today. The package would have been fine with the new safety requirements in the years ahead and was actually used again in the xfinity series around 07-09ish. Will never forget that day and will always ponder what NASCAR would have been like had the tragedy not occurred.

[@Ghostmotorfinger]

19 years later... I can still remember that race lap for lap. I had this terrible, dreadful feeling that hit me with 11 laps to go. I couldn't possibly imagine it would end the way it did. As soon as the camera cut back on that Black #3... I knew He was gone. I have thought about this day repeatedly. I wouldn't have wanted Dale Earnhardt to go out any other way. Kudos my Hero!.

[@Legend13CNS]

It's weird/eerie to me that the crash that killed Dale (late block, head-on into the wall) has become the default superspeedway crash with the Gen 6 cars. I'm glad we have the safety improvements that mean drivers can walk away from stuff like that now, but it still reminds me every time I see one happen.

[@dalejr183]

My first Daytona 500 I had just turned 21 back from Westpac 2000 in the Navy after being gone for 6 months. Greatest thing I ever saw until the end and this race changed Nascar forever some for the good and some for the bad and it still has never fully recovered.

[@SiVlog1989]

When a sport loses its figurehead, like Dale Earnhardt here or Ayrton Senna in F1 in 1994, the impact of the loss is felt far beyond the sport bubble itself. Prior to me starting college even, I was ignorant of NASCAR, but I had heard of Dale Earnhardt, that's the impact he had

[@jordantrejo]

It’s like deja vu today... 2020 Daytona 500, what could have been... hope Ryan is okay

[@IntimidatorZC]

Terrible some kids lost their dad...but Dale is now a legend who will never grow old and fade away. Sad but LEGENDARY

[@D5YouTube]

I still think this race is the greatest event NASCAR has ever had despite what happened. One bad lap does not change nor eliminate the other 199.

[@MuderDrones-FanJunkie]

This race was just so perfect yet eerily off settling. You had all the faces there. Donald Trump, the actor for Malcom Middle who spoke to Ken and Dale before the 500. You of course had DW and all the other stars in the booth commentating the race. Everything about that day was just too perfect. Almost like that day was hiding something by making everything else amazing times two. Then you had the post race interview where Dale says "You are probably going to see something you've never seen on Fox" and gave that grin of his. Though the grin he gave was not the usual one he always gave to people. Just everything about that day all he way down to the closing laps. It's like he knew it was going to happen. Also I can't help but notice on the final lap the camera in turn four gets this odd orange like hue to it before his crash. All before it shows the areal shot and you can see tons of white birds flying away from turn four. I'm telling you that day was just too perfect. Life works in mysterious ways. Rest In Peace Dale. #3 4Ever.

[@tylermishtawy8153]

The memories that came back cause this one. Thanks bro.

[@gobackto82]

Amazing video as always! It really is one of the greatest Daytona 500's of all-time! Am I crazy or is the instrumental to Proud Of U?

[@epzik8]

I was 5, almost 6 years old when I watched this race on TV. Between Dale’s crash and Darrell’s call of Michael’s win, it was very overwhelming for me to witness.

[@datboyfredie656]

Absolutely fantastic man, really. Please never stop.

[@falloutfan6649]

What could have been the greatest race ever instantly turned to the worst. But I think it’s safe to say Dale Jr’s win in the 400 later that year was the greatest 400 in Daytona history. The action was great and that finish with the celebration made it one of the greatest if not the greatest moments in motorsport history

[@socialgarbage2]

This was the first Nascar race I ever watched. I've been a fan ever since.

[@BJRACINE21]

I know that I'll get hate, but I still think this was one of if not the greatest 500. I was a big Dale Sr fan. I miss him to this day, but this race was incredible. I just wish the last quarter mile wasn't so horrible.

[@aaronkristofer18]

My dad was at this race. I was due in March and my Mom was supposed to go with him but I ended up being 6 months premature and exactly a month old during this race (Born 1/18/01) so my Dad ended up going by himself. He's over there in Turn 4 somewhere and I miss him a lot : - ) There are questions I would've asked him about this race.

[@azisles02]

I'll never forget that we were leaving a monster truck show and at the ticket booth, the tvs had the race on & it just ended as we were on our way out and the guy there said "Dale got in a nasty wreck at the end." We got home and we had the post-race on and they were talking about Dale going to the hospital. I remember at like 5:50ish, I said "we probably won't hear anything for a few hours unless he died." 10 minutes later the word came out. I was never so shocked and saddened to be right. A few years later, a co-worker of mine said they were at that race and said that no one left the stands until they heard about Dale. She also said you could hear a pin drop when they told everyone on the loud speakers.

[@jamesburroughs3813]

Agreed this would have gone down as the greatest 500 ever. It was the best Daytona 499.5 ever for sure. 2020 is the first time since we have had a similar aero package to 2001 for the 500. Hopefully it's a great race like that one was.

[@RJERR]

I liked your perspective ...especially your summation at the end, greatest driver, ever kudos

[@Stasiaflonase]

This is the perfect example of the phrase ‘it was the best of times, it was the worst of times’ from Great Expectations. Just too fitting.

[@JG3RTR]

I was never an Earnhardt fan. But after that announcement and seeing the replay after we was told he had passed away. I had tears in my eyes. I was 11 when it happened. I will never forget that crash.

[@HeliosEusebio]

The 2001 500 was the first NASCAR race I watched on TV from green flag to checkered. I was only passingly familiar with the sport and the only driver I could name was Jeff Gordon. It was an incredible race that had me glued to my seat. The lead changes, the big one, the finish, it was unlike any other sporting event I'd ever seen. I knew in that instant that I'd found myself a new interest. And then Dale died. That's when this went from exciting to life-changing.

[@ateddybear1392]

I’ve always kind of wondered how things would’ve been different if Dale had gotten involved in Tony’s wreck instead, and maybe avoided the tragedy. Always thought he could’ve won the title in 2001, since Harvick as a rookie missed a race and still finished top 10