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Interesting take on the condition of the sport.
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A wise man once told me that oval track racers are racing each other while road course racers are racing the track. I don't think that's too far from the truth. I've done both, from a technical perspective there's no question road course racing is more difficult, but oval racing can be a hell of a lot more fun.
Same here. The sport just didn't interest me any longer. My grandfather watched Nascar when I was a kid in the 80's and of course I would watch it with him. He didn't really like Dale, but I did. His never give up and aggressive attitude did it for me as I sort of related him to Michael Jordan. To me, they both had the same approach to their respective sport. Another sad day was in 1994, I was watching when Ayrton Senna was killed at Imola. I will never forget that day either as I was 17 and it was a huge impact to me as he was my favorite F1 driver and had been since he was with Lotus/JPS. I was still upset at the time that he moved to Williams and was griping to my grandfather that morning.Watched Dale crash and that was enough for me.
If anyone thinks ovals are easy its because they have never tried it. You are at the limit of traction most of the time. No one gives you a corner just because you stuck a nose inside. There are no long straights to take a break. Even when a yellow comes out, you only get a minute or two then its back to a nose to tail, door to door restart. Just try to hit your marks when you can't see them or someone is laying on your door or bumper or you've got your nose under the tail of the car ahead. Sure some people come for the wrecks but the diehards that sit in these stands every Saturday night come for the hard racing.
I knew when I saw Ken Schrader‘s face after he looked into Dale Earnhardt‘s car that Dale was dead.I'll never forget the Dale crash.........there was no word on what happened or how He was!!!!!!!!!!!...............I learned Dale died the next day on the radio driving to work...It left me with a void in my soul that never healed...........................
Kenny Wallace.Earnhardt "killed hisself". I believe Waltrip said that. He insisted on having his seat and belts installed in a way that Bill Simpson did not approve of. Simpson got a lot of shite chucked at him after that incident, but he and his equipment did not fail, it was the non standard way Earnhardt wanted it installed and the way he used it that failed.
Too much was made of this one incident and the real lesson from it, that being install the equipment correctly and use it properly, got lost in the emotional noise.
The attachment points for the lap belts were 7-1/2" rear of the proper mounting point specified in the instructions shipped with the belts. The France family / NASCAR refused to confirm that fact when it was discovered and the press caught wind a few weeks after the crash, throwing Bill Simpson and his company under the bus, leading to threats on Simpson's life from the more rabid Dale fans. Bill Simpson eventually sued NASCAR for defamation, promising to air decades of safety-related NASCAR laundry in court, but the case was settled before reaching trial. Simpson Racing is now part of the Holley conglomerate (with Earl's, Baer Brakes, Garrett Turbos, Halibrand, Hurst, and about 70 other brands).Earnhardt "killed hisself". I believe Waltrip said that. He insisted on having his seat and belts installed in a way that Bill Simpson did not approve of. Simpson got a lot of shite chucked at him after that incident, but he and his equipment did not fail, it was the non standard way Earnhardt wanted it installed and the way he used it that failed.
Yep, Bill Simpson was an incredible safety innovator, he has saved hundred of racers. I remember when he was promoting his fire suits at Indy. He literally suited up, poured gasoline on himself and lit a match. He stood their for about 30 seconds, on fire, before they put him out. Because those belts were mounted incorrectly, when they were pulled taught by several Gs of impact, the buckle that you use to take up slack, turned sideways and cut the belt in half. This was done on a test rig, and a simulator by Simpson racing. Earnhardt went forward, crashing into and bending the steering wheel, his body then reeled back, and his neck hit one of the seat bolsters that keep your head from moving in side impacts. One of those hits killed him immediately.The attachment points for the lap belts were 7-1/2" rear of the proper mounting point specified in the instructions shipped with the belts. The France family / NASCAR refused to confirm that fact when it was discovered and the press caught wind a few weeks after the crash, throwing Bill Simpson and his company under the bus, leading to threats on Simpson's life from the more rabid Dale fans. Bill Simpson eventually sued NASCAR for defamation, promising to air decades of safety-related NASCAR laundry in court, but the case was settled before reaching trial. Simpson Racing is now part of the Holley conglomerate (with Earl's, Baer Brakes, Garrett Turbos, Halibrand, Hurst, and about 70 other brands).
The story as I heard it, was that Simpson and another race suit maker / seller were going to have a burn off. Each would light themselves on fire to prove their suits. Simpson did it and the other guy left. Supposedly Johnny Rutherford had a hot dog on a stick that he stuck in Bills fire. Although I've never seen a picture of that. But this picture was on Simpsons catalog for years.
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I heard the "Lone Star JR" story as wellThe story as I heard it, was that Simpson and another race suit maker / seller were going to have a burn off. Each would light themselves on fire to prove their suits. Simpson did it and the other guy left. Supposedly Johnny Rutherford had a hot dog on a stick that he stuck in Bills fire. Although I've never seen a picture of that. But this picture was on Simpsons catalog for years.
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