Dale Earnhardt Sr. Crash?

Question

OK, I know this may sound weird and morbid...but I just came across it - I have never even LOOKED into the accident. But since the link was just put in front of my face, I had to read it! My boyfriend was in the stands, I was on the phone and heard the "Gentleman, Start Your Engines!" He was listening to his radio, too. Major depression followed, never talked about it and caused our breakup.

First, where did this cut belt theory come from? Why does anyone think it would be cut?

Second, have you all read the autopsy report? That was ONE HEALTHY 49 year old man! Shockingly healthy. I expected to read about some breakdown of some organs, or something. (though I wasn't expecting at all the blood) Racing is hard work! The fact that he was still racing at the level he was at 49 years old is remarkable in and of itself. Can't think of any other sport, maybe horse racing, where they stay at the top of their game into their 5th decade.

Anyone else notice this?

Answer 1

The first answer is idiotic. Nothing cut through the door. His seat belt tore from the impact. The manufacturer admitted this had happened 2 or 3 times in the preceeding several years among the 10s of thousands of their belts in use. The manufacturer had revised the mounting requirements to lessen the chance of this happening again.

Regarding his health. Dale was always active working his farm and property. He also rode ATVs for recreation and hunting. Driving a race car for 7 or 8 hours per week is quite a workout too.

Answer 2

A racing incident caused your breakup?  How silly is that?

Answer 3

the cut belt theory is a rescue worker cut the belt with a knife to get him out of the car it looks like tearing because a knife isnt goign to cut through a harness perfectly. why would they cut it i dont know maybe the mechanisim was jammed as for his health all you have to do is take a look at a guy like mark martin and that destroys that theory.

you asked where it came from i told you where is your reading comprehension? baseball is about the only other sport where some one can be competitive in to their 40s.

Answer 4

The belt was cut when he tried to block another driver .the other drivers wheel rubbed on srs door panel ,rubbed thrue and cut the belt which was around the roll cage which was common practice then.this is why the foam is now put in the cot outside the cage and safety equip.this is not a theory it was in all the press releases of the time including pictures.

Answer 5

I can't address the cut belt issue.  It's been a long time ago, and I don't recall every detail.

As to the autopsy report, I did see it.  There is nothing shocking about a 49 year old man being healthy.  Earnhardt was in the prime of his life - far from being decrepit or having random organ breakdown.

I can't speak to the horse racing point you bring up, either.  Horses race at the top of their game into their 5th decade?  That sounds wrong.  No wonder I think horse racing is barbaric.

EDIT:  My bad - I thought you meant the horses.  lol

Answer 6

You raise some interesting points. But, regardless of the "theories" and other conspiracy hounds, the official investigation into this death covers the "cut" seat belt issue.

As far as his health, YES a 50 year old can be in great shape without having to be addicted to some sort of prescription. He worked his farm, exercised, etc.

So I guess my answer is , Yes, I noticed it too.