NASCAR (partially found footage of NASCAR races featuring fatal and/or serious accidents; 1964-2002)

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This article has been tagged as NSFL due to its discussion of fatal and serious motor racing accidents/disturbing visuals.



1988millerhighlife5001.jpg

Program for the 1988 Miller High Life 500.

Status: Partially Found

Since its inception in 1948, NASCAR has hosted numerous races across its various divisions that have featured fatal and/or serious accidents. This article documents such races, which are confirmed to have received live or tape-delayed television coverage but have since become lost media. It should be noted that although the events' television broadcasts are lost, it does not necessarily mean the accident footage is missing as well.

1964 World 600

The 1964 World 600 was the 25th race of the 1964 NASCAR Grand National Series. Occurring on 24th May at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the race would ultimately be won by Jim Paschal of Petty Enterprises. However, the race is most known for the fatal accident involving Edward "Fireball" Roberts, who would pass away on 2nd July that same year due to injuries sustained from the crash.

It was the fifth running of the event, with the race covering 400 hundred laps.[1] During qualifying for the event, Jimmy Pardue won the pole position, ahead of Fred Lorenzen and Bobby Isaac.[1] Richard Petty, who would go on to become the 1964 NASCAR Grand National Series champion, qualified in fifth.[1] Fireball Roberts qualified 11th, with eventual race winner Paschal a place behind him.[1]

The race marked Paschal's first major victory after a seventeen-year racing career, earning him $24,555 in prize money.[1] He managed to make it up the grid to the first position after other drivers, including Pardue and Isaac, experienced mechanical failures or crashed out.[1] Paschal finished four laps ahead of second place Petty,[2] who nursed his car home after it experienced a blown tyre and was burning ignition wires.[1] As he also drove for Petty Enterprises, owned by his father Lee, it meant that the team achieved a 1-2 sweep in the race.[3] Rex White of the Bud Moore team came home in third, seven laps behind Paschal.[1]

Death of Fireball Roberts

On lap 7 of the race, Junior Johnson attempted to overtake Ned Jarrett off the exit of the second turn. However, he ended up hooking bumpers with his rival, and both cars began spinning in the middle of the backstretch, with Jarrett's Ford also ending up hitting the retaining wall. Roberts, who was directly behind the two vehicles, spun into the retaining wall in an attempt to avoid Jarrett's stricken Ford. In the process, Roberts' Ford flipped over, with Buck Baker barely avoiding the wreck. While Roberts did not sustain serious injuries as a result of the crash, he was still stuck in his overturned car because his ankle was stuck under the dashboard, with the clutch or the brake pedal holding it in place. Suddenly, Robert's and Jarrett's cars ignited, and Roberts began to suffer severe burns as his car's near-full fuel tank fed the fire by pouring into the cockpit.[4]

Jarrett escaped his burning car unharmed and ran over to try and save Roberts. According to Jarrett in a later interview, by that point, Roberts' jeans were ablaze. He had only worn a t-shirt and jeans during the race and had not worn any uniform covered in fire retardant chemicals because his breathing would be affected, as he suffered from an asthmatic condition. Roberts screamed to Jarrett "My God, Ned, help me! I'm on fire!", during the ordeal. Although Jarrett successfully pulled out Roberts, this intervention crucial in preventing Roberts from dying at the scene, Fireball still experienced second and third-degree burns, which covered eighty percent of his body. He was taken to Charlotte Memorial Hospital, where he lived for another six weeks before ending up in a coma and ultimately passing away aged 35 from a variety of causes, including pneumonia, blood poisoning and a fever. One of NASCAR's first superstars, Roberts had intended to retire from the NASCAR Series following a few other 1964 races.[5]

Following Roberts' death, NASCAR officials enforced a multitude of safety innovations and regulations. Firstly, it was made mandatory for drivers to wear fire-retardant uniforms and gloves. The uniforms would later be replaced with Nomex fire suits, which under NASCAR's criteria for thermal protection performance, would grant greater resistance against fire. Rubber bladders were also added inside the fuel tanks should the tanks rupture, preventing spillages into the cockpit, while fuel check valves helped stopped fuel flow should a car overturn. Rubberised fuel cells would ultimately contribute towards minimising the risk of ignition post-crash, further improving safety in NASCAR.[6]

1965 National 400 (FOUND)

The 1965 National 400 was the 52nd race of the 1965 NASCAR Grand National Series. Occurring on 17th October at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, the race would ultimately be won by pole sitter Fred Lorenzen in a 1964 Ford, with Dick Hutcherson and Curtis Turner helping to achieve a clean sweep for Ford. However, the event is overshadowed by a first-lap multicar crash that claimed the life of Harold Kite.

It was the 6th running of the event, with the race typically being around 400 miles in length during this time period.[7] It was one of two 1965 Grand National Series races conducted at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the other being the World 600,[8] which in 1964 occurred on 23rd May and was won by Fred Lorenzen.[9] The race also has ties to the modern Bank of America Roval 400, having dropped the National name from 1983 onwards.[10]

Prior to the race, qualifying commenced with Lorenzen winning the pole position with a speed of 147.773 mph.[11][7] Lorenzen, therefore, was looking to replicate his success at the previous year's event.[11] Directly behind him was fellow 1965 Ford driver Cale Yarborough, with Darel Dieringer in a 1964 Mercury qualifying third.[7] Harold Kite would start 24th out of 44 entrants.[7]

The Race

With the starting order decided, the 1965 National 400 occurred on 17th October.[7] Yarborough maintained his lead following the fatal accident on the first lap, holding onto it until lap 17 when Dieringer passed him for the first position.[7] Yarborough regained it on lap 30 however, and would remain in contention for an open race for the lead, before retiring on lap 47 because of an engine failure.[7] In total, there were 27 different lap leaders, split among eight different leaders racers.[7][11] On lap 209, the 1965 Ford of Sam McQuagg crashed out;[7] it slammed into a guardrail, knocking photographer Chuck Johnson, who was busy capturing a skid on the other end of the turn, over in the process.[12] Johnson was injured as a result, while McQuagg retired from the race.[12][7]

For the final 50 laps, it was a duel between Lorenzen and the 1965 Ford of A.J. Foyt, after Dieringer retired following a blown tyre.[11][7] The two drivers continually contended for the first position, with there being nine changes between them during this period in the race.[7][11] Five of these occurred during the final 37 laps.[11] The duel would end in dramatic fashion when Foyt smashed into the fourth turn guard rail and was forced to enter the pits.[11] This led to Lorenzen inheriting the lead, and while he was able to continue, Foyt ultimately finished sixth.[11][7] Lorenzen held on to win the race and claim $10,400 in prize money.[11][7] Behind him were the 1964 Fords of Dick Hutcherson and Curtis Turner in second and third respectively, with Ned Jarrett fourth.[7][11] Thus, this enabled Ford to achieve a clean sweep for the race.[7]

Death of Harold Kite

On the first lap of the race, Kite and the 1964 Ford of Rock Harn collided, causing both of them to spin.[13] While competitors did their best to avoid the carnage, Harn would be slammed into by Sonny Hitchin's 1964 Ford and the 1963 Chevrolet of Frank Warren.[13] As the pile-up continued, Kite headed down the banking, into the path of the 1963 Ford of Jimmy Helms, resulting in a driver's side-on crash at 120 mph.[13] Kite was severely injured at the scene, while Helms suffered minor cuts and bruises from the impact.[13][11]

Rescuers pulled Kite free from his vehicle and took him to the track hospital. Ultimately, Kite was declared dead on arrival, aged 43.[13][11] Kite, a former Army Captain, was competing in his first high-speed race since 1955.[11][13] He is one of a select few to win their debut race in the NASCAR Strictly Stock Series, having achieved victory at a 1950 race at the Daytona Beach Road Course.[14]

1969 Permatex 300

The 1969 Permatex 300 at Daytona was the 3rd race of the 1969 NASCAR Late Model Sportsman National Championship. Occurring on February 22nd at Daytona National Speedway, the race would ultimately be won by LeeRoy Yarbrough driving a 1966 Ford. The event however is most known for the fatal accident involving Don MacTavish, who was killed instantly following two heavy crashes.

Heading into the race, the Permatex 200 and Stardust 150 had already taken place, with Hershel McGriff and Clem Proctor being the respective winners.[15] Details of qualifying remain unclear, although according to the Ultimate Racing History, Yarbrough's car won the pole position after being driven by Donnie Allison, with MacTavish qualifying sixth out of 40 participants. Tiny Lund in a 1966 Dodge would lead 73 of the 120 laps, but by the finish was leapfrogged by Yarbrough's 1966 Ford, Yarbrough having led 40 laps to claim the win and $9,225 in prize money. Dutch Hoag also overtook Lund in a 1965 Dodge to finish second. Red Farmer, who would ultimately be the 1969 Sportsman Champion,[15] finished eighth in a 1966 Ford.[16][17]

Death of Don MacTavish

On lap 8, Don MacTavish had completed turn 4 in his 1966 Mercury Comet when he suddenly lost control of his vehicle. According to Daytona Beach Sunday News-Journal, MacTavish had spun after hitting an oil slick, and went sideways.[18] After a vain attempt to regain control, MacTavish crashed into a wall head-on at 185mph. The entire front end of the car was destroyed, with the engine, transmission and parts of the firewall being thrown free.[19] It left the motionless MacTavish completely exposed to the elements. His car then spun into the face of oncoming cars, where Sam Sommers' 1961 Ford collided directly with the wreckage, and left the Comet bouncing onto the grass. MacTavish was crushed following both crashes, and lost parts of both his legs. Ultimately, medics at the race stated he was killed instantly, aged 28.[18][20]

MacTavish was the 1966 NASCAR National Sportsman Division Champion, and had gained a positive reputation by competing in demolition derby events.[18] A 100-lap "Don MacTavish Memorial Race" would be held at the Albany-Saratoga Speedway three months after his death,[21] while in 2001 he would be posthumously inducted into the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame.[22]

1972 Twin 125s

The 1972 Twin 125s are two races at the Daytona National Speedway that served as qualifying events for the 1972 Daytona 500. Both occurred on 17th February, where the first race was won by Bobby Isaac in a 1972 Dodge, while Bobby Allison in a 1972 Chevrolet was victorious in the second. The first race however is overshadowed by a multicar crash, which claimed the life of Friday Hassler.

It differed from earlier Daytona 500 qualifying races. As part of an overhaul of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, the races no longer awarded points, because events now needed to reach at least 400km to officially count on the Winston Cup schedule.[23] Nevertheless, the races were still unique, as at the time the Daytona 500 was the only stock-car race for which qualifying heats were mandatory.[24] This would benefit the racers, as they could analyse how their vehicles performed during the heats and modify them accordingly for the main event. The heats also proved to attract large audiences, with around 25,000-30,000 attending the circuit when the races occurred.[24][25]

The races would determine 28 of the 40 starters. Prior to the Twin 125s, two had already qualified, with Bobby Isaac having won the pole position in the time trials, with A. J. Foyt qualifying second in a 1971 Mercury.[24] In the first race, Isaac was victorious, claiming $1,200 in prize money after having led 23 of the 50 laps. He finished ahead of Coo Coo Marlin in a 1972 Chevrolet, while Richard D. Brown took third, also in a 1972 Chevrolet. Buddy Baker had led the most laps at 27, but retired on lap 36 after experiencing a valve issue.[26] Nevertheless, he and Richard Petty were among ten others that still qualified for the Daytona 500, because despite encountering reliability issues, both drivers' performances in the time trials were enough to warrant qualification.[24]

In race 2, Bobby Allison led 49 of the 50 laps, winning the race and claiming $1,200 in prize money. He finished ahead of Foyt and Charlie Glotzbach in a 1971 Dodge.[27] With the starters and race order decided, the 1972 Daytona 500 occurred on 20th February. Foyt won the event ahead of Glotzbach, with Jim Vandiver taking third in a 1970 Dodge. Isaac retired early on because of engine issues, while Allison only managed 16th, 27 laps behind the leader.[28]

Death of Friday Hassler

On lap 18 of the first race, a major multicar crash involving 12-13 vehicles occurred.[24][25] David Ray Boggs, who was driving a 1970 Dodge, had just exited turn 2, when his right rear tire blew. Boggs maintained control of his car, but was hit from behind, causing his car to dart onto the grass. Drivers coming across the accident did their best to avoid it, but ended up colliding with others. Three cars notably got locked together sideways down the straight.[24]

Meanwhile, Hassler was following Ray Williams when he suddenly spun his 1970 Chevrolet to avoid the crash.[24] Ultimately, he collided head-on into the outside wall, and rebounded into the path of other drivers, resulting in Jimmy Crawford's 1970 Dodge slamming into the passenger side, causing Hassler's vehicle to be forced back into the wall. Hassler suffered severe skull and neck injuries, ultimately being killed instantly by the crash, aged 36. Two other drivers suffered injuries; Crawford suffered a fractured jaw and a lacerated chin, while Joe Frasson had to be hospitalised for neck scans.[25]

Hassler had been involved in 134 NASCAR Grand National events since 1960.[25], with a best result of second at the 1971 Islip 250.[29] He also contributed towards Glotzbach winning the 1971 Volunteer 500, by being the relief driver.[30] While this did not count as an official win for Hassler, his role as relief driver for the caution-free event also allowed Chevrolet to win its first NASCAR race in years, while also achieving the fastest ever race run at the Bristol Motor Speedway with no cautions involved.[29]

1974 National 500 (FOUND)

The 1974 National 500 was the 28th race of the 1974 NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Occurring on 6th October at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, the race would ultimately be won by pole sitter David Pearson in a 1973 Mercury, with 1974 Dodge driver Richard Petty securing the championship in this round. The event is also notable for a major crash on lap 2 that almost claimed the life of country and western singer Marty Robbins.

It was the 15th running of the 500-mile event, with the annual race typically lasting 500 miles in length.[31] It was one of two 1974 Winston Cup Series races conducted at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the other being the World 600,[32] which in 1974 occurred on 26th May and was won by David Pearson.[33]

Prior to the race, qualifying commenced with Pearson winning the pole position with a then-record speed of 157.498 mph.[34][31] It was considered unsurprising that Pearson won the pole position, as he would secure 11 consecutive poles at Charlotte starting from the 1973 National 500.[35] Directly behind him was Richard Petty, who achieved a speed of 157.545 mph, with 1973 Ford driver Buddy Baker lining up third.[36][31][35] Also in attendance was Marty Robbins, a famous country and western singer who occasionally competed in Cup Series races since 1966. He would be making his debut at Charlotte at this event with a 1974 Dodge, qualifying last out of the 42 runners who successfully qualified for the race.[31]

The Race

With the starting order decided, the 1974 National 500 commenced on 6th October.[31] Pearson maintained the lead even following a major accident involving Robbins on lap 2.[37][31][35] Pearson led until lap 13, when Darrell Waltrip in a 1972 Chevrolet passed him.[31] Throughout the race, it was an open competition for the first position, with Pearson, Waltrip, Petty, and 1974 Chevrolet drivers Donnie Allison and Cale Yarborough each leading a considerable number of laps, resulting in 47 lead changes.[35][31] Pearson, however, would drop down the field following a flat tyre that led to handling issues.[37][35]

By lap 271, Donnie Allison led, having fended off further changes from Waltrip, Petty, and his brother Bobby, who was driving a 1974 Matador at the event.[31] However, Pearson was fast-charging through the field, and pulled off what ultimately was the final lead change on lap 281.[37][31][35] Pearson would primarily face competition from Petty, who started his charge from lap 317.[37][35] Ultimately, Pearson defended his position, winning by three car lengths from Petty and earning $22,575 in prize money.[37][31][35] Petty's second place was enough for him to claim a then-record fifth Cup Series championship, although his winless streak at Charlotte continued, having failed to win at 27 races at the speedway and finishing second five times.[37][35][31] Waltrip would finish third.[31][35][37]

Post-race, Pearson admitted that he thought his chances of winning the race were gone the moment his car suffered a flat tyre, losing two laps in the process.[37] He claimed some ingenuity by his team, including changing a wedge underneath the car's hood to improve handling, combined with his raw pace, helped him achieve victory.[37]

Marty Robbins' Crash

On lap 2, the 1972 Chevrolet of Jerry Schild spun while exiting turn 4.[38][35] While he was able to carry on having not crashed, the spin did result in the area being covered with dust.[38][35] As the cars behind passed through the dust cloud, a multicar accident involving Baker, Jim Vandiver, Joe Frasson, Soapy Castles, Dick Brooks, and Richard Childress occurred, taking all of them out of the race.[38][35][37][31] Robbins was immediately behind this group, and had no time to avoid being collected in the accident.[38][37][35] To avoid crashing into Childress' 1973 Chevrolet on the driver's side door, Robbins immediately turned right and smashed his Dodge into the wall at 160 mph.[38][35][37]

Robbins suffered extensive injuries, including broken bones, facial cuts, and a blackened right eye.[38][35][37] Nevertheless, he recovered and carried on racing, including revisiting Charlotte for the 1980 National 500.[39] He explained his decision, stating "By the time I got to all those cars I knew there was no way for me to get through without hitting one or more. So I just turned it into the wall."[38][37] Robbins was credited as having saved Childress from a likely fatal accident.[40] On the flipside, Cotton Owens claimed that Robbins was lucky to be alive, as the Dodge jumped five feet in the air and backed across the track, where Robbins ultimately was not hit by any other drivers.[38]

1979 Sportsman 300

The 1979 Sportsman 300 (also known as the 1979 Permatex 300) was the inaugural race of the 1979 NASCAR Late Model Sportsman Series. Occurring on 17th February 1979, the rain-shortened race would ultimately be won by Darrell Waltrip in a Chevrolet. However, the event is overshadowed by a fiery multicar crash that left Don Williams in a semi-comatose state until his death a decade later.

It was the 21st running of the event, with the annual event typically lasting 300 miles.[41] The only 1983 NASCAR Budweiser Late Model Sportsman Series race to take place at Daytona International Speedway,[42] the race has ties to the modern Xfinity race Beef. It's What's for Dinner. 300, having dropped the Goody's title from 1997 onwards.[43]

Prior to the race, qualifying commenced with Donnie Allison winning the pole position in a Chevrolet with a speed of 47.104 seconds.[41] Directly behind him was Ford's Jack Ingram, with Darrell Waltrip lining up third.[41] Don Williams qualified 38th out of 40 competitors in a Chevrolet.[41]

The Race

With the starting order decided, the 1979 Sportsman 300 commenced on 17th February.[41] While some drivers, including Chevrolet's J.D. McDuffie, and the Pontiacs of Harry Gant and Brad Teague briefly led at times, the race would primarily be between Waltrip and the Chevrolet of Dale Earnhardt.[44] Earnhardt led from laps 39 to 57, with Waltrip briefly passing him, only for Earnhardt to regain it on lap 60.[44] After 64 laps, it looked as if Earnhardt was going to win, until a tyre on his Chevrolet blew on lap 67, forcing him to pit and causing him to finish seventh.[44][41] Waltrip regained the first position and held on to in a race that was shortened because of rain to only 69 laps or about 172.5 miles.[44][41] Fellow Chevrolet drivers Sterling Marlin and Ray Hendrick finished second and third respectively.[41][44]

Post-race, Waltrip was satisfied that he could have won even without Earnhardt's tyre blowing, stating "We're not complaining about the way we won the race. You can fight anything but the elements. I would have to tell you we would have won the race anyway."[44] Waltrip also won the second Twin 125s race, and only just missed out on a triple crown by losing the Daytona 500 to Richard Petty by a car length.[45]

Death of Don Williams

On lap 4, Ingram was exiting Turn 2 when his Ford's engine failed.[46][47][41] As it did, it leaked oil onto the track, causing Chevrolet's Freddie Smith to spin, where he was hit by Mercury's Joe Frasson, causing it to burst in flames.[46][47][45][41] Delma Cowart then smashed into Frasson at top speed, the impact from the Chevrolet causing the Mercury's fuel tank to rupture and explode.[46][45][47][41] Pontiac's Dennis Bennett, Chevrolet's Red Farmer, and Buddy Byles' Mercury were also involved in the accident.[47][46][41] The resulting crash caused Frasson to suffer a contusion to his right knee, as well as a minor facial burn, although he ultimately escaped his burning car.[45][46][44][47] "The fire melted my helmet and singed my fire suit," said Frasson. "Twenty-two gallons of fuel burning in a car can get pretty hot. That's about as near to panic as I've ever gotten."[44][45] Meanwhile, Farmer suffered an ankle abrasion and a minor leg burn, while two other drivers suffered minor injuries.[44][45][47] Smith meanwhile claimed his windshield failed but was unable to remember anything following that.[44][45]

Meanwhile, conflicting reports arose regarding what happened to Don Williams.[47][46][41] As he approached the carnage, The Sarasota Herald-Tribune claimed he stopped in the middle of the track only to be hit by another car that failed to slow.[47] Other accounts, including from The Miami News believe Williams was forced to swing high into the wall to avoid the wrecks.[47][46] However, the sudden impact at high speed into the wall, combined with flying debris, caused him to suffer severe head and chest injuries, including a hairline skull fracture, in addition to a fractured right arm and a right eye aneurysm.[47][46][44][45] While he was not killed immediately following the accident, he never fully recovered from it, remaining in a semi-comatose state for the rest of his life.[46][47] On 21st May 1989, Williams passed away from his injuries aged 42.[47][46] A hardware salesman for a ball-bearing company, Williams had been racing for seven years, with ambitions to compete in the Sportsman Series.[47] The 1979 Sportsman 300 was to be his first instance of racing on a 2.5 mile superspeedway.[47]

1979 Atlanta 500 (FOUND)

The 1979 Atlanta 500 was the 5th race of the 1979 NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Occurring on 18th March at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, the race would ultimately be won by pole sitter Buddy Baker in an Oldsmobile. However, the event is overshadowed by the death of Dennis Wade, a crewman who was fatally struck by Dave Watson's Chevrolet as it went out of control on the pit road.

It was the 20th running of the event, with the race traditionally being around 500 miles in length.[48] It was one of two 1979 Winston Cup Series races conducted at Atlanta Motor Speedway,[49] the other being the Dixie 500,[48] which in 1979 occurred on 7th November and was won by Neil Bonnett in a Mercury.[50] The Atlanta 500 also has ties to the modern Quaker State 400, which resumed the event at a 400 mile length in 2021 after not being held from 2011-2020.[51][52]

Prior to the race, qualifying commenced with Buddy Baker winning the pole position with a speed of 165.951 mph.[53] Directly behind him was Bobby Allison in a Ford, with Chevrolet driver Benny Parsons occupying the third position.[53] Dave Watson qualified 18th out of the 40 race competitors.[53]

The Race

With the starting order decided, the 1979 Atlanta 500 occurred on 18th March.[53] Baker led the first two laps,[53] though it became clear Allison would be his biggest rival as they led the majority of the first 114 laps,[53] with them especially being competitive in the first 47 laps.[54] This was disrupted as Oldsmobile driver Richard Petty spun out, forcing a caution.[54] The first pitstops began and Watson elected to stay out, thus giving him the lead for six laps.[54][53] Following the fatal accident of Dennis Wade on lap 124 that promoted Watson's retirement, Cale Yarborough in an Oldsmobile took over as leader.[53] Another serious accident involved the Oldsmobile driven by Claude Ballot-Lena, who crashed after completing 168 laps.[53] He was reportedly taken to hospital with internal injuries, though successfully made a recovery.[55] While Yarborough did briefly lead, the race would ultimately be between Baker and Allison for the final stretch.[54] Mercury driver David Pearson also remained in contention until lap 299 when he retired due to an engine failure.[53]

On lap 305, Baker passed Allison to move into the first position, and remained there for the final 23 laps.[53] He built a sizeable gap over his opponents, finishing 28 seconds ahead of Allison to claim his first victory since May 1976, and $30,525 in prize money.[54] Allison nevertheless received a consolation $10,000 in addition to the $30,525, after having led the most laps at 166.[54] In third was Darrell Waltrip in a Chevrolet.[53][54] Post-race, Allison stated that his Ford Thunderbird lost a cylinder following the final pit stop, which he claims was why he could not keep up with Baker.[54]

Death of Dennis Wade

On lap 124,[53] Watson, who had managed to lead six laps after staying out, elected to pit as the car ran out of fuel.[56][54] As the car was approaching, crewman Dennis Wade jumped over the pit wall carrying a heavy hydraulic jack so that he and others could prepare to service the car.[54][56] Watson began to approach his pit stall when suddenly the rear wheels locked.[54][56] Because it had no power, the car had virtually no control, resulting in the car locking up and spinning as Watson attempted to gear down.[54] As the car spun towards him, Wade froze and according to NASCAR official Ray Hill, "had nowhere to go".[54] The out-of-control Chevrolet Monte Carlo then proceeded to plough into Wade at around 50 mph, knocking him 100 feet through the air.[56][54]

Wade was immediately taken to the local hospital, with a distraught Watson immediately retiring from the race and electing to travel with his crew to the hospital.[56][54] Ultimately, Wade passed away from his injuries aged 18, becoming the first racing-related death at the raceway.[54][56] Following the death of his crewman, Watson made the decision to never race in the Cup Series again, although he would later compete in other categories.[56]

1979 Gabriel 400 (FOUND)

The 1979 Gabriel 400 was the 16th race of the 1979 NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Occurring on 17th June at the Michigan International Speedway, the race would ultimately be won by Buddy Baker, beating out fellow Chevrolet driver Donnie Allison. The race is also infamous for a crash involving Steve Pfeiffer, whose Chevrolet injured some spectators on the pit wall.

It was the 11th running of the event, with the annual race typically lasting around 400 miles in length.[57] It was one of two 1979 Winston Cup Series races conducted at Michigan International Speedway, the other being the Champion Spark Plug 400,[49] which in 1979 occurred on 19th August and was won by Richard Petty in a Chevrolet.[58] The race also has ties to the modern FireKeepers Casino 400, with both races having been merged into one since 2021.[59]

Prior to the race, qualifying commenced with Neil Bonnett winning the pole position in a Mercury with a speed of 162.371 mph.[57] Directly behind him was Donnie Allison, with Buddy Baker lining up third.[57] Roger Hamby also entered the event with a Chevrolet,[60] qualifying 18th out of 36 runners.[57] He selected Steve Pfeiffer to be his relief driver.[60]

The Race

With the starting order decided, the 1979 Gabriel 400 commenced on 17th June.[57] Bonnett was able to hold the lead until lap 3, when Baker briefly took over, only for Bonnett to recapture it on lap 4.[57] However, the race would quickly turn into an open competition for the lead, with Allison, Oldsmobile's Cale Yarborough, and Petty all contributing towards 46 lead changes throughout the event.[57] The Hour summarised the race as "a furious battle among 10 top contenders all day."[60]

Near the race's end stages, Baker would lead for 22 consecutive laps.[57] His main competition would be Allison, with him overtaking Baker for the first position on lap 158.[57][60] This triggered a further seven lead changes between the pair, with Baker achieving the final overtake for first on lap 182.[57] Nevertheless, he still faced intense competition from not only Allison, but also a late challenge from Yarborough.[60] However, the latter would drop out of contention, because his performance dipped as his tyres heated up according to Baker.[60] Baker would maintain the lead for the remaining laps, with the final few being run under a caution following incidents involving the Dodge of Frank Warren and Chevrolet's Darrell Waltrip.[57] This enabled Baker to win the race and claim $16,350 in prize money.[60][57] Allison finished second, with Yarborough ending up third.[57][60] Allison accepted Baker's victory post-race, stating "I felt the cars that won deserved to win and I thought the car that was second deserved to be second."[60]

Steve Pfeiffer's Crash

During the race, owner-driver Roger Hamby elected to be replaced by relief driver Steve Pfeiffer.[60] After completing 122 laps,[57] Pfeiffer decided to make a pit stop, heading onto pit road.[61][60] Suddenly, he lost control of the Chevrolet, slamming into a dirt embankment close to the pit entrance.[61][60] The impact was severe enough to cause the vehicle to climb the embankment, resulting in it mowing down a few spectators, including photographer Ray Cook.[61][60] Cook was hospitalised after suffering leg and ankle injuries, while some spectators suffered cuts and bruises.[61][60] Meanwhile, Pfeiffer resided in Foote West Hospital, ultimately recovering from cuts to his right knee and chest.[60] Ultimately, despite the severity of the crash, there were no fatalities.[61]

1985 Atlanta ARCA 500K

The 1985 Atlanta ARCA 500K (also known as the 1985 Georgia ARCA 500) was the fifth race of the 1985 ARCA Permatex SuperCar Series. Occurring on 2nd June at the Atlanta International Raceway, the race would ultimately be won by Davey Allison in a Buick. However, the event is overshadowed by the fatal accident of Ford driver Stuart Lyndon.

It was the third ARCA Permatex SuperCar Series race to commence at Atlanta International Raceway,[62] lasting over 300 miles.[63] It was also one of three Atlanta races to occur in the 1985 season;[64] the others were the Arca Georgia 100, which commenced on 3rd November 1984 and was won by Pontiac's Glenn Sears;[65] and the Georgia ARCA 150, which occurred on 16th March 1985 and was won by Pontiac's Kirk Bryant.[66] The final ARCA race held at Atlanta took place in March 2003.[62]

Prior to the race, qualifying commenced with Mike Alexander winning the pole position in a Chevrolet with a speed of 166.203 mph.[63] Directly behind him was fellow Chevrolet driver David Sosebee, with Bryant lining up third.[63] Allison started sixth, while Lyndon qualified 33rd out of 40 competitors.[67][63]

The Race

With the starting order decided, the 1985 Atlanta ARCA 500K commenced on 2nd June.[63] Alexander maintained his lead from the start, holding it until he was passed by fellow Chevrolet driver Trevor Boys on lap 20.[63] Boys only maintained the first position for two laps, until Bryant took over.[63] Following a caution triggered by Lyndon's fatal accident, Bryant would remain in front until Sosebee moved by on lap 52.[63] He held first for 13 laps, before Boys took over on lap 65, leading another ten before Sosebee moved back in front.[63] During the mid stages, the battle for the lead became a somewhat open affair before Alexander moved past Pontiac's Bob Dotter on lap 86 to regain the first position.[63]

Alexander would be passed by Chevrolet's Lee Raymond, who in turn dropped it a lap later on lap 127 to Boys.[63] Boys would lead for an uninterrupted 48 laps, only to be passed by Alexander on lap 175 and drop out of contention.[63] Alexander seemed likely to win, having led another 27 laps.[63] However, with three laps remaining, Allison performed the final lead change of the race.[63] He successfully defended the first position from Alexander to claim victory and $28,000 in prize money.[63] Alexander finished second, with Chevrolet's Grant Adcox a lap down in third.[63]

Death of Stuart Lyndon

On lap 32, Lyndon was exiting Turn 2.[68][69][70][67] Suddenly, the New Zealander lost control of his Ford at top speed, and crashed head-on into a dirt embankment.[67][68][69][70] The resulting collision shattered the Ford's roll cage, causing Lyndon to be thrown free into the windshield.[67][68][70][69] Lyndon was killed instantly from the crash, of which race winner Allison stated was the worst wreck he had ever witnessed.[69][67][68][70] Aged 33, Lyndon had achieved success within dirt racing in New Zealand, as well as in motorcycle speedway events in England.[69][67] After having moved to the United States, he became one of a select few New Zealanders to compete in American stock car events, with this race marking his second ARCA start.[69][67]

Lyndon was not the only driver to pass away at Atlanta after hitting a dirt embankment.[69] At the 1984 Atlanta Journal 500, Terry Schoonover died after he took slammed head-on into a dirt bank on the backstretch.[69] This made them the first two drivers to die at Atlanta International Raceway.[69] With dirt banks deemed more dangerous than concrete and steel counterparts, it was announced that the track would replace the dirt banks with concrete walls in a bid to make racing safer at the venue.[69][70]

1988 Miller High Life 500 (FNN broadcast)

The 1988 Miller High Life 500 was the 13th race of the 1988 NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Occurring on 19th June at the Pocono International Raceway, the race would ultimately be won by Geoffrey Bodine in a Chevrolet. However, the race is most known for Bobby Allison's career-ending accident on the opening lap.

It was the 7th running of the event, with the annual race typically lasting around 500 miles in length.[71] It was one of two 1988 Winston Cup races at Pocono International Raceway, the other being the 1988 AC Spark Plug 500,[72] which occurred on 24th July and was won by Bill Elliott in a Ford.[73] The event would carry on into 2021 as the Pocono Organics CBD 325, before it was dropped for the 2022 season.[74][75]

Prior to the race, qualifying commenced with Alan Kulwicki winning the pole position in a Ford with a speed of 158.806 mph.[71] Directly behind him were the Chevrolets of Ken Schrader and Geoffrey Bodine, in second and third respectively.[71] Buick's Bobby Allison qualified 28th out of 40 competitors.[71]

The Race

With the starting order decided, the 1988 Miller High Life 500 commenced on 19th June.[71] Schrader shot into the lead on the first lap, holding onto it for 34 consecutive laps before dropping it to Bodine.[71] On the first lap, Allison crashed head-on into the outside barrier after a tyre burst, causing him to spin heading into Turn 2.[76] He was then t-boned by the Chevrolet of Jocko Maggiacomo, knocking both drivers out.[76][71] While Maggiacomo recovered, Allison suffered from head injuries so severe that he was even given the last rites by a priest at a local hospital.[77][76] While he survived, Allison was in a vegetive state, requiring him to stay in hospital for 108 days, receive multiple surgeries, and engage in rehab to recover as much of his memory as possible and re-learn daily tasks.[77][76] Ultimately, the crash ended his career, having officially won 84 Cup Series races and the 1983 Winston Cup title.[77][76]

Meanwhile, Bodine held the lead from laps 35 to 88, before Schrader took over until lap 107.[71] From there, the battle for the lead became an open competition, with few of the 17 lead changes lasting for more than ten laps.[71] In the remaining stages, Schrader overtook Bodine for the first position on lap 158, but dropped it to Pontiac's Rusty Wallace ten laps later, eventually falling further down to finish 9th.[71] Wallace defended his lead for another 23 laps before Bodine achieved the final lead change on lap 191.[71] He would cross the line with a 8.18-second margin lead to claim victory and $51,200 in prize money.[71] Pontiac's Michael Waltrip pipped Wallace for second, with Wallace holding on for third.[71]

1990 Daytona ARCA 200

The 1990 Daytona ARCA 200 was the inaugural race of the 1990 ARCA Racing Series. Occurring on 11th February at the Daytona International Speedway, the race would ultimately be won by Jimmy Horton in a Pontiac. However, the event is overshadowed by the fatal accident involving Slick Johnson, as well as an incident where EMT Mike Staley was run over while tending to Johnson.

It was the 27th running of the event, with the annual race with the annual event typically lasting 200 miles.[78] The only 1990 ARCA Racing Series race to occur at Daytona International Speedway,[79] it has ties to the modern Lucas Oil Complete Engine Treatment 200.[80]

Prior to the race, qualifying commenced with Patty Moise winning the pole position in a Buick with a speed of 194.536 mph.[78] Directly behind her was Chevrolet's Bob Keselowski, with Ronald Cooper lining up third in a Ford.[78] Jimmy Horton qualified 13th, while Slick Johnson started 39th out of 40 runners in a Pontiac after electing to utilise a backup car following a crash during a practice session.[81][78]

The Race

With the starting order decided, the 1990 Daytona ARCA 200 commenced on 11th February.[78] Keselowski shot into the lead on the first lap, holding it for 21 laps before dropping it to Oldsmobile's Tracy Leslie.[78] Leslie held on to the lead until lap 28, when Moise regained the first position.[78] She defended it until Tommy Riggins in a Chevrolet passed her on lap 35.[78] However, Riggins was only able to maintain the first position for five laps, dropping it to Charlie Glozbach, who started the race last in a Pontiac.[78] He held it for the longest uninterrupted duration of 31 laps, before Horton moved past on lap 71, following a spin from Glozbach.[82][78] Here, Horton briefly engaged in a duel with Ford's Ken Ragan, but he successfully made the final lead change on lap 76.[78]

Following the fatal accident of Slick Johnson on the same lap, a caution period brought racing to an end, allowing Horton to claim victory and $10,700 in prize money.[81][78] In second and third were the Pontiacs of Mark Gibson and Clay Young respectively.[78] Post-race, Horton was happy to win despite finishing under a caution period, stating "You never want a race to end under caution, especially with a wreck like that. It's so unfortunate and you just hope that everybody's OK. We wanted to finish under green, but somebody's got to be there. I'm just glad it was me."[82][81]

Death of Slick Johnson and Mike Staley Accident

The race was notable for its crashes, with four serious ones occurring.[83] Seven incidents arose that prompted 25 of the 80 laps to be run under caution.[82][83][78] Some blamed the drivers' lack of experience and a high turnover of experienced competitors for the incidents, with Horton stating "It was just a case of people getting in over their heads."[83]

On lap 76, Johnson was competing at the front of the field, when he spun between Turns 3 and 4 while driving too low.[84] This caused his Pontiac to slam backwards into the outside wall, while also being hit by fellow Pontiac driver David Simko, who said following the accident "The 95 car (Johnson) lost it in three and four, got down on the apron and shot back up the track. "There was so much smoke everywhere I didn't know where to go. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time".[85][86][84] Pontiac's Billy Thomas was also involved, and he ended up slamming into a wall almost head-on, fracturing his left wrist,[86][85][84] while Kevin Gundaker in a Chevrolet ended up suffering a bruised back.[86][81] Meanwhile, Johnson's stricken Pontiac was rolling onto the apron of the track, which caused him to be hit at top speed by two approaching vehicles.[84][81][86] Johnson suffered a basilar skull fracture and multiple chest fractures, and while he was taken to Halifax Medical Center, he was deemed to be in a very critical condition.[87][84][85][81][86] Ultimately, Johnson died three days following the event, aged 41.[84][87] Prior to the race, Johnson was a racing veteran, having first competed in 1966, and achieving a few fifth places in the 1980 Winston Cup Series.[85]

After the accident occurred, 35-year-old EMT Mike Staley approached the scene to tend to Johnson.[85] But while the yellow flag was out, the leaders failed to spot it on the start-finish line, with most thus continuing to race as they reached the accident.[83] Suddenly, Keselowski spun out, with him hitting Gundaker's Chevrolet.[85] The impact caused the Chevrolet to slam into Staley, knocking him ten feet into the air, with Keselowski's Chevrolet additionally running over Staley's lower body.[81][85] The accident resulted in Keselowski injuring his left leg, while Staley was in a serious condition, including breaking his left leg, as well as breaking and burning his left forearm.[81][83][85] Unlike Johnson, Staley managed to recover, but ultimately could no longer be a paramedic.[88] He later sued ARCA in 1991, being awarded $357,895 in damages.[88] Staley later provided motivational talks regarding overcoming adversity.[70][88] Four years following the crash, he primarily blamed racing officials for the "racing back to the flag" rule that enabled drivers to continue competing for the rest of the lap after a crash occurred, believing that the cars should have been forced to slow down immediately following the crash.[88]

1995 Winston 100

The 1995 Winston 100 (also known as the 1995 Sportsman 100) was a race held as part of the 1995 NASCAR Sportsman Division Series. Occurring on 6th October at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, the race would be won by Chevrolet's Gary Laton. However, the event is overshadowed by the fatal crash of Russell Phillips, which is considered among the most gruesome accidents in NASCAR's history.

It, alongside the 1995 Duron Paints And Wallcoverings 100 held the following day, were the last NASCAR Sportsman Division Series races at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and two of five to be held for the 1995 season.[89] The race lasted 67 laps or about 100.5 miles.[90] Originally, the Winston 100 was to be held on 4th October, but Hurricane Opal necessitated a delay until the 6th.[91][92][93][70] Prior to the race, qualifying commenced with Russell Phillips winning the pole position ahead of 56 other entries in an Oldsmobile.[93][91][90] This was his first pole in 17 Sportsman starts at Charlotte.[91] Post-qualifying, Phillips stated that "I was just hoping to qualify in the top five so I wouldn't have to work through a lot of traffic."[91]

Of the limited details surrounding the event, it is known that Gary Laton won the race after passing Lester Lesneski late in the race, claiming $3,000 in prize money.[93][91][90] Lesneski redeemed himself in the second race, however, dominating the 1995 Duron Paints And Wallcoverings 100 by leading 50 laps to claim victory.[94][93]

Death of Russell Phillips

Phillips had managed to lead the first few laps of the Winston 100,[90] but quickly fell back through the field.[92][91][93] By lap 17, he was in tenth place, when Ford's Joe Gaita collided with Oldsmobile's Morris Bice up ahead, with both spinning out of Turn 4.[95][91][93][70] Phillips was instructed by his brother and spotter John to go high, with Chevrolet driver Steven Howard also ordered to do the same.[92] Howard braked as he went high, but Phillips continued driving at full speed, with speculation being that he was trying to speed by Bice's Oldsmobile rather than avoid it, as it was heading back up the track.[92] NASCAR officials believe that Phillips realised that he was going to collide with Howard, and jerked his Oldsmobile to the right at the last moment.[92] The officials blamed Phillips for the resulting accident, but Howard, in a 1996 interview, felt that the crash was his responsibility.[92]

Regardless of who was at fault, Phillips collided with the right rear wheel of Howard, with the momentum of the latter's vehicle causing both cars to fly.[95][92][91] Phillips' vehicle crashed into the catchfence, with the impact being so severe that the roof and roll bars completely collapsed.[96][92][91][95] Fully exposed to the elements, Phillips was decapitated by a caution light that penetrated the ruined windshield, while the catchfence itself dismembered him.[95][92][91][96] Phillips was 26, and was known for being a race car fabricator, as well as a volunteer fireman.[91][92] He had also recorded a top-10 finish in one of the Sportsman races he competed in at Charlotte, and had a best result of eighth in the Division.[91][92]

The race was stopped for 33 minutes as rescue workers and NASCAR inspectors cleared up the wreckage.[92][91] From those at the event, it became clear that Phillips' accident was among the worst in NASCAR's history.[92][93][95][91] Aside from collecting vehicle parts from the wrecked Oldsmobile, officials discovered that Russell's right hand had been sheared off and was embedded in the catchfence.[92][95] Additionally, workers found Phillips' helmet at the pit road entrance, with his head still within it.[95][91] In total, over a dozen while linen sheets were required to cover up Russell's remains on the track, with many more placed within the walkway of Turn 4's grandstand.[91][96][92] The graphic sight caused some spectators in the stands to faint.[92]

Phillips' death, as well as Dale Earnhardt's similar crash at the 1996 DieHard 500 that caused him serious injuries, resulted in the mandatory introduction of the Earnhardt bar.[95][92] This bar would run down the middle of the windshield, reinforcing the roof's integrity and limiting chances of collapses in future roof-first accidents.[95][92] Meanwhile, the fatal crash marked the beginning of the end for the NASCAR Sportsman Division, as Charlotte's organisers ultimately withdrew from it as this was the third fatal Sportsman accident to have occurred at the track.[96][91][95][92][93] The other fatal accidents involved David Gaines in May 1990 and Gary Batson in May 1992.[96][91][95][92][93] Pocono International Raceway soon followed, resulting in the Sportsman Division dissolving soon afterwards.[70]

2002 K&N Filters 150

The 2002 K&N Filters 150 (also known as the 2002 Irwindale 150) was the sixth race of the 2002 NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Tour Occurring on 8th June at the Irwindale Speedway, the race would ultimately be won by David Gilliland in a Chevrolet. However, the race is overshadowed by the fatal accident of John Baker, which occurred on lap 37 of the event.

It occurred during a period when the Irwindale Speedway was still being promoted as a safe track.[70] This was despite heavy criticism over the deaths of three drivers at the track prior to the event, including Casey Diemert and Keith Cowherd, who both died in 1999 during the track's opening season; and Christopher Shields in June 2001.[97][98][70] Lasting 150 laps or about 75 miles,[99] the race would be one of two 2002 NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Tour, the other being the Auto Club 150,[100] which occurred on 10th August and was won by Chevrolet's Burney Lamar.[101] Southwest Tour races would continue at the track until the Tour was discontinued after 2006.[102][103]

The Race

Prior to the race, qualifying commenced with John Baker winning the pole position with a speed of 100.66 mph.[104][99][97] Directly behind him was fellow Chevrolet driver Burney Lamar, with Pontiac's Eddy McKean lining up third.[99] David Gilliland qualified seventh out of 30 competitors.[99] When the race commenced on 8th June, Lamar quickly shot into the lead on the first lap, holding it until Craig Raudman in a Chevrolet overtook him.[99] Raudman then dominated the majority of the race, leading 128 consecutive laps, before dropping it to Gilliland on lap 138 when he experienced a flat tyre.[104][99] From there, Gilliland controlled the remaining of the race, edging out the Chevrolets of M.K. Kanke and Zach Niessner to claim victory and $5,425 in prize money.[104][99] Kanke finished 0.480 seconds behind, with Niessner taking third.[99]

Death of John Baker

Baker had lost the lead on the first lap, and was racing against Chevrolet's Sean Woodside on lap 37.[98][99] Both collided while negotiating Turn 2, causing Baker's car to dart towards the inside and into the path of Greg Voigt's Chevrolet.[98][104] After bouncing off Boigt's side, Baker slammed into the right side of the track and into an exposed entrance ramp head-on, with Austin Cameron also being involved.[98][104] While Baker was wearing a Hutchens head-and-shoulder device and an open-face helmet that was made mandatory for the Tour that year,[104][97] the crash, which was compared to Dale Earnhardt's fatal accident at the 2001 Daytona 500, caused him to suffer a basal skull fracture.[105][98] While he was immediately taken to the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, he was pronounced dead on arrival, aged 49.[104][97][98] A racing veteran having competed in the West Coast series for six years, he was praised by Raudman as being as having "loved racing and was a fun guy to be around."[104]

Baker's death was the first in the Southwest Tour since its formation in 1986, and the fourth at the track, prompting criticism towards Irwindale's organisers.[104][97][98] Its officials announced that racing would be postponed until a reconfiguration of the retaining wall occurring, including adding 120 feet of wall to the existing outer barrier on the south side of the paved oval.[105][98] The reconfiguration may well have been effective according to The Crash Photos Database, with it noting that nobody has perished at the speedway since Baker.[98][70]

Availability

A few highlights of the 1964 World 600 have resurfaced over the years. These include a short film by The Chrysler Corporation, which recaps the race but does not include any footage of Roberts' fatal accident. Additionally, a few amateur recordings of the race have surfaced, some including the crash and aftermath. However, according to Racing-Reference, the race may have been televised by a local NBC affiliate in the Charlotte region but was unable to confirm its existence beyond an urban legend.[106] However, thanks to newspaper clips obtained by nascarman History, it is now confirmed that NBC did indeed broadcast the race as part of its Sports Special program.[106] The race aired on tape delay a week after it was run, with NBC camera crew filming the race on top of the press box and tower grandstand, as well as in the first turn and in the pits. The broadcast, which lasted around 30 minutes, has never resurfaced since.[106]

According to NASCAR on TV, ABC televised 45 minutes of highlights from the 1965 National 400 on 23rd October 1965 as part of its Wide World of Sports alongside a surfing championship.[107] Prior to September 2023, it was unclear whether the broadcast contained Kite's fatal accident although NASCAR on TV stated it was "edited".[107] On 28th September 2023, NASCAR Classics uploaded the broadcast to YouTube, which confirmed crash footage and its aftermath were shown in the airing. This upload was soon taken down, but movracefan reuploaded the full coverage on 7th October 2023.

Footage of Don MacTavish's fatal accident and its aftermath remain publicly accessible, thanks to a YouTube video from movracefan and a Dailymotion clip from All Racing Legends, which also includes graphic images of the aftermath. However, this remains the only publicly accessible footage of the 1969 Permatex 300 at Daytona. ABC were known to have filmed the race, although it was not broadcast live. Nevertheless, it did broadcast highlights of the race on ABC Wide World of Sports, including footage of the fatal crashes being preceded by a warning of its graphic nature and to not allow children to watch the clip.[108][106] Ultimately, these highlights are now missing as of the present day.

Racing-Reference states that Twin 125 races were seldom broadcast on television in the 1970s, possibly because of their lack of relevancy due to merely being deemed as qualifying races.[106] However, the 1972 Twin 125s were broadcast on ABC's Wide World of Sports on 19th February 1972, showcasing 45-minutes of highlights which possibly could have contained the fatal accident.[109] As of the present day, the only available footage of the races is of the fatal crash itself.

Regarding the 1974 National 500, 45 minutes of highlights were televised by ABC on 19th October 1974 as part of its Wide World of Sports, alongside the National Wrist-Wrestling Championship.[110] The broadcast did not publicly resurface until October 2023, when NASCAR Classics uploaded the full coverage to its service. Numerous photos have also been provided by the J. Murrey Atkins Library.[111]

According to nascarman History's Top 10 LOST NASCAR TV Broadcasts, the 1979 Sportsman 300 received coverage from CBS, albeit in August 1979. The full broadcast has yet to resurface, although clips and photos of the accident are viewable.[46] Additionally, the intro of the race that was shown as part of the 1979 NHRA Spring Nationals has also resurfaced.

NASCAR on TV also details that ABC televised 30 minutes of highlights from the 1979 Atlanta 500 on 24th March 1979 as part of its Wide World of Sports alongside the World Target Diving Championships and World Championship Motorcycles.[112] Prior to January 2024, it was unknown whether any of the televised footage contained the fatal accident, though it would become the first Atlanta 500 since 1969 to be broadcast on tape delay.[112] The race broadcast was uploaded to YouTube by NASCAR Classics on 18th January 2024, but was quickly taken down again. It was reuploaded to the NASCAR Classics website by July 2024. The broadcast references Ballot-Lena's crash but provides no footage of his or Wade's accidents. A few photographs, including of Wade's fatal accident, have also resurfaced online.

Similarly, NASCAR on TV claims 45 minutes of highlights from the 1979 Gabriel 400 were televised by ABC on 23rd June 1979 as part of its Wide World of Sports, alongside the AAU Track and Field Championships.[113] For many years, only clips of Pfeiffer's accident have been uploaded to YouTube. Racing-Reference claims that at least three other YouTube videos contained footage of the race, but have all since been made inaccessible.[114] However, on 16th August 2023, as part of the launch of NASCAR Classics, the broadcast would resurface.[115] Lasting 23 minutes, it is believed that the removal of the television advertisements and Pfeiffer's crash contributed to the reduced runtime.

While it is unknown whether a race broadcast of the 1985 Atlanta ARCA 500K was planned, the USA Network had aired several Atlanta ARCA races.[69][70] Additionally, Kirby Boone, Atlanta's PR Director, stated that a tape was reviewed, suggesting the event was indeed set to be televised on tape delay.[69][70] However, likely because of Lyndon's fatal accident, the broadcast never materialised.[69][70] However, on 4th July 2020, a near-three hour tape of the race was uploaded to YouTube by "digitalmanchris."[70] Analysis of the video indicates it was primarily filmed from the front stretch and was likely to be utilised for the planned broadcast.[70]

As for the 1988 Miller High Life 500, a one-hour broadcast can be found on NASCAR Classics, which also includes Allison's accident. However, as detailed by nascarman History in his video Top 10 LOST NASCAR TV Broadcasts, there is also an obscure tape of the race that was broadcast by Financial News Network (FNN) at 6 pm that same evening, lasting two-and-a-half hours. This airing has yet to publicly resurface.

It is known that ESPN planned to showcase the 1990 Daytona ARCA 200 on tape delay.[70] However, the accidents, particularly the images of the Staley collision, dissuaded the broadcaster from airing the event, with the full race footage yet to publicly resurface as of the present day.[70] Nevertheless, footage of both accidents is publicly viewable, after Rescue 911 was allowed to use ESPN's clips of both.[70]

Originally, World Sports had intended to broadcast the 1995 Winston 100 live.[93] However, the resulting delay caused by Hurricane Opal prevented this, with the network deciding instead to tape the race and showcase it on tape delay.[70][93] Ultimately, Phillips' accident resulted in the broadcast being swiftly cancelled, while it is also unknown whether any filming occurred following the crash.[70][93] As of the present day, the only footage of the race is of Phillips' crash, as it was televised across multiple news broadcasts.[70]

Finally, it is known that the 2002 K&N Filters 150 was to be broadcast on tape delay just a few days after it was held.[70] However, the accident resulted in the race never making it to air.[70] As of the present day, no footage of the event has resurfaced, although a few photos can be publicly viewed.

Gallery

Videos

Chrysler Corporation film of the 1964 World 600, with no footage of Fireball Roberts' crash.

Home movie providing some footage and shots of drivers, crew chiefs and engine builders at the 1964 World 600, with no footage of Fireball Roberts' crash.

1965 National 400.

1979 Gabriel 400.

Footage of Pfeiffer's crash at the 1979 Gabriel 400.

CBS intro of the 1979 Sportsman 300.

IanPerez48 documenting Don Williams and his fatal accident at the 1979 Sportsman 300.

A near-three hour tape of the 1985 Atlanta ARCA 500K.

Rescue 911 segment on the accidents at the 1990 Daytona ARCA 200.

SportsCenter's report on the accidents at the 1990 Daytona ARCA 200.

Documentary detailing Staley's accident at the 1990 Daytona ARCA 200.

News report on Phillips' fatal accident at the 1995 Winston 100.

Top 10 LOST NASCAR TV Broadcasts detailing the lost 1964 World 600 (4:28-4:54), 1979 Sportsman 300 (1:43-2:15), and 1988 Miller High Life 500 broadcasts (2:40-3:03).

See Also

External Links

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Racing-Reference detailing qualifying and race results of the 1964 World 600. Retrieved 20 Sep '21
  2. Bench-Racing discussing the 1964 World 600 race and the crash. Retrieved 20 Sep '21
  3. The Sumter Daily Item newspaper reporting on the race results and the crash. Retrieved 20 Sep '21
  4. Archived NASCAR website detailing the fatal crash and measures to ensure a similar tragedy is unlikely to occur again. Retrieved 20 Sep '21
  5. Archived Fireball Roberts website detailing his final race and his intentions to retire after a few more races in 1964. Retrieved 20 Sep '21
  6. Archived NASCAR website detailing the innovations introduced following Roberts' death that helped improve safety. Retrieved 20 Sep '21
  7. 7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 7.11 7.12 7.13 7.14 7.15 Racing-Reference detailing qualifying and race results for the 1965 National 400. Retrieved 11 Mar '22
  8. Racing-Reference detailing the 1965 NASCAR Grand National Series calendar. Retrieved 11 Mar '22
  9. Racing-Reference detailing the results of the 1965 World 600. Retrieved 11 Mar '22
  10. The New York Times Stats detailing the history of the National 400 and when its name was dropped. Retrieved 11 Mar '22
  11. 11.00 11.01 11.02 11.03 11.04 11.05 11.06 11.07 11.08 11.09 11.10 11.11 11.12 The New York Times reporting on Lorenzen winning the 1965 National 400 and the death of Kite. Retrieved 11 Mar '22
  12. 12.0 12.1 Historic Images Outlet detailing the McQuagg crash that led to Johnson becoming injured at the 1964 National 400. Retrieved 11 Mar '22
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 The Crash Photos Database detailing the fatal accident of Harold Kite. Retrieved 11 Mar '22
  14. Georgia Racing History detailing the life and career of Harold Kite. Retrieved 11 Mar '22
  15. 15.0 15.1 Third Turn detailing the 1969 NASCAR Late Model Sportsman National Championship results and final standings. Retrieved 28 Dec '21
  16. Ultimate Racing History providing results of the 1969 Permatex 300. Retrieved 28 Dec '21
  17. Third Turn providing results of the 1969 Permatex 300. Retrieved 28 Dec '21
  18. 18.0 18.1 18.2 Daytona Beach Sunday News-Journal reporting on the race 1969 Permatex 300, and MacTavish's fatal accident. Retrieved 28 Dec '21
  19. Hemmings detailing both crashes at the 1969 Permatex 300. Retrieved 28 Dec '21
  20. Ranker detailing the fatal accidents at the 1969 Permatex 300. Retrieved 28 Dec '21
  21. RacersReunion detailing the first Don MacTavish Memorial Race. Retrieved 28 Dec '21
  22. New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame page for Don MacTavish. Retrieved 28 Dec '21
  23. Stock Car Racing History detailing the changes in the 1972 NASCAR Winston Cup Series that meant the Twin 125s no longer awarded points. Retrieved 29 Dec '21
  24. 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 24.4 24.5 24.6 The New York Times reporting on the 1972 Twin 125s and the fatal accident, as well as detailing the the Twin 125s' purpose. Retrieved 29 Dec '21
  25. 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 Daytona Beach Morning Journal reporting on the 1972 Twin 125s and the fatal accident. Retrieved 29 Dec '21
  26. Racing-Reference detailing results of the first race of the 1972 Twin 125s. Retrieved 29 Dec '21
  27. Racing-Reference detailing results of the second 1972 Twin 125s. Retrieved 29 Dec '21
  28. Racing-Reference detailing results of the 1972 Daytona 500. Retrieved 29 Dec '21
  29. 29.0 29.1 RacersReunion detailing the career of Friday Hassler. Retrieved 29 Dec '21
  30. St. Joseph Gazette reporting on Glotzbach winning the 1971 Volunteer 500, with Hassler contributing as a relief driver. Retrieved 29 Dec '21
  31. 31.00 31.01 31.02 31.03 31.04 31.05 31.06 31.07 31.08 31.09 31.10 31.11 31.12 31.13 Racing-Reference detailing qualifying and race results for the 1974 National 500. Retrieved 18 Mar '22
  32. Racing-Reference detailing the 1974 NASCAR Winston Cup Series calendar. Retrieved 18 Mar '22
  33. Racing-Reference detailing the results of the 1974 World 600. Retrieved 18 Mar '22
  34. Sumter Daily Item reporting on Pearson winning the pole position for the 1974 National 500 (article found on Bench-Racing). Retrieved 18 Mar '22
  35. 35.00 35.01 35.02 35.03 35.04 35.05 35.06 35.07 35.08 35.09 35.10 35.11 35.12 35.13 35.14 35.15 Bench-Racing detailing the qualifying, the race, and Robbins' accident at the 1974 National 500. Retrieved 18 Mar '22
  36. The Monroe News Star reporting on Petty qualifying second for the 1974 National 500 (article found on Bench-Racing). Retrieved 18 Mar '22
  37. 37.00 37.01 37.02 37.03 37.04 37.05 37.06 37.07 37.08 37.09 37.10 37.11 37.12 37.13 The Robesonian reporting on Pearson winning the 1974 National 500 and Robbins' crash (article found on Bench-Racing). Retrieved 18 Mar '22
  38. 38.0 38.1 38.2 38.3 38.4 38.5 38.6 38.7 The Spartanburg Herald-Journal reporting on Robbins' crash at the 1974 National 500 (article found on Bench-Racing). Retrieved 18 Mar '22
  39. Racing-Reference noting Robbins competed at the 1980 National 500. Retrieved 18 Mar '22
  40. Saving Country Music detailing Robbins' crash and him being credited for saving Richard Childress. Retrieved 18 Mar '22
  41. 41.00 41.01 41.02 41.03 41.04 41.05 41.06 41.07 41.08 41.09 41.10 41.11 41.12 Ultimate Racing History detailing the qualifying and race results of the 1979 Sportsman 300. Retrieved 21 Apr '22
  42. Ultimate Racing History listing races at Daytona International Speedway. Retrieved 21 Apr '22
  43. The New York Times Stats detailing the history of Sportsman races at Daytona International Speedway. Retrieved 21 Apr '22
  44. 44.00 44.01 44.02 44.03 44.04 44.05 44.06 44.07 44.08 44.09 44.10 The Rome News-Tribune reporting on Waltrip winning the 1979 Sportsman 300 and the crash. Retrieved 21 Apr '22
  45. 45.0 45.1 45.2 45.3 45.4 45.5 45.6 45.7 The Washington Post reporting on the accident at the 1979 Sportsman 300. Retrieved 21 Apr '22
  46. 46.00 46.01 46.02 46.03 46.04 46.05 46.06 46.07 46.08 46.09 46.10 The Crash Photos Database summarising the 1979 Sportsman 300 accident and providing photos of it. Retrieved 21 Apr '22
  47. 47.00 47.01 47.02 47.03 47.04 47.05 47.06 47.07 47.08 47.09 47.10 47.11 47.12 47.13 Archived Motorsport Memorial page for Don Williams. Retrieved 21 Apr '22
  48. 48.0 48.1 Racing Circuits documenting the Atlanta 500 and the Dixie 500. Retrieved 7 Mar '22
  49. 49.0 49.1 Racing-Reference detailing the 1979 NASCAR Winston Cup Series calendar. Retrieved 7 Mar '22
  50. Racing-Reference detailing the results of the 1979 Dixie 500. Retrieved 7 Mar '22
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