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American Morning

What Real Safety Changes Has NASCAR Undergone Since Losing One of Its Biggest Stars?

Aired February 15, 2002 - 07:44   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: The Daytona 500 is set to go off Sunday, the day before the first anniversary of the fatal crash that killed the racing legend, Dale Earnhardt, Sr. Just this week, the company that made the seatbelt racing officials claim contributed to Earnhardt's death in that crash filed a lawsuit against NASCAR for defamation of character.

But putting the accusations and the lawsuits aside, what real safety changes has the sport undergone since losing one of its biggest stars? CNN's "Sports Illustrated" reporter, Johnny Phelps, takes a look.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOHNNY PHELPS, CNN "SPORTS ILLUSTRATED": It's an image seared across NASCAR's collective consciousness, Dale Earnhardt's fatal last lap crash in the 2001 Daytona 500. Yet, these images of head and neck restraints and innovative new seats may be his most important legacy.

DALE JARRETT, NASCAR DRIVER: It would have been very unfortunate if this accident would have taken place, and we would have just moved right on and nothing would have happened. But the safety side of it is enough to know that, you know, Dale is still having an impact on this sport.

PHELPS: So what has changed in the last year? Drivers in NASCAR's top three series, Winston Cup, Busch, and Trucks, now must wear a head and neck restraint device. Seatbelts must be installed according to manufacturer's specification. Earnhardt customized his seatbelts fittings, which may have contributed to his left lap belt tearing during his crash.

The most recent safety initiative came in January, when NASCAR approved a new carbon fiber composite seat. It capped 18 months of research by PPI team owner, Cal Wells (ph).

JEFF GORDON, WINSTON CUP CHAMPION: I like that PPI seat, and you know, looking at it and actually getting physically in it and making it work are two different things.

PHELPS: Getting used to new safety rules and the equipment they specify remains a personal challenge. For some drivers, it's easier due to personal experience. RICKY CRAVEN, NASCAR DRIVER: Everybody has got to be comfortable with their environment. And to go fast, you've got to have that. You've got to have that. And I don't think any of us give consideration to getting beat up in a racecar once you strap on the helmet. But during the week, you have all sorts of time to weigh out these options and to study it and to really make a difference.

PHELPS: And as the one-year anniversary of Earnhardt's death approaches, so does his legacy.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

PHELPS: Now, there are two other things to note regarding safety. One is all drivers in all NASCAR divisions, including their touring divisions, must be at least 18 years old. And all competitors and crew members, who go over the wall, must be wearing a fires suit and a helmet.

And, Jack, one additional note. During yesterday's driver introductions for the Twin 125 qualifiers, the fan favorite, more than any other, the largest cheer was for Dale Earnhardt, Jr. He was a favorite before his father died, even more so now.

CAFFERTY: Is he going to win, Johnny?

PHELPS: I think he stands a very good chance, Jack. He has been one of the fastest cars here in practice and in all of the test sessions. And plus, his team is one of the best at restrictive plate racing, which we have here at Daytona. He won two restrictive plate races last year, including the July race here at Daytona. He is a guy who is a top favorite this Sunday.

CAFFERTY: It should be exciting Sunday. Johnny, thanks very much -- Johnny Phelps reporting this morning from Daytona.

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