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Ryan Newman may have been saved by Nascar's safety measures introduced after Dale Earnhardt's death 19 yrs ago

The North Carolina icon was in the last lap of the 'Great American Race' in 2001 when he met with an accident and suffered a fatal head injury

BY KUNAL DEY

UPDATED FEB 18, 2020

Nineteen years ago on February 18, 2001, the world of motorsports had a "remember where you were" moment when racing legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. died in the last lap of the Daytona 500.

Nicknamed "The Intimidator" after his bold driving style, the North Carolina icon was in the last lap of the "Great American Race" in 2001 when his car made contact with Ken Schrader and Sterling Marlin's vehicle. Earnhardt's car subsequently slammed into the wall, causing a fatal head injury, according to doctors.

NASCAR implemented new safety guidelines for drivers as well as fans in the stands following Earnhardt's tragic death. Drivers are now required to wear head and neck safety gear, and cars must be equipped with extensive seat belt systems and better roll cages.

Furthermore, race circuits are required to have softer crash walls, ABC 11 reports.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Dale Earnhardt Sr. pose for a photograph after the Pepsi Southern 500 at the Darlington Raceway on September 3, 2000, in Darlington, South Carolina (Getty Images)

At the time of his death, Earnhardt chose not to wear a head-and-neck safety device as it wasn't mandatory. Several experts believe the safety gear would have probably saved his life.

Motorsports fans across the globe almost had a deja vu on Monday night after racing superstar Ryan Newman was part of a scary accident in the rescheduled Daytona 500.

During the final lap of the Daytona 500, Newman went headfirst into the wall just like Earnhardt 19 years earlier. While Newman miraculously survived, doctors said he was in critical condition, albeit with non-life-threatening injuries.

Ryan Newman, driver of the #6 Acronis Ford, stands in the garage during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 16, 2019, in Bristol, Tennessee (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Denny Hamlin made history at the finish line with a second straight Daytona 500 victory in an overtime photo finish over Ryan Blaney. However, the celebration was rather muted as drivers awaited an update on Newman's condition.

"I think we take for granted sometimes how safe the cars are," Hamlin said. "But number one, we are praying for Ryan."

Racing legend Earnhardt won a whopping seven Winston Cup championships and 76 races. He won his only Daytona 500 in 1998. Dale Earnhardt Jr., his son, retired from racing in 2017.