Dale Earnhardt was born on April 29, 1951, in Kannapolis, North Carolina. He drove in NASCAR's top division and was the first driver to win Rookie of the Year and the championship back-to-back. In total, Earnhardt -- known as "The Intimidator" for his aggressive driving -- won seven Winston Cup Championships and broke $30 million in career earnings. Earnhardt had two sons, Dale Jr. and Kerry (both of whom are also drivers), and a daughter, Kelly, from his first two marriages. He married his third wife, Teresa, in 1982, with whom he had another daughter, Taylor. The family lived on a farm in North Carolina. Known by the nicknames "the Man in Black" and "Ironhead" as well as "the Intimidator," Earnhardt was beloved by fans as the self-promoted "bad boy" of NASCAR racing. He died on February 18, 2001, after crashing his stock car on the last turn of the last lap of the Daytona 500.
It has often been said since then that if there was a single positive that came from the passing of one of racing's GREATEST HEROS, it's the renewed emphasis racers and sanctioning bodies at all levels placed on improving driver safety.
The HANS device was invented after Dale Earnhardt Sr. death (also known as a head restraint) (Head and Neck Support device) is a safety item compulsory in many car racing sports. It reduces the likelihood of head and/or neck injuries, such as a basilar skull fracture, in the event of a crash. Dale Earnhardt Sr. was and still is a GREAT man! To Nascar fans, he is our HERO! It would be very painful for fans to watch the #3 go around the Nascar track every week. We the fans, would think of noone else but the LEDGENARY, Dale Earnhardt Sr. In his honor and Dale Sr. died doing what he loved, the #3 should be retired FOREVER! Fans DO NOT want to see Earnhardts #3 back on the track in Sprint Cup Racing. This great mans number has been retired since his death and should continue to stay retired, to honor his legacey and all he has accomplished in this sport. His legacey lives on in our hearts and the safety of our drivers as each and every driver use the HANS device. DALE EARNHARDT SR. #3 NUMBER SHOULD BE RETIRED FOREVER AND ALWAYS!!!! Please sign the petition if you agree so we as Nascar fans can make OUR voices heard loud and clear. Thank you. R.I.P. Dale Earnhardt Sr.

Read more: http://www.stockcarracing.com/techarticles/scrp_0609_head_and_neck_restraints/viewall.html#ixzz2Xcfa2Jmg

Read more: http://www.stockcarracing.com/techarticles/scrp_0609_head_and_neck_restraints/viewall.html#ixzz2Xce19DMM