THE LEGACY OF DALE EARNHARDT CONTINUES WITH SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS IN RACING
Known as “The Intimidator” to sportswriters who loved his rowdy personality and “Ironhead” to opponents who loathed racing against him, Dale Earnhardt Sr. forever changed racing in both his life and tragic death on Feb. 18, 2001, during the final lap of the Daytona 500. Today, Earnhardt’s legacy lives on through the racing triumphs of his descendants, like Dale Earnhardt Jr., and the safety protocols his death inspired. Earnhardt was born into a racing family in 1951 and made his NASCAR debut in 1975. He went on to win 34 races at the sport’s most popular track in Daytona, Florida, and record 76 career wins. Earnhardt’s style of racing was unparalleled, and most fans will never forget the 2000 race at Talladega Superspeedway where he barreled from 18th into first place over the final six laps.
On that fateful day in 2001, Earnhardt was racing toward the finish line on the final lap — a first-place finish in his sights — when he collided with three other vehicles, rammed into the concrete barrier, and slid to a stop in the infield. Earnhardt was pronounced dead at the hospital that evening, the result of a skull fracture that happened within 80 milliseconds of the initial impact. Almost immediately, NASCAR made sweeping changes to the sport, including requiring drivers to wear a head and neck support (HANS) device along with their helmet to stabilize the body in an accident. It was a device that Earnhardt refused to wear due to its restraint and one that potentially could have saved his life had he been wearing it. The organization also instituted improved outer barriers and seat belts. (It was previously believed that a seat belt malfunction led to Earnhardt’s death.) Along with those improvements, NASCAR continues to update its safety measures. According to ESPN, the sport has also required drivers to wear
full-face helmets, and vehicles are now outfitted with shock-absorbing foam to protect drivers’ bodies from the energy produced in an accident. The work NASCAR did to improve driver safety was on full display at the 2020 Daytona 500, when racer Ryan Newman’s vehicle hit the wall, flipped upside down, and was then propelled into the air before landing in the infield. The accident was horrific, and Newman had to seek treatment at a nearby hospital — but he lived. “Those people,” Newman said to ESPN about those who made safety regulations a standard in the sport, “collectively saved my life.”
GET YOUR BURGER FIX
AT THESE 3 POPULAR ST. PETE BURGER JOINTS!
Is there ever a bad time for a burger? We don’t think so, but we do know when it’s a great time to have one: during May, when it’s National Hamburger Month! Instead of firing up your grill and trying your hand at this American staple, check out some of St. Pete’s best burger joints.
While The Avenue provides a local sports bar vibe, Brick & Mortar is a go-to for food lovers, date night, and to impress your out-of-town guests. The owners of Brick & Mortar opened their popular restaurant after years in the catering business and vow to create seasonal menus that feature fresh, local ingredients. That means one trip to Brick & Mortar will be different than the next! Check them out to see which locally sourced burger (or two) graces their menu today. ENGINE NO. 9 Where: 56 Martin Luther King Jr. St. North Hours: Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to midnight Website: No9Burgers.com Good luck finding a burger you don’t want to try at Engine No. 9! Owner and operator Jason Esposito — whom hockey fans may recognize as the son of Tony Esposito and nephew of Phil Esposito, founders of the Tampa Bay Lightning — has created a menu featuring 23 different burger options. The restaurant can even claim fame as having some of the best burgers in the region after their creations were named “Best Burger” for seven years in a row from 2013–2019. See what the fuss is about today!
THE AVENUE DTSP Where: 330 1st Ave. South Hours: Open daily, hours vary Website: TheAvenueDTSP.com
A Denmon Pearlman favorite, The Avenue DTSP is the perfect place for after-work happy hours and Sunday brunches. Regardless of when you stop by, you have to try the DTSP burger — a classic burger takes on a juicy twist with peppered bacon and bourbon bacon onion jam. You won’t want to put it down! The Avenue also has a variety of other burger specialties, like the Black + Blue, Yoga Pants, and Firecracker. Stop by to get your hands on these great burgers and more! BRICK & MORTAR — KITCHEN & WINE BAR Where: 539 Central Ave. Hours: Open Monday–Saturday, hours vary Website: Facebook.com/BrickAndMortarKitchen
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