Despite all the joyous moments we’ve seen in NASCAR, one has to admit that the sport is life-threatening. Tragedy can be a backdrop at times in this fast-paced world. One of the most heart-wrenching stories is of the late Dale Earnhardt Sr. The legendary 7-time champion was the victim of a crash that turned out to be fatal in 2001.

But seeing the lack of respect for the tragic incident is unsightly. A legend of the sport, a record-time champion, Earnhardt’s death is mourned by all but a collectible owner on eBay.

It seems the person is looking to sell a figurine that shows the dismembered car from Dale Sr’s crash in Daytona. Fans have condemned the seller for being disrespectful and have raised questions about the integrity of the craft.

Dale Earnhardt Sr’s Death: The Crash That Shook NASCAR

February 18, 2001, Daytona 500, was nothing short of a terrifying day. Following a contact with Ken Schrader, #3 driver Earnhardt crashed into the wall, resulting in a basilar skull fracture. Alarms blaring, and red flags coming up, everything about the atmosphere suggested a dark day in history. The fracture proved to be fatal, as the Halifax Medical Center personnel declared him dead after a short time after the crash.

In another horrifying statistic, Senior was the fourth driver to succumb to a basilar skull injury in a meager 8 months. Adam Petty, Kenny Irwin Jr, and Tony Roper were the other three drivers to lose their lives in the span of May 2000 to February 2001.

With Daytona 500 being one of the most popular races on the schedule, the crash was being witnessed on live broadcast by an estimate 17 million viewers. Owing to this, NASCAR had to take immediate steps to improve the safety of drivers on the track.

SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) barriers was one of the implementations after the incident. Head and neck restraint guidelines were revised, and a new step for the next generation of cars was taken through these decisions. Safe to say, Earnhardt’s loss made NASCAR realize the increasing importance of driver safety. After all, drivers are the main attractions of NASCAR.

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Fans Furious at the Disrespectful Gesture Toward Earnhardt Sr’s Death

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“I don’t even think it looks like what it’s supposed to look like. But either way, trash. Capitalizing off of a tragic event and someone’s death is scu**y” is what one fan had to say on Reddit after seeing the eBay post selling a model of Senior’s destroyed #3 Richard Childress Racing car for $300.

A very reasonable reply considering how revered the person in question is. Two-time Xfinity winner Dale Earnhardt Jr continues to increase the legacy of the family, being one of the biggest contributors to the sport in recent times.

“Can’t wait for World Trade Center diorama, plane included…how do people get away with making stuff like this?” said a fan, calling out people for their lack of sensitivity to the death. While another fan tries to predict what could be next in the line for such figurines.

“Wh-w-wha-what is this? Why is this a thing? It’s a 1/24 Dale Earnhardt diecast, but made by the people who think 9/11 is funny. What’s next? Richard Petty 1988 Daytona 500 custom crash car- oh wait, I don’t want to give these “people” any ideas…”

“Man what’s disgusting is they don’t even bother trying to get it right, they just smashed the car and scratches it here and there, then put it on eBay for 300 dollars” 

These were some the comments ridiculing the giveaway of an already ridiculous model car. If anything, such people need to take more accountability for their actions. A lack of respect for an idol in the sport only shows a regression in the mindset.

Watch This Story: Despite husband Dale Earnhardt Jr’s best efforts, wife Amy sadly reports a tragic death