One of the most watched sports is auto racing. The popularity of this sport has been slowly building up to a point where today it has as much fan base as would be expected in some of the major sporting actions in the world. There are various reasons, both good and bad, why the sport is famous. This sport has a lot of action and excitement that many sports fans seek. Additionally, a lot of investments have gone into improving the game and making it accessible. However, the other reasons why the sport has hit the headlines are due to the tragedies that have befallen most of the competitors and spectators of the game.

The Horrible Season of 1982

It was the worst of the racing games during this season witnessed in Belgium and Canada where several reputed racing drivers died from the most fatal accident ever witnessed since the beginning of the racing sport.

The 1964 Indianapolis 500 Mandate

This was another worst crash in the racing world. The crash made it unwise to use gasoline and later methane was adopted. Years later, methane was abandoned for ethanol.

Adam Petty’s Death in 2000

He was envisioned to be the best racer of his time until his death in May 2000 from a stuck throttled that saw him crash straight on a wall. He died instantly. Another great talent died the same year from the same racing car problem. The same year restrictor plates on racing cars were introduced.

Grey Moore’s Short Victory

He was the youngest racing driver with many victories under his name. Unfortunately, he died in 1999 at what is now known as Auto Club, when he lost control.  His death contributed to the use of head and neck restraints.

Death of Mr. Indianapolis

Bill Vukovich was headed for his 3^rd straight win at the 1955 Indianapolis 500 race when he met his death. Little is known about this great driver today although he was the greatest driver of his century.

Fans Killed in 1999 Visionaire 500k

Three fans died and others got injured at this race. A great lesson that even fans can be in danger during this game.

2001 Daytona 500 Specter

The death of Dale Earnhardt and that of many others lead to the reviewing of racing safety rules.

The 1994 San Marino Grand Prix

The death of racing icon Ayrton Senna in this race was another wake up call to the safety issues involved in the sport. His was the last death ever witnessed in a Formula one race.

The 1955 Le Mans Catastrophe

80 spectators died in this race. The result was a ban of the sport in various countries due to poor safety standards. Today, Switzerland still has a ban on any kind of motorsport held in the country.

The Worst Crash of 2005

In November 2005 there was a pile-up of 25 cars at Talladega. This accident proved that restrictor plates were not the solution to race accidents.

Many of these tragedies are gruesome and the worst crashes in the racing sport. It is these crashes that have contributed to shaping racing sport today, in terms of safety.