How One Tragic Day Changed NASCAR

[Brendon_John_Harrison]

R.I.P. Brian Franklin Zimmerman (March 26, 1971 - August 5, 2012)

[ferg]

I was under the grandstand at this race seeking shelter, heard and saw lightning strike...Didn’t know a death occurred until the next day...We were never made aware of lightning that close to the track....Sad day for 🏁

[DrSamwpepper]

All the scary and terrifying crashes that Pocono has had and yet the track has had more fan deaths than driver deaths(in NASCAR).

[raritania]

"Kenseth in the wall
Biffle in the wall
Kenseth spins into the pack"
is forever burned into my memory.

[Acadian_Proud]

It is become a standard for most, if not all outside events. It is the standard that emergency managers all use when preparing for any type of event that will take place outside.

[Kolina]

I remember that day. My friend and I were there and we knew there was a storm heading our way, but as it was said, we didn't know just how bad it was until it was right over us. We were just getting to my car, which was down and over the hill from where that happened. We didn't see the fan get struck, but it was still scary all the same!

[Diogenes-tyyy]

Here in Central Florida, lightning detectors are on all playing fields and golf courses. When the siren goes off, lightning has been detected in the area and the game stops. Only when the siren sounds the all clear can anything resume.

[lucastraman]

Even in highschool sports the 30 minute lightning delay is a thing

[jasonwilliams]

I was 2 miles down the road on that day playing paintball. That thunderstorm that came down that day was unforgettable. Some roads were closed on our way home due to the incident at the raceway. RIP

[n.gineer]

And here I am thinking that Feb 18, 2001 was the day that changed NASCAR.

This story is about how NASCAR was late implementing safety protocols that industry was already using.

[JoeSmith]

If you told Dale Sr. that the only death at the track in the 20 years after he died was a lightning strike he would be grinning from ear to ear.

[diehardbikes]

Recently during State Championships, we had lightning put a long several hour pause on our cyclocross racing. Because of this, many people went home. However, many of the pros raced age categories instead of level categories. Partially because of this, i came in 5th place, behind 3 current pros and 1 regular local pro guy. Thanks lightning.

[yoiwuzheryo]

I was at this race and man was that a freaky moment… the lightning was fierce. From under the grandstands, with water splashing through, you could immediately see the medics heading to that area. It was a solemn walkout even as a Gordon fan, but had to be thankful to hop into the car after hearing that sad news quickly spread around. RIP to that fan. Enjoy life and stay safe out there!

[LostRoads]

I remember a race back in the mid-2000s at Loudon. I was there for it. The storms were moving in, it was getting late in the day. We could see the sky flickering and they were still racing while the storms were about a mile away off turn 4. While scampering back to our cars the lighting was striking trees and flash banging right over our heads.

[melissavaughndance]

Crazy because on summer swim team we had the same rules, since forever. Lightening strikes in the general area then the swim meet is held off for 15-20 minutes or more. I just assumed this was a standard of practice everywhere.

[dianeshipp]

I was at that race. The rain came down quickly and was like a bucket was dumped. It was crazy trying to get out of the stands, crossing a river of water trying to get to the parking lot. We were in our car and saw the lightening strike and the immediate EMS response.

[NoHacksTSR]

Rip. An unfortunate tragedy that hopefully never happens again

[robertredmon]

Lightning is something u don't want to underestimate

[idroppedoutfrfr]

"Come on Mikey! Come on man!"
"The three car down-"
"WOAH!"
"Come on Mikey!"
"Cmon MIKEY! MIKEY! HIS FIRST WIN AT DAYTONA!" is forever burnt into my head

[charleschapman]

Went to the 500 somewhere around 85 maybe 86, 87 and we were enjoying the race when a large green cloud, from all the leaves being carried along came out of nowhere. Before you new it the rain was coming down in buckets and everyone in the " aluminum stands" were running for their lives and lighting bolts were hitting everywhere. I forget how many people got hit by lightning but we made it to my truck and left the race completely soaked. About an hour later while driving home they restarted the race, I'll never go back to that track in the summertime.