On the Winston Cup circuit, deadly realities make faith a huge factor in the garages, on pit road and even in the cars. Rules changes have drivers nervous about Sunday's Talladega 500. Dale Earnhardt died on impact when his car slammed into a wall at the Daytona 500 on Feb. 18. The sadness over Earnhardt's death is a harsh reality that comes with the racing territory. Michael Waltrip won the Daytona 500 but lost a friend and boss.
Investigation reveals that seat belt failed Earnhardt.
Consecutive starts, including Sunday. He was in position to break Terry Labonte's record of 655 consecutive starts later this year. Winston Cup championships, trying Richard Petty for the most titles. His last win came in the 200 IROC race last February. Earnhardt's career earnings in 27 seasons.