NASCAR fans rip Fox for including Dale Earnhardt Sr. crash footage in tribute video

In a mind-boggling decision, FOX included the clip of Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s fatal crash at Daytona in 2001 in its “25 Years” video. The network has aired NASCAR races for a quarter century this year and put one of the most infamous and taboo clips in their highlight video.

With images, video, and sound from the last 25 years, FOX showed many of the greatest moments the sport has had over the years. For some strange reason, they decided to include Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s final crash.

Amid the other highlights of wins and emotional moments and other great times in the sport, it feels tone-deaf to include that clip of Dale Sr. Why not include the clips of his win? Or simply the reaction from the crowd at the Daytona 500 in 2001?

Many fans were not happy with FOX.

Including a fatal crash in your “25 Years” video is certainly a choice.

— Adam (@okspinner01) February 16, 2025

This fan was caught off guard. That clip is not regularly used in NASCAR social media or other media. It is a moment that is pushed to the side, and for good reason.

Just curious why you guys added the clip of Dale dying in this?

— Chris (@notchrisritchie) February 16, 2025

Then this fan took it to another level, asking for the jobs of whoever is behind the video being made and posted. There are a lot of strong reactions to this video.

Whoever put this package together with a fatal crash included and whoever approved that package for broadcast should lose their job. Unbelievable.

— Coltan Wyant (@coltanlw) February 16, 2025

So, is it too much to include? When you think of NASCAR on FOX or the Daytona 500 does that clip come to mind? While it is certainly one of the most memorable moments from the sport’s history, that clip of Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s death is not one that is often played.

Dale Earnhardt Sr. fans outraged at FOX

During the years, NASCAR fans have found a lot to complain about. FOX has earned their fair share of criticism. However, this feels clear-cut. Let’s take Dale Earnhardt Sr. out of the equation, the man who died in the wreck. What about Sterling Marlin?

Marlin faced an avalanche of hate and criticism after that wreck. He suffered because of it. As a retired driver who has worked hard to move past that moment, he doesn’t deserve to have that clip included in a highlights package.

For years I guess it was an unspoken rule. Don’t include Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s final wreck in a clip compilation. That is something a fan channel on YouTube would do in the 2000s or 2010s. A network like FOX should know better. No one’s fatal wreck should be shown in that manner.