Automobile safety
FILE - In this Feb. 18, 2001, file photo, Dale Earnhardt waves to fans during race introduction before the start of the Daytona 500 auto race at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Earnhardt, the greatest stock car star of his era, was killed in a crash on the last turn of the last lap of the race that day as he tried to protect Michael Waltrip's victory (AP Photo/Russell Williams, File)
AP Was There: Earnhardt killed in 2001 Daytona 500 crash

By The Associated Press Feb. 11, 2021 04:31 PM EST

FILE - In this Feb. 18, 2006, file photo, Dale Earnhardt Jr., puts on his helmet and protective HANS device during preparations the day before the Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. NASCAR mandated the use of head-and-neck restraints in late 2001. Drivers had resisted using the U-shaped neck restraint made of carbon fiber because they found it cumbersome and restrictive. They became required equipment after 25-year-old Blaise Alexander was killed in a crash at Charlotte Motor Speedway some eight months after Earnhardt's death.(AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)
Lasting legacy: Earnhardt's death saved lives, forced change

By Jenna Fryer, Dan Gelston And Mark Long Feb. 11, 2021 04:06 PM EST

Renault driver Esteban Ocon of France competes at the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix in Sakhir, Bahrain, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020. (Brynn Lennon, Pool via AP)
Perez stays calm to win chaotic Sakhir GP for 1st F1 win

By Jerome Pugmire Dec. 06, 2020 02:17 PM EST

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain, right, celebrates on the podium after winning the Emilia Romagna Formula One Grand Prix, at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari racetrack, in Imola, Italy, Sunday, Nov.1, 2020. (Miguel Medina, Pool via AP)
Hamilton wins Emilia Romagna Grand Prix for 93rd F1 win

Nov. 01, 2020 09:03 AM EST

Race winner Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas of Finland celebrates after winning the Austrian Formula One Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring racetrack in Spielberg, Austria, Sunday, July 5, 2020. (Mark Thompson/Pool via AP)
Bottas shows he can handle pressure in winning Austrian GP

By Jerome Pugmire Jul. 05, 2020 09:02 AM EDT

This March 8, 2020 photo shows Brad Keselowski during driver introductions prior to the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Ariz. Keselowski will start on the pole when the NASCAR season resumes Sunday, May 17, 2020 in Darlington, S.C. The 2012 Cup champion earned the top starting spot through a random draw. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
NASCAR putting its safety plan to test as racing restarts

By Jenna Fryer May. 15, 2020 04:10 PM EDT

Ryan Newman (6) goes airborne after crashing into Corey LaJoie (32) during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's running of the race was postponed by rain. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Ryan Newman Daytona 500 crash shows racing never truly safe

By Jenna Fryer Feb. 18, 2020 06:49 PM EST

Rescue workers remove Ryan Newman from his car after he was involved in a wreck on the last lap of the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/David Graham)
Ryan Newman's latest terrifying crash sends him to hospital

By Mark Long Feb. 17, 2020 09:44 PM EST

FILE - In this May 3, 2001 file photo founder and chairman of Simpson Racing Products, Bill Simpson, is followed by reporters and photographers as he arrives at NASCAR headquarters in Daytona Beach, Fla. The pioneer in safety for race car drivers has died. Bill Simpson died Monday, Dec. 16, 2019 from complications from a stroke. He was 79. (Nigel Cook/Daytona Beach News-Journal via AP)
Motorsports safety pioneer Bill Simpson dies after stroke

By Jenna Fryer Dec. 16, 2019 07:01 PM EST

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany steers his car during the British Formula One Grand Prix at the Silverstone racetrack, Silverstone, England, Sunday, July 14, 2019. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Lewis Hamilton wins record 6th British GP, extends F1 lead

By Rob Harris Jul. 14, 2019 10:56 AM EDT

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain sees his car in front of Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas of Finland during the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix race, at the Monaco racetrack, in Monaco, Sunday, May 26, 2019. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Hamilton ranks stressful Monaco GP win among top-5 drives

By Jerome Pugmire May. 26, 2019 11:04 AM EDT

IndyCar driver Takuma Sato, of Japan, prepares to drive during auto racing testing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Wednesday, April 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
IndyCar to debut safety device earlier, at Indy road race

Apr. 26, 2019 03:46 PM EDT

IndyCar driver Takuma Sato, of Japan, prepares to drive during auto racing testing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Wednesday, April 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
IndyCar hoping debris deflector helps protect drivers

By Michael Marot Apr. 24, 2019 02:29 PM EDT