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Deadliest Decade Racing Safety Review
Racing safety book details 1960s-70s crashes and improvements.
In brief
Racing safety book details 1960s-70s crashes and improvements. The Deadliest Decade book reveals racing's deadly 1960s-70s crashes and safety advances by Preston Lerner. Originally reported by Autoweek.
1998 Michigan crash
Three spectators died when Adrian Fernández's Indy car hit the wall at Michigan International Speedway in 1998.
“Three spectators died”
1975 Indy crash
Tom Sneva's Norton-McLaren racer crashed at 170 mph in 1975, causing burns and injuries.
“Sneva suffered burns and other injuries”
1976 Nürburgring crash
Niki Lauda survived a fiery crash at the Nürburgring in 1976.
“Niki Lauda survived a terrifying, fiery crash”
Safety resistance
Drivers and promoters resisted safety improvements, claiming they went against racing's chivalric code.
“Some maintained that seatbelts, roll bars, fuel cells, and onboard fire-suppression systems went against the chivalric code”
1970s safety shifts
ABC broadcasts and corporate sponsorships led to safer racing by the 1970s.
“By the 1970s, thanks to ABC's broadcasts and increasing corporate sponsorship”
Safety pioneers
Carroll Shelby developed the dry-break fitting to prevent fuel spills, and Jackie Stewart led safety advocacy.
“Carroll Shelby developed the dry-break fitting to prevent fuel spills”
1960s-70s crashes
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway caused 36,340 traffic deaths in 2025 and 4 motorcycle deaths in 2024.
“In 2025, some 36,340 Americans died in traffic accidents”
Racing safety progress
Racing safety improvements continued through the 1970s with better tracks and equipment.
“Ultimately, it’s a tale of redemption”
In short
The Deadliest Decade book reveals racing's deadly 1960s-70s crashes and safety advances by Preston Lerner.
