# Deadliest Decade Racing Safety Review

> Racing safety book details 1960s-70s crashes and improvements.
- Title: Deadliest Decade Racing Safety Review · Autoweek | Shortify
- Summary: Racing safety book details 1960s-70s crashes and improvements. The Deadliest Decade book reveals racing's deadly 1960s-70s crashes and safety advances by…
- Keywords: the deadliest decade, indiana motor speedway, nascar, formula one, safety improvements, racing crashes, preston lerner, mario andretti, roger penske, carroll shelby, jackie stewart, cars
- Source: Autoweek — https://autoweek.com/car-life/a74057717/deadliest-decade-book-review
- Published: 2026-10-07T19:17:17+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: the deadliest decade, indiana motor speedway, nascar, formula one, safety improvements, racing crashes, preston lerner, mario andretti, roger penske, carroll shelby, jackie stewart, cars
## 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
## Key takeaway

The Deadliest Decade book reveals racing's deadly 1960s-70s crashes and safety advances by Preston Lerner.