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Quotes

By Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published February 19, 2001

"I don't know what to say. This is incredible, just incredible. I think everybody is just in shock. I didn't see much of what happened. After the race I heard things didn't look very good but, man, Earnhardt. You figure he'll bounce right back. Your first thought is, hey, he'll probably come back next week at Rockingham and beat us all."

-- Driver Jeremy Mayfield

"I feel like somebody kicked me in the chest. I'm stunned. And I'm really sad. That's about all I can say."

-- Driver John Andretti

"It's just the way this sport is. It's unfortunate it happened to him. It just don't seem right. It's hard to believe. You don't think things like that will happen to drivers of his caliber. We're going to have to take a look at some of the safety issues. My driver tested the HANS (Head And Neck Safety) device over the summer and he will not get in the car without it now. If Dale had that on, we'd probably be looking at a different situation."

-- Todd Parrot, Dale Jarrett's crew chief

"Like many others, we were fans of Dale Earnhardt -- certainly the driver, but especially the man. In spite of our intense rivalry, Dale Earnhardt has been a great friend to us and to all who have helped make this sport great. He transcended NASCAR. His loss will have an effect on racing and fans worldwide."

-- Dan Davis, director Ford Racing Technology

"No matter where it happens or how it happens or even how prepared you think you might be for it, losing somebody close to you hurts. My heart just breaks for (his wife) Teresa and the family."

-- Driver Kyle Petty, whose son Adam was killed in a crash last year

"It's always tragic, but this is our main guy. Today when they introduced him, he got the biggest applause there. He's the man; he is NASCAR Winston Cup racing. We've got a lot of work to do at the track in the next three weeks (for the March 11 Cracker Barrel 400), but I don't feel like doing anything. I'm just numb. I've lost a great friend."

-- Ed Clark, president Atlanta Motor Speedway

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