EVENTS
 Sportsman of the Year
 Heisman Trophy
 Swimsuit 2001

CENTERS
 Fantasy Central
 Inside Game
 Video Plus
 Statitudes
 Your Turn
 Message Boards
 Email Newsletters
 Golf Guide
 Cities
 

CNNSI.com GROUP
 Sports Illustrated
 Life of Reilly
 SI Women
 SI for Kids
 Press Room
 TBS/TNT Sports
 CNN Languages

COMMERCE
 SI Customer Service
 SI Media Kits
 Get into College
 Sports Memorabilia
 TeamStore

Reactions to Dale Earnhardt's death

"My heart is hurting right now. I would rather be any place right this moment than here. It's so painful." Michael Waltrip, race winner Waltrip drove a car owned by Earnhardt.

" This is understandably the hardest announcement I've ever had to make. We've lost Dale Earnhardt." Mike Helton, President of NASCAR

" NASCAR has lost its greatest driver ever, and I personally have lost a great friend." Bill France, Jr., Chairman of NASCAR

" 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 Teresa and the family." Kyle Petty, driver of the No. 45 car Petty's son, Adam, was killed last year in a crash during a Busch series practice session in New Hampshire.

" I don't know what to say. This is incredible, just incredible. I think everybody is just in shock right now. I didn't see much of what happened. After the race was over, 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." Jeremy Mayfield, driver of the No. 12 car

"It's just the way this sport is. That's the chances you take. 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 Parrott, Dale Jarrett's crew chief

"I feel like somebody kicked me in the chest. I'm stunned. And I'm really sad. That's about all I can say." John Andretti, driver of the No. 43 car

"Like so many people around the world, I became a NASCAR fan because I became a Dale Earnhardt fan. Dale was someone I was proud to have my son look up to. We all have our memories we will cherish, memories of excitement, competitiveness and most of all memories of a great man. On behalf of the people of Alabama, I extend my thoughts and prayers to his family and friends." Don Siegelman, Governor of Alabama

"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 haven't had something like this happen. 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 of Atlanta Motor Speedway

"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 to make this sport great. Dale Earnhardt transcended NASCAR. His loss will have an effect on racing and its fans worldwide." Dan Davis, director of Ford Racing Technology