Im sure they did think that.. but it wasnt so much Sr's car that let him down as it was just plain physics.. 190mph to stop instantly = bad things.. Another example of tragedy bringing about change in the rules and designs to promote safety.. safer barriers and head and neck restraints were in talks for a while before that day, and people thought it was not needed.. took 3 drivers to get killed in less than a year, the last being Earnhardt Sr.. to finally prove the changes were needed... The drivers walk away from very scarey wrecks because of it... That was a wild ride Jr took, glad he walked away... and awsome job comming in 2nd in the 500... Think this might be a good year for him...