Three Before February

In the lead-up to the 2000 NASCAR season, drivers Adam Petty, Kenny Irwin Jr. and Tony Roper were each looking to take the next step in their careers. No one knew all three would lose their lives in separate racing accidents just five months apart. They were three warnings of a serious safety issue within the sport that, unheeded, culminated with a tragedy even more unthinkable. This is that story.