Rodney Orr
Encyclopedia
Rodney Orr was a NASCAR
driver. Originally from Robbinsville, North Carolina
, he lived in Palm Coast, Florida
at the time of his death. He was the 1993 Goody's Dash Series champion winning 6 races in 25 starts.
Orr and his father, Beacher, purchased an engine from Ernie Elliott in hopes of competing in the 1994 Winston Cup Series. His #37 Senco Tools Ford Thunderbird recorded the seventh-best time at one test session that winter, and the press was beginning to take notice. However, before he could run a single race, Orr was killed in practice before the 1994 Daytona 500
. Orr was making what is now referred to as a "Mock Qualifying Run", when he spun entering turn 2. Orr's car lifted up and the car slammed heavily into the outside retaining wall and catch fence with the roof of his car at over 175 miles per hour. Despite the efforts to save him, Orr died instantly of massive chest and head injuries sustained in the violent crash. His death came just three days after the death of Neil Bonnett
on the same track.
In 2001, Rodney Orr gained attention again after the death of Dale Earnhardt
when his autopsy photos as well as pop star Lisa Lopes
were displayed on the internet. Earnhardt's widow Teresa
testified before Congress to ensure Earnhardt's autopsy photos would not be published in a similar fashion.
Orr died on February 14, 1994. He was 31 years old. He was survived by his wife, Crystal, and daughter Ashton.
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
driver. Originally from Robbinsville, North Carolina
Robbinsville, North Carolina
Robbinsville is a town in Graham County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 747 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Graham County. Robbinsville High School is the only high school in Graham County...
, he lived in Palm Coast, Florida
Palm Coast, Florida
Palm Coast is a city in Flagler County, Florida. As of the 2010 census, the population was 75,180; it is the most populous city or town in Flagler County. Palm Coast is a principal town of the Palm Coast, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, designated in 2007...
at the time of his death. He was the 1993 Goody's Dash Series champion winning 6 races in 25 starts.
Orr and his father, Beacher, purchased an engine from Ernie Elliott in hopes of competing in the 1994 Winston Cup Series. His #37 Senco Tools Ford Thunderbird recorded the seventh-best time at one test session that winter, and the press was beginning to take notice. However, before he could run a single race, Orr was killed in practice before the 1994 Daytona 500
1994 Daytona 500
The 1994 Daytona 500 was held February 20 at Daytona International Speedway. ARCA graduate and Winston Cup rookie Loy Allen, Jr. in car #19 won the pole. Speedweeks 1994 was marked by tragedy when two drivers, Neil Bonnett and Rodney Orr, were killed in separate practice accidents for this...
. Orr was making what is now referred to as a "Mock Qualifying Run", when he spun entering turn 2. Orr's car lifted up and the car slammed heavily into the outside retaining wall and catch fence with the roof of his car at over 175 miles per hour. Despite the efforts to save him, Orr died instantly of massive chest and head injuries sustained in the violent crash. His death came just three days after the death of Neil Bonnett
Neil Bonnett
Lawrence Neil Bonnett was a NASCAR driver who compiled 18 victories and 20 poles over his 18-year career. The Alabama native currently ranks 35th in all-time NASCAR Cup victories. He appeared in the 1983 film Stroker Ace and the 1990 film Days of Thunder...
on the same track.
In 2001, Rodney Orr gained attention again after the death of Dale Earnhardt
Dale Earnhardt
Ralph Dale Earnhardt, Sr. was an American race car driver, best known for his involvement in stock car racing for NASCAR...
when his autopsy photos as well as pop star Lisa Lopes
Lisa Lopes
Lisa Nicole Lopes better known by her stage name Left Eye, was an American rapper, singer, dancer, actress, television host, and songwriter...
were displayed on the internet. Earnhardt's widow Teresa
Teresa Earnhardt
Teresa Earnhardt was the third wife and is the widow of Dale Earnhardt. She is the biological mother of Taylor Nicole Earnhardt and she is the stepmother of Kerry Earnhardt, Kelley Earnhardt Miller and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Teresa is currently the president and Co. Chief Executive Officer of...
testified before Congress to ensure Earnhardt's autopsy photos would not be published in a similar fashion.
Orr died on February 14, 1994. He was 31 years old. He was survived by his wife, Crystal, and daughter Ashton.