Dale Earnhardt Sr.: Remembering NASCAR star who died 15 years ago

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- In 2001, auto racing star Dale Earnhardt Sr. died in a crash at the Daytona 500. He was just 49 years old.

Watch the video above in which the racing legend discusses safety in his sport.

Earnhardt, who was called "The Intimidator", died in a last-lap crash.

In the years following Earnhardt's death, changes were implemented to improve safety for drivers and spectators. Tracks now have softer crash-walls, cars have better seat-belt systems and roll-cages and NASCAR drivers are now required to wear a head-and-neck safety device, according to ABC News.

Earnhardt refused to wear a head-and-neck safety device, and many experts believe it would have saved his life.

Earnhardt's son, Dale Jr., followed his dad into the racing business and is now a legend in his own right.