The Tragedy of Edward Glenn Roberts
Today’s NASCAR superstars are in the same category as Hollywood celebrities or rock stars. The fans want to know every detail of their public and private life.
One of the first superstars of NASCAR was Edward Glenn (Fireball) Roberts. Strangely enough, he received his nickname from his high school days as a pitcher for his high school team.
If you are new fan in the world of NASCAR, chances are you have never heard of him. Though he never won a Grand National Title, he is in the list of the top fifty drivers and a member of the Stock Car Racing Hall of Fame.
Tragically, his career and life was cut short on May 24, 1964 Charlotte, North Carolina.
Trying to avoid a wreck between Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson, his car hit the outside wall, flipped over, and burst into flames. After suffering second and 3rd degree burns over 80 of his body, he died 36 days later. He was 35 years old.
After Roberts’ death, NASCAR put the mandates into place and today require
All drivers must wear flame retardant coveralls while on track.
The five point safety harness
The special, contoured driver’s seat