Benny Knotts fatal crash at Daytona 500 (February 14, 1980) NASCAR - VIDEO & PICTURES

Benny Knotts was in the field for the first Twin 125 race at Daytona International Speedway, hoping to qualify for that Sunday's Daytona 500. His hopes dwindled as his underpowered Oldsmobile quickly lost position. On the 15th lap, Knotts hit the outside wall in the short chute just past the start finish line. His car spun off the track sideways across the infield grass and struck passenger side first against the inside concrete wall entering turn one. His seat mount broke and the 28-year-old was killed instantly.

Benny Richard Knotts (May 23, 1951 – February 14, 1980), was an NASCAR Winston Cup and American ASA driver. Knotts a.k.a. The Paw Paw, Michigan driver began his career in 1974 and raced in various stock car series for 6 years before dying in a crash at Daytona in 1980.