This day in History

I ain't into NASCAR (more impressed by vehicles that can haul cord wood rather than haul ass), but since John Hiatt paid homage to Dale Earnhardt in the song "The Tiki Bar is Open", I reckon I should sit up and take notice:

"Well his name was Mr. Dale Earnhardt
And he drove the black number 3
The king is gone, but he'll not be forgotten
Nor his like will we ever see"

He Was Dead Before The Crash

I know nothing as well but looked at some videos. This one sure looks like he was tapped by the car behind and to his left. It has the onboard camera views too but that doesn't answer any questions.
Youtube footage