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An Observer investigation found that at least 260 people (including children and spectators) across the United States died in auto racing since 1990. The study scrutinized the main reasons: fences and barriers fail regularly, potentially dangerous drivers are allowed to race, head and neck injuries killed at least half the drivers, and inadequate rescue measures. After conducting more than 400 interviews plus newspaper and Internet searches, the Observer documented 260 deaths in all levels of U.S auto racing - from premier Winston cup and Indy car events to dirt-track races. Most deaths occurred at the small tracks. An Observer survey of track officials showed that few speedways inspect more than basic safety items of the racing cars. The fragmentation of the racing world and its players' fears of lawsuits have hindered collaboration and unity that could raise the level of safety.