NASCAR did a very brief investigation and the wheel that broke off disappeared before it could be returned to the McDuffie family. From McDuffie's death in 1991 to 2001, notable stock car drivers such as Dale Earnhardt, Adam Petty, Blaise Alexander, and Kenny Irwin Jr. would also die from crashes that caused basilar skull fractures. Research into head and neck restraints would lead to the development of devices such as the HANS device and the Hutchens device. In modern times most motorsport sanctioning bodies worldwide (including NASCAR), mandate drivers to use head and neck restraints. However it wasn't until October 2001, more than 10 years after McDuffie's death, that NASCAR mandated that all drivers wear head and neck restraints in the form of a HANS device or a Hutchens device. In January 2005 NASCAR banned the use of the Hutchens device and forced all drivers to use the HANS device instead. McDuffie is buried at Buffalo Cemetery, Sanford, North Carolina. Personal life McDuffie made Sanford, North Carolina home; the city supported him through struggles much like it did with hometown driver Herb Thomas. McDuffie married Ima Jean Wood in 1959 and together they had two children, Jeff and Linda; all of whom survive him. On August 8, 2021, nearly 30 years after his death, Ima Jean died at age 83. Motorsports career results NASCAR (key) (Bold – Pole position awarded by qualifying time. Italics – Pole position earned by points standings or practice time. * – Most laps led.) Grand National Series Winston Cup Series Daytona 500 Busch Series ARCA Permatex SuperCar Series (key) (Bold – Pole position awarded by qualifying time. Italics – Pole position earned by points standings or practice time. * – Most laps led.) References External links The Legend of J.D. McDuffie: J.D.'s strong performances The Legend of J.D. McDuffie: The 1991 season Salute to J.D. . -Tribute by PattyKay Lilley - Writer for racefansforever.com 1938 births 1991 deaths NASCAR drivers Racing drivers who died while racing Sports deaths in New York (state) Accidental deaths in New York (state) People from Harnett County, North Carolina Filmed deaths in motorsport Racing drivers from North Carolina Burials in North Carolina