Tragedy at Pike's Peak Hill Climb

[macdaddy]

From SpeedTV:

6/21/2005

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Race Director Phil Layton announced this morning that an accident during the first practice session for ths weekend's 83rd running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb have resulted in the death of a race official.

No further details were immediately available, but officials have scheduled a press conference for this afternoon at which additional details about the tragedy will be provided.

[mountainstar]

Sad to hear. Wonder what happened?

I'll be attending on Saturday, so hopefully it will be a safe event.

[Sheila M]

Originally Posted by mountainstar

Sad to hear. Wonder what happened?

I'll be attending on Saturday, so hopefully it will be a safe event.

To all concerned, my deepest sympathy. And for those attending on Saturday - stay safe.

Sheila

[djb]

sorry to hear of the bad news, on an different angle though, I recall years ago being rather astounded that the place has had a rather low incidence of serious injuries or death, having seen photos and incar footage, I always thought it must be an extremely incident-ridden climb.

this comment is by no means meant in any way to detract from the loss for the family and friends of this individual-- I assume a marshall, the people who volunteer and in effect allow motorsport events to happen, with little or no gratitude or aknowledgement.

[Sheila M]

Just found this http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/s...ers&id=2091784

[mountainstar]

I don't know which direction the driver was facing, but at 14,000 ft. if you get the sun in your eyes it will absolutely blind the crap out of you. That may have been the cause, but I'm sure we'll know more details later.