Not sure if anyone saw this but as always, I think its good to know and keep in the back of our minds.

Best wishes and all of those touched by this accident.

http://www.trackhq.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1179

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1010757

 

I was there both days competing in TTA. Since it happened in HPDE 3, i didnt see it. A friend of one of my friends spoke with him before it all happened because he too had a mini. And another friend of one of my TT friends was behind the guy when he got off track.

 

4-point harnesses lead to the famous "submarine" maneuver... Sad to see this happen again...

-E

 

Another thread:

http://www.nasaforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=22319

 

The two threads posted above both got into a lot od speculation in regards to the source of trauma. I think its safe to say that almost anything we talk about in regards to this particular accident would be speculation and maybe disrespectful to the driver and family. As such I hope we can all try and keep such things to a minimum. I will say that all reports seem to indicate huge forces involved and there need be no other trauma than that.

I hope the friends and family of this man find peace. It also should be said that this man by account was passionate about driving, his family and life. I hope I can spend as many years enjoying this sport and if the end comes in doing what I love... there are worse ways to go.

 

amen.

Accidents can and do happen at any time. Whether on the street, or on the track, they're equally as dangerous. I almost argue the track is safer due to medical help already being on site.

Regardless, wish his family the best in dealing with the loss, but hope it makes people more aware of the risks taken out on the track.

 

RIP. Condolences to the family.

The local P-club here actually bans mini coopers from their events, and has for a while now (it may be nationwide PCA policy, not sure).

Can't they fix the damn track to be safer there? I hear it's a place where people get in trouble all the time. Cant they fill in the ditch or whatever? wtf??? how many more accidents is it going to take?

I wonder about the HC car that had problems there the same weekend. Any details on that?

 

Here is NASA's official statement on the incident:

"Dear NASA members and racing community,

A tragic accident occurred at Willow Springs Raceway on May 24th which resulted in life threatening injuries to one of our members. Due to the number of erroneous accounts posted on the internet including supposed “first hand reports” which we know are false, we are publishing this statement of facts in hopes that the racing community will be respectful of the family and refrain from further uninformed speculation.

At 11:30am Joseph Drey was driving his 2002 Mini Cooper S in NASA’s High Performance Driving Experience when the vehicle left the racing surface at the exit of Turn 9 and subsequently turned back across the track. While sliding across the infield dirt, the vehicle rolled an unknown number of times, landing upright but causing the driver to be partially ejected from the vehicle. The vehicle sustained the most significant damage located in the right rear, with additional damage extending to all remaining portions of the vehicle. The left front wheel assembly was separated from the vehicle while the other wheel assemblies remained attached. A fixed back racing seat was properly installed and remains securely attached he the vehicle. A DOT approved 4 point harness restraint system was being utilized. Rescue teams were performing lifesaving measures within 1 minute from when the car stopped rolling and immediate medical aid was administered by NASA Safety, paramedics, and 2 physicians. The patient was transported to the hospital via air ambulance where further medical treatment occurred.

It is with great regret we must recount this tragedy and all information from this event will be analyzed by experts and/or manufacturers. Should anything be learned which could improve the environment for our drivers, changes will be reflected in the NASA Club Codes and Regulations."

 

Thanks Richard.

 

Richard, according to nasa he's in the hospital, and has not passed?

 

^^^
http://www.nasaforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=22368

 

There was a link to a newspaper article saying that he had past. Maybe it was incorrect?

 

NASA was just being careful in how they worded their statement to try to avoid legal liability. The driver died of his injuries.

 

Petition to fix turn 9

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/P...edTrackSafety/

 

There was a bit of a debate about this petition at Bimmerforums.

I do think that the track and everyone involved is upset about the accident and the loss of a fellow racer. As such I am hopeful that this petition is not needed. My focus remains on the loss of this man and the sadness that his friends and family must feel.