3515 replies to this topic

[roundel]

Might they be for Jo Bonnier who crashed near there in 1972?

Thanks John, yes I think you must be right although the piece of film on youtube appears to show the accident on the opposite side of the road.
Alex.

[LittleChris]

Sadly Irish road racer Stephen Larkin lost his life on 17th July whilst practicing at Kells.

http://www.bbc.co.uk...reland-10676921

Looking at the picture on the link below I believe the accident happened at the kink on the run back up to Crossakiel village

http://www.irishtime...4275018435.html

[Nanni Dietrich]

Another obscure Swedish fatality.

date: 12 July 1998
driver killed: Thomas Ring
rally (?) Miniknäppen Tjust MK

Nothing other.

Edited by Nanni Dietrich, 02 August 2010 - 14:31.

[Nanni Dietrich]

From "Sport-Auto", august 1971:

Christian & Yves Serradori, brothers, french, killed during the "Coupe des Alpes", while sharing a Lancia.
(1971 "Coupe des Alpes", 21st-26th June)

...

Carles.

The name of the brothers is reported as Serradori and also as Ferradori, depending on the source (and the number of newspapers, magazines and websites of each version is almost the same).

Albeit not yet confirmed, it is most likely that the name Serradori is most correct. But we are not sure, until we could read official birth or death documents.

What is the real family name? Serradori or Ferradori? (help from french friends)

[ghinzani]

http://en.wikipedia....ki/Lionel_Régal

Lionel Regal, former French hillclimb champ killed at St. Ursanne.

[Darren Galpin]

http://www.bbc.co.uk...canada-10978569

At least eight people have been killed after a 4x4 vehicle careered into a crowd watching an off-road motor race in California.

Twelve other people were injured in the crash, at the California 200 desert night race near Lucerne Valley, 100 miles (160km) from Los Angeles.

The driver, named as 28-year-old Brett Sloppy, was unhurt and reportedly fled the scene to avoid an angry crowd.

Police said Mr Sloppy, from the San Diego area, would not be charged.

Joaquin Zubieta, of the California Highway Patrol, said state vehicle laws did not apply because it was a sanctioned racing event held with the approval of the federal Bureau of Land Management.

Tens of thousands of spectators attend the annual race, which takes place on a 50-mile off-road track.

They stand close to the path of the off-road vehicles, sometimes with little or no protection.

Crushed

A witness said the crash happened moments after the start of the race.

"When [the vehicle] came up, it like caught air and flew sideways, and I just saw people started scrambling at that point," the unnamed witness told local media.

"As soon as it hit, it rolled right on top and it just hit people and people flew, went in all kinds of directions. People were scattering, people were running and trying to help people."

Photographer David Conklin said the car sped over a jump known on the course as "the rockpile" and went out of sight.

"I saw one woman with a major head wound lying in a pool of blood. Someone else was crushed beneath the car," he said.

Pictures of previous races show spectators standing close to the path of the vehicles.

The race goes through a dry river bed in the southern California desert. The course is illuminated only by spotlights mounted on the cars.

[Darren Galpin]

Further to the above:

From http://www.washingto...0081503197.html
At least seven of those killed were in their 20s, including 24-year-old Zachary Freeman of Fillmore, the San Bernardino County coroner said. Brian Wolfin, 27, and Anthony Sanchez, 23, both of Escondido, died at the scene, and Aaron Farkas, 25, of Escondido died at a hospital.

Also killed were Danica Frantzich, 20, of Las Vegas; Andrew Therrin, 22, of Riverside; and Zachary Freeman, 24, of Fillmore.

The eighth victim died in Riverside County, and no name has been released.

[WGD706]

Further to the above:

From http://www.washingto...0081503197.html
At least seven of those killed were in their 20s, including 24-year-old Zachary Freeman of Fillmore, the San Bernardino County coroner said. Brian Wolfin, 27, and Anthony Sanchez, 23, both of Escondido, died at the scene, and Aaron Farkas, 25, of Escondido died at a hospital.

Also killed were Danica Frantzich, 20, of Las Vegas; Andrew Therrin, 22, of Riverside; and Zachary Freeman, 24, of Fillmore.

The eighth victim died in Riverside County, and no name has been released.

One of the injured spectators at the off-road race accident near Lucerne Valley Saturday night was flown to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs where he died, the Riverside Coroner's office has reported.

The spectator, identified as 34-year Michael Dickinson, was from Spring Valley.

The accident, that claimed the lives of seven other spectators, occurred about 8:45 p.m. Saturday when a truck careened off the track into a crowd of onlookers.

Dickinson was pronounced dead at 10:41 p.m.

[Steve O'Brien]

Steve Porter died on Saturday while racing at Aintree on his 400 Kawasaki, A real nice fella.

[Nanni Dietrich]

From magazine Autosprint, issue of 12 July 1971: an accident occurred during the Course de Côte à CORSAVY, France, when a Lotus (driver unknown) went off the road and hit a group of spectators. Three of them were reported "in critical conditions".
Don't know the fate of the three people. The race was subsequently suspended due to bad weather.

Any clue by French friends?

[Darren Galpin]

In the 1955 Carp Airport accident, Mrs George Stapleton's first name was Evelyn (source: http://www.thedailyo......h=SEAN CHASE.)

Edited by Darren Galpin, 27 August 2010 - 07:12.

[Michael Ferner]

A little 1926 mystery...

The Bakersfield Californian reported in their preview for the Kern County Fair races on September 18:

Freddie Lyons, also of San Jose, will drive his Ford Special. It is his first race since the smashup at Reno two months ago in which his front teeth were knocked out and his face cut in the race in which Jack Wilson lost his life.

The Reno race was actually August 15, and Lyons injuries were accurately described in a couple of local papers that day, along with the only other injuries sustained that day by John Didier and Jack Williams. While Didier was only "bruised" according to the reports,

Jack William (sic!) was pinned beneath his machine after it turned over twice. He was taken out unconscious and removed to St. Mary's hospital, where his injuries were found to be not serious. He was cut and bruised and also suffered considerably from the shock.

No further news on Williams's condition could be found, but with a name like that research has proved rather difficult. Jack Williams was a semi-well known racer from Fresno, it seems, who usually entered and raced a #17 "Morris Brothers Special" (possibly a Rajo, or a Duesenberg) on area tracks like Ascot, Susanville or Steamboat Springs; he was 3rd in the main event at the latter track on July 5. Once his name was given in a press report as "Charles Gilson", presumably in error. The Morris brothers were J. D. "Jack" and F. J. "Frank" of Bakersfield, who had a stable of two or more racing cars, and occasionally drove themselves. Other team drivers were George Dryden of Bakersfield and possibly Bill Kimball (or Campbell) from Los Angeles and one D. Grable.

Accurate information on the name and death of "Jack Williams" would be appreciated.

[WGD706]

Teen motorcycle racer killed in crash at Indy
By MICHAEL MAROT, AP Sports Writer Michael Marot, Ap Sports Writer


INDIANAPOLIS – A 13-year-old motorcycle racer died Sunday after falling off his bike and getting run over by another motorcycle at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Peter Lenz of Vancouver, Wash., was pronounced dead by the Marion County coroner after sustaining "traumatic injuries." The accomplished teenage rider crashed on a warmup lap before his race and was struck by 12-year-old Xavier Zayat, who was uninjured in the accident.

Medical workers immediately placed Lenz in a neck brace, put him on a stretcher and began chest compressions while taking him to a hospital. The coroner confirmed his death about 3 hours later, the first at the speedway since IndyCar driver Tony Renna was killed in October 2003.

"Peter passed away early this morning when he was apparently struck by another rider," said a posting Sunday on Lenz's Facebook page, which was signed "Dad."

"He passed doing what he loved and had his go fast face on as he pulled onto the track," the posting said. "The world lost one of its brightest lights today. God Bless Peter and the other rider involved. 45 is on another road we can only hope to reach. Miss you kiddo."

Lenz rode the No. 45 bike. It wasn't immediately clear whether his parents were in Indianapolis and a home phone number for the family was not listed.

Track officials confirmed that Lenz is the youngest racer killed at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which opened in 1909 and has been used by numerous series ever since.

"On behalf of the Lenz family, we would like to thank Peter's friends and supporters for all their help throughout the years," the family said in a statement passed out to reporters. "We are deeply saddened by the loss but know that Peter is racing even faster in the sky."

The family said additional thoughts and messages could be posted on the Facebook page.

The crash delayed the start of the U.S. Grand Prix Racers Union event in which Lenz was scheduled to start, but the three races sanctioned by the MotoGP Series all started on time.

USGPRU spokesman Bill Syfan did not respond to interview requests from The Associated Press, but a news conference was scheduled for later Sunday.

Despite being only 13 years old and listing his profession on the Grand Prix website as "kid," Lenz was already a well-known racer. He had been riding bikes for six years, won nine national championships and nine regional titles, and appeared to be a rising star in a series that bills itself as a prep for riders 12 to 18 who hope to compete at a higher level.

Those races are not typically held in conjunction with MotoGP events.

The fatal accident Sunday will almost certainly spark a debate about how young is too young for racers to be competing on one of the world's best-known tracks, whether it's inside a car or riding a motorcycle capable of speeds well over 100 mph.

Speedway officials declined to comment on the issue but pointed out that East Coast Region riders also compete at Virginia International Raceway and Road America, while the West Coast Region holds races at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah and Portland International Raceway.

MotoGP riders Colin Edwards and Ben Spies competed at even higher levels as teens. Edwards ran his first 250cc race at 17, while Spies made his first start in the 125cc series at 12.

Racing conditions were not ideal this weekend.

Hot, dry weather turned Indianapolis Motor Speedway's bumpy, 2.621-mile course into a slick track that was challenging even for the world's best riders.

Reigning world champ Valentino Rossi fell four times since practice opened Friday, including a spill Sunday morning during a 20-minute warmup session. Spies and points leader Jorge Lorenzo also acknowledged after qualifying Saturday that the track was difficult.

The Moto2 race Sunday was shortened after a big wreck took out four drivers on the first lap. Eight drivers did not finish that race.

Lenz had three third-place finishes this season in the 125GP class and had won three races in the MD250H class, which was the race being run Sunday.

[LittleChris]

Sad to report a double fatality following an incident at Alpine Cottage during todays Junior Manx GP

http://www.paddockgo.../view/1437/169/

[Macca]

I'm afraid that, to complete a very bad week for motor-cycle racing, there has been a fatal crash in the Moto 2 race at Misano Adriatico - quoted from official Moto GP site:

"On Sunday 5th September during the Moto2 race at the Misano World Circuit, rider Shoya Tomizawa aged 19 suffered a serious crash and subsequent cranial, thoracic and abdominal trauma.

Given the seriousness of his condition - especially for the thoracic and abdominal trauma - Tomizawa was immediately treated at the Misano World Circuit medical centre and put under artificial respiration.

The rider was taken by ambulance to the Riccione hospital accompanied by two doctors - helicopter was not used in order to allow for the proper respiratory support to be administered. Despite various attempts to resuscitate him Shoya sadly succumbed to his injuries at 14.20."

Tomizawa won the first-ever Moto 2 race at the beginning of this season; he was the first fatality in GP races since Daijiro Kato at Suzuka in 2003.

More information can be found on various websites.

Good bloke, good rider.

Paul M

[LittleChris]

Another dreadful weekend for the bike road racing community as Victor Gilmore lost his life ( and a marshall was injured though thankfully is not too serious ) during the 600 race today at Killalane.

http://www.belfastte...t-14946989.html

Edited by LittleChris, 12 September 2010 - 22:07.

[Michael Ferner]

Not on Motorsport Memorial:

GOGGLES CAUSE DEATH OF MOTOR CAR RACER

Benton, Ill., May 14.—(AP)—Losing control of his racing car after an attempt to adjust his goggles while traveling at a high speed, Lester G. Kuehn, 28 years old, of East St. Louis, plunged through a fence in a race on the Franklin county fairgrounds track here yesterday afternoon and was fatally injured. He died six hours later in a hospital.
Kuehn, son of a contractor, was participating in his first automobile race and was driving a car especially made for him.

JOPLIN NEWS HERALD, MONDAY, MAY 14, 1928.

[Vitesse2]

Former Scottish Rally Champion Jimmy Girvan has been killed during the Colin McRae Forest Stages Rally:

http://www.bbc.co.uk...entral-11412436

[Coral]

Former Scottish Rally Champion Jimmy Girvan has been killed during the Colin McRae Forest Stages Rally:

http://www.bbc.co.uk...entral-11412436

Oh no, what terrible news, I am shocked.

R.I.P. Jimmy.

[Nanni Dietrich]

An accident happened during the Rally El Corte Inglés in Spain on 08 October 1983.
The Toyota Celica 2000GT driven by Klaus Fritzinger-Henning Wünsch went off the road and crashed into a crowd.
Fritzinger, Wünsch and a few spectators were taken to hospital.
It was only the following morning that in the place of the accident was found the lifeless body of 25-year-old spectator (Osvaldo Galindo Rocha, his name), showing evident marks of an impact with a car.
According to the French magazine Echappement, issue of November 1983, also Klaus Fritzinger lost his life in the accident. This is not true, as the expert German rally driver went on in his career until the early 1990s. Think he is still going well with us.

[Michael Ferner]

From the "HAMILTON DAILY NEWS, MONDAY, JUNE 16, 1930.", a "peripheral" racing death:

DIES SUDDENLY AT SPEEDWAY

Columbus Man Succumbs In Cab of Truck After Delivering Speeder

Frank Sullivan, 40, of Columbus, who came here Saturday night to deliver a racing car at the Cincinnati-Hamilton speedway was found dead in the cab of a truck at the speedway Sunday at 8:30 a. m. Dr. Harry Deubel, acting coroner, attributed death to heart disease.
A number of track employees had been talking to Sullivan at 8 a. m. and a half hour later one of their group noticed his feet protruding from the cab in a peculiar position. Investigating, he found the dead man.
Sullivan had been employed by C. R. Wolf, of Columbus, manufacturer of automobile racing bodies. He was accompanied by his son, 11 years old. The son was cared for Sunday night by a family residing near the race track and was to be returned Monday to Columbus.
The body was removed to the Dawson Funeral home. Mr. Wolf was locating relatives at Columbus Monday.

[Michael Ferner]

From the "WOODBRIDGE INDEPENDENT, FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 1937", in a report about the 1936 activities of the Garden State Auto Racing Assoc. (GSRA):

The season turned out to be the most costly of our existence from the standpoint of fatal accidents to drivers. Before the actual racing season opened our business committee chairman, Carl Thul, of Plainfield, owner of the car driven by Harry Dunn, was fatally injured while trying his car on a private track at New Market, N. J. on April 14.
On June 21st at Woodbridge, during the warm-up period, Eddie Delessio, of Newark, struck another car and crashed the outside rail where he turned over. He passed on twelve days later at the Perth Amboy Hospital.
On July 5th, when entering the first turn on the ninth lap of the 15 lap feature race, Al Lattanzio, of New Brunswick, crashed and rolled over the outside rail. What seemed at the time to be a simple accident developed through complications to serious proportions, and resulted in his death about five days later.
While racing at Hatfield, Pa., on July 4th, Ken McCullough, of Union City, was killed instantly when he struck the fence during time trials. Tommy McWilliams, who turned AAA after several successful seasons with Garden State, was fatally injured while racing at the Flemington fair. These fine boys are greatly missed by their fellow members and fans.

Only McCullough is mentioned on Motorsport Memorial, although his personal details there appear to be wrong. Union City (in New Jersey) was probably only a temporal home, but in other articles he was said to be from "West New York". Of the others, Albert "Al" Lattanzio (born ca. 1909) and Thomas "Tommy" McWilliams (of Troy Hills, NJ) were best known. Lattanzio was the 1935 GSRA Champion after having been runner-up the year before, and McWilliams had won a 15-mile AAA event at Crossbay Speedway in New York on June 24. Delessio I have also seen spelt as "de Lessio"

Edited by Michael Ferner, 06 November 2010 - 22:50.

[brandspro]

From the "WOODBRIDGE INDEPENDENT, FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 1937", in a report about the 1936 activities of the Garden State Auto Racing Assoc. (GSRA):



Only McCullough is mentioned on Motorsport Memorial, although his personal details there appear to be wrong. Union City (in New Jersey) was probably only a temporal home, but in other articles he was said to be from "West New York". Of the others, Albert "Al" Lattanzio (born ca. 1909) and Thomas "Tommy" McWilliams (of Troy Hills, NJ) were best known. Lattanzio was the 1935 GSRA Champion after having been runner-up the year before, and McWilliams had won a 15-mile AAA event at Crossbay Speedway in New York on June 24. Delessio I have also seen spelt as "de Lessio"

Just so there's no confusion, West New York is actually in New Jersey and abuts Union City, which should not be confused with Union, NJ which is a completely different place.

[Michael Ferner]

Thanks for that!

I also found an earlier (1934) article mentioning Albert Lattanzio's "younger brother, Albio, (dying) in a track crash two years ago at Newmarket.

[Darren Galpin]

http://www.nbclosang...-105174319.html

Racing Resumes in Fontana After Amateur Driver's Death
The woman was killed Friday during a simulated Indy car race at Auto Club Speedway
Updated 12:46 PM PST, Thu, Oct 21, 2010



ASSOCIATED PRESS Racing resumed at Auto Club Speedway after a woman was killed during a simulated race for amateur drivers.

On Friday, racing was briefly suspended after 24-year-old Ashley Sara Phalen's vehicle hit the flipped during the Mario Andretti Racing Experience, which allows the public to drive replica Indy cars. The class teaches drivers the basics of open wheel racing/

Speedway spokesman David Talley told City News Service that Phalen had taken a class before getting into the car and was in radio contact with her instructors while she drove. The Press-Enterprise reported Phalen, of Los Angeles, struck an inside wall and the car overturned.

The San Bernardino County coroner's office said Phalen was later declared dead at Kaiser Foundation Hospital.

"Our thoughts and prayers go to the family," Talley told the Press-Enterprise. "Obviously we'll keep a keen eye on safety as these classes continue. Andretti has a great track record and so do the other schools. It's just an unfortunate thing."

The Auto Club Speedway in Fontana on Sunday held its Bugorama So Cal, an event that features drag-racing Volkswagen Beetles.

[Michael Ferner]

Gus Ianacone, "of 117 Cacciola Place" in Westfield (NJ), died August 5 in 1934 at the Perth Amboy City Hospital following an accident at nearby Woodbridge Speedway. The race meeting was sanctioned by the GSRA (see post #2722), and the accident happened on the second lap of the first heat: Ianacone collided with Johnny Ulesky in trying to wrest the lead away, and Henry Guerand later piled into the carnage. Ulesky lost a tooth, and Guerand wasn't injured, but Ianacone died on the operating table from "a fractured skull, broken neck and internal injuries". According to some reports, he was twenty years old, but one article has him at 28 years of age which sounds more plausible.

Motorsport Memorial has him nicknamed "Lucky Gus", but I have never come across that moniker except for one article which mentioned that he wore a black shirt with the letters "Lucky Gus" emblazoned on the back. The following excerpt from an article may be useful for those trying to find his personal details:

Word of the accident brought Sunday night to his invalid mother, Mrs. Angeline Ianacone, resulted in a heart attack. Her condition is still reported serious. She has been ill for the last two years. (...) Besides his mother, he is survived by three sisters, Mrs. Rose Ridge of Westfield, Mrs. Thomas Somma of West Orange and Mrs. Barney Lantz of Mountainside. (...) Interment was in Fairview cemetery.

Gus Ianacone was a fairly succesful racing driver in his home state, New Jersey, driving for various second-string sanctioning bodies like GSRA, ARA or AMRA. In June of 1933, he won three main events in 25 days at the New Market and Troy Hills tracks, and also established a track record at the latter venue. He was generally on par with several later AAA main event winners, like Harry Angeloni, Johnny Duncan or Len Perry.

Edited by Michael Ferner, 24 November 2010 - 19:37.

[WGD706]

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- A Swiss motorcyclist was killed after colliding with another rider only moments after winning a race, track officials said Saturday in a statement.

Pascal Grosjean, 39, had crossed the line Friday and slowed to celebrate winning a Sportsbike Championship race when third-place finisher Tony Jordan ran into him at about 124 mph, throwing both riders to the tarmac at the Dubai Autodrome.

Grosjean was airlifted to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Jordan remains in a serious condition.

"The Dubai Autodrome team and the motorsport community of the UAE are deeply saddened by the enormous loss and pass on our sincere condolences to Pascal Grosjean's family and friends," Hamish Brown, the general executive of Dubai Autodrome, said in a statement. "Pascal was a multiple UAE champion who was well respected in motorsport and motorcycle community."

The Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE has launched a full inquiry into the accident.

Carissa Crowley, the public relations and marketing manager for Grosjean's racing team, Gros Gros, told Dubai's The National newspaper that the Swiss rider's death came just as his career was on the upswing.

"It is such a great loss. He was at the top of his game," she said. "He was planning to go to Germany this year so that he could bring success to the team internationally."

Grosjean, the reigning UAE Sportbike 600cc champion, is the latest fatality at the track located on the outskirts of Dubai. In April, Belgian driver Christophe Hissette, 29, died when his car caught fire during a qualifying session.
http://sports.espn.g...tory?id=5854549

[raceannouncer2003]

I have been re-organizing my scrapbook of clippings from 1958 and came across these two articles:

"Thurs., Dec. 4, 1958 - Peruvian driver dies after race - Lima, Peru (AP) - Humberto Castellanos, Peruvian auto race driver, died Wednesday in a hospital at Ica of injuries suffered during the Santiago, Chile to Lima race which ended Sunday. Castellanos was hurt in a spill near Nazca, Peru. The race was won by Sergio Neder of Chile."

"Car kills three - Navarro, Argentina (AP) - Three spectators were killed in this Bufos Aires province town today when a racing car competing in a 500-mile race went out of control and plowed into spectators lining the streets. The car was driven by Argentine Mario Gonzalez. A hard rain made conditions treacherous for the drivers of the 54 cars which competed."

Does anyone know the date for the second one?

Vince H.

[Darren Galpin]

"Car kills three - Navarro, Argentina (AP) - Three spectators were killed in this Bufos Aires province town today when a racing car competing in a 500-mile race went out of control and plowed into spectators lining the streets. The car was driven by Argentine Mario Gonzalez. A hard rain made conditions treacherous for the drivers of the 54 cars which competed."

Does anyone know the date for the second one?

Vince H.

Death date: 21.Sep.1958
Circuit: Mercedes
Race: 500 Millas Mercedinas
Vehicle brand/model: unknown
Note:
The 1958 edition of the 500 Millas Mercedinas, then a round of the Turismo Carretera series, was marred by heavy rains. The event was a 4-lap race was held on a 201.164-kilometer public roads course in and near the town of Mercedes, province of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

During the race occurred a number of accidents which resulted in the deaths of three spectators. Several people sustained injuries, including the famous Argentine driver Dante Emiliozzi, who was recovered for three days at Mercedes hospital.

A car driven by Argentinian Mario González crashed into a spectator area, near the town of Navarro, province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, killing three people. The names of the victims were not released.

Winner of the race was Fernando Piersanti in a Ford, from Remo Gamalero, second in a Ford, and Manuel Mantinián, third in a Chevrolet.

http://www.motorspor...s_db=selecteddb

[Michael Ferner]

Not on MM: Henry Williams of Philadelphia (PA) was killed in an accident at the Hagerstown (MD) Interstate Fairgrounds on June 18, 1921. The accident happened when Bill Strickler, who was leading the race, lost control and crashed into the fence, rebounding onto the track where the unfortunate Williams hit the rear of his car, crashed through the inside fence and turned turtle. Williams's skull was fractured, and he "died later in a Washington county hospital". I have no information whether the race was a heat or the main event; the meeting was apparently sanctioned by the NMRA although the article called the organisation "Motor Racing Association of America".

Both Williams and Strickler were well known local racers, the former usually driving a Ford special, and the latter a "Chevrolet Cyclone", but I have no information as to what they actually drove at Hagerstown on that day. Henry Williams had been the winner of the first 100-mile race at Pottstown (PA) the previous October, the event later gaining considerable status as the "Eastern States (Dirt Track) Championship", with names like Zeke Meyer (1924/5) and Ben Shaw (1927/8) as the only two-time winners, and local stars Eugene "Dooley" Chiorano and Julian "Slim" Everette in fatal accidents.

[Nikos Spagnol]

BRAZILIAN DRIVER DANIEL MAIA KILLED IN ACCIDENT

Daniel Maia, 40, was killed Sunday (Nov. 28th) after hitting the pit wall during a regional Super V8 event, in Autódromo Virgílio Távora, near Fortaleza, Ceará state, northern Brazil.

Maia lost control after the bend leading to the pit straight and hit the pit wall entrance, on the inside. He was unconscious and taken by ambulance to nearby Messejena Hospital, but was dead on arrival.

All the racing events at the autodrome that day were cancelled.

* WARNING - FATAL CRASH VIDEO *

http://www.band.com....ID=100000373366

[Nanni Dietrich]

These are all from the book "Settant'anni di gare automobilistiche in Italia" by Emanuele Alberto Carli, Automobile Club d'Italia-L'Editrice dell'Automobile, Italy, 1967 (thanks Bjorn ) and I couldn't see on Motorsport Memorial etc.;

...

? Peri - Circuito di Caserta, 18 May 1930, car collided with another competitor, exited the road & was killed.
(Raffaeli - his mechanic was also killed in the same crash)


...

This accident is still pretty obscure.

According to the Italian newspapers La Stampa and Il Littoriale issues of 19 May 1930, it was the mechanic of Piero Rubino who was instantly killed at the Circuito di Caserta, when the car he was riding in crashed after colliding with another car (possibly the name of the victim was Raffaelli).

Peri was a driver who entered the race and reportedly withdrew in the early laps. No information in the articles is given about the reason of the withdrawal, it is possible that Peri had an accident and died as a consequence of it in the following days.

Peri's given name is still unknown. In the 1930s there was one Guglielmo Peri who raced with some success a Bugatti in Italy. But he was still active in 1932, so it is uncertain whether he did survive the Caserta accident or the deceased driver had another name.

In March of 1930 (two months before) was killed Gastone Brilli PERI at Tripoli. Presumably there were three drivers by the surname Peri active in Italy in the 1930s.


Any help?

Edited by Nanni Dietrich, 30 November 2010 - 14:57.

[raceannouncer2003]

Death date: 21.Sep.1958
Circuit: Mercedes
Race: 500 Millas Mercedinas
Vehicle brand/model: unknown
Note:
The 1958 edition of the 500 Millas Mercedinas, then a round of the Turismo Carretera series, was marred by heavy rains. The event was a 4-lap race was held on a 201.164-kilometer public roads course in and near the town of Mercedes, province of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

During the race occurred a number of accidents which resulted in the deaths of three spectators. Several people sustained injuries, including the famous Argentine driver Dante Emiliozzi, who was recovered for three days at Mercedes hospital.

A car driven by Argentinian Mario González crashed into a spectator area, near the town of Navarro, province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, killing three people. The names of the victims were not released.

Winner of the race was Fernando Piersanti in a Ford, from Remo Gamalero, second in a Ford, and Manuel Mantinián, third in a Chevrolet.

http://www.motorspor...s_db=selecteddb

Thank you, Darren.

Vince H.

[Nanni Dietrich]

Reading an old magazine Autosprint, issue 36/1970 (the issue of the Jochen Rindt tragedy), I've found a short article about the fatal accidents happened in that season: Rindt is eneterd in the list, as 23rd driver killed in 1970.

I've found in that sad list, some name I've never heard before: ... Colley, ... Dunne ....

Other small details about the mystery:
Colley's name was Richard
Dunne's name was Jimmy

Source: the Italian newspaper La Stampa, issue of 06 September 1970. No dates, nothing other.

[Nanni Dietrich]

From Canadian newspaper "The Ottawa Citizen", issue of 24 February 1986, reporting the fatal accident of Bertrand Fabi at Goodwood.

In the article it is written: "The crash came only three months after another young driver perished on the Goodwood track..."

I'm not able to understand what other fatality was indicated by the newspaper. Three months before, seems October/November 1985, I have no fatal accidents at Goodwood in these months.

Was it a fake?

[LittleChris]

Article ( in French ) on Les amis du circuit de gueux website concerning the tragic 1957 F2 Coupe Internationale de Vitesse which saw the deaths of Big Bill Whitehouse and Herbert Mackay-Fraser.

http://www.amis-du-c...IMS-en-1957-une

[David McKinney]

Even the French got Mack's name wrong

[Darren Galpin]

http://www.motorspor...p...36&FS=DAKAR

Offical statement on fatal accident
Racing series DAKAR
Date 2011-01-13


Accident on stage 10, COPIAPO - CHILECITO

At 6h10 in the morning, a road accident occurred involving Argentina competitor nDEG410 and a driver, 30kms after the finish of the special, at the entry of the village of Tinogasta while the competitor was on his way to the bivouac of Chilecito.

Immediately informed by the competitor, the race headquarters sent on site a medical vehicle as well as a helicopter to treat the injured driver and informed the local medical staff. The patient was taken to the Tinogasta hospital where he sadly died.

The justice of the Catamarca Province opened an enquiry in order to establish the circumstances of the accident.

-source: dakar

[Darren Galpin]

http://www.smh.com.a...0114-19q4t.html

The driver of a car involved in a collision with a competitor in the Dakar Rally has died, organisers announced on Thursday.

The accident occured when the driver, who has not been named, collided with a 48-year-old Argentine rally driver who was returning to a bivouac in Chilecito, 30 kilometres after the end of the 10th special stage at Fiambala.

A statement from the event's organisers, ASO, said: "Immediately they were informed by the competitor, the race management sent medical help, a medically equipped vehicle and a helicopter to the site and alerted the local emergency services.

Advertisement: Story continues below "The patient was transported to hospital in Tinogasta where he unfortunately died."

ASO added that a judicial inquiry had been opened into the accident by the local authorities in the Argentine province of Catamarca.

This latest fatality brings to four the number of Dakar-related deaths on this year's rally.

Last week two maintenance workers were electrocuted in separate incidents.

And on the opening stage a 28-year-old female fan was killed when a competitor's car ploughed into a group of spectators near the town of Rio Cuarto.

[Nanni Dietrich]

http://www.smh.com.a...0114-19q4t.html

The driver of a car involved in a collision with a competitor in the Dakar Rally has died, organisers announced on Thursday.

...


This latest fatality brings to four the number of Dakar-related deaths on this year's rally.

Last week two maintenance workers were electrocuted in separate incidents.

And on the opening stage a 28-year-old female fan was killed when a competitor's car ploughed into a group of spectators near the town of Rio Cuarto.

This statement is incorrect: the female spectator of Rio Cuarto was killed in 2010, NOT in 2011:
http://www.motorspor...hp?db=ct&n=9374

In the 2011 edition of the Dakar Rally was killed only a by-passer, hit by competitor Eduardo Osvaldo Amor's Toyota:
http://www.motorspor...h...=ct&n=10008

Two other fatalities are not "related" with the rally but not involving competitors. A Chilean worker was electrocuted while building a steel structure in the park of attendance of the rally, at the "Autódromo Sergio Santander" of Arica, Chile, on 07 January 2011. Several hours later another worker was killed while installing a sign of the rally on the Ruta 5 Norte in Copiapó, Chile. Ironically he was electrocuted when the scaffolding in which he was working with a partner, hit the power lines.

[chequer57]

Sadly Formula Vee in Australia lost one of it own yesterday, notification is below:

VALE: MATTHEW HARRISON

It’s with great sadness that the Formula Vee Association of New South Wales announces the passing of Matthew Harrison.

Matthew passed away overnight after being involved in a racing incident during the opening round of the NSW Formula Vee State Championship at Eastern Creek Raceway.

A talented young driver, Matthew was passionate about the Formula Vee category and motor racing in general and will be sorely missed by everyone in the sport. As a mark of respect for Matthew and his family, Formula Vee competitors unanimously decided to withdraw from the event.

The thoughts of all Formula Vee Association of New South Wales members, the Board of Management of Formula Vee Australia, and those of the entire motor sport community, are with Matthew’s family and friends during this difficult time.

The Formula Vee Association of New South Wales wishes to thank the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) and the Australian Racing Drivers Club (ARDC) for their help and understanding.

Edited by chequer57, 20 March 2011 - 22:17.

[Ray Bell]

Can you fill us in some more, please?

When was the crash, any ideas of DOB of the driver, what car was he in etc?

[Tim Murray]

... and if possible resolve the surname anomaly, please.

[Graham2]

... and if possible resolve the surname anomaly, please.

Sadly it is Matthew Harrison.

http://www.fvee.org....3-20.5315862141

[Pat Clarke]

I understand Matt was a young lad, only 16y/o who had built the Stinger Vee with his dad Alan. This may well have been their first race in the Vee (perhaps they had an aborted event late last year, not sure about that). Matt had been a kart racer.

The incident happened on the first lap, there was an incident with cars mid pack and in the ensuing chaos, Matts car was hit hard. The ambulance attended immediately and a helicopter was called to evacuate him. My reporter says Matt was too ill to helivac and so was taken to Westmead hospital, where sometime later he suffered a cardiac arrest and succumbed.

This is a really sad situation in this day and age when we seem to take motor racing risk for granted. Matts family must be shattered, a dad and son going racing together and then this.

Certainly my condolences go out to the Harrisons.

Pat

[Tim Murray]

Thanks, Graham and Pat. It seems so unfair that he should have died so young, just as his racing career was starting.

[seldo]

Australian entrepreneur, arts lover, speedway promotor and racing driver, Kym Bonython passed away in Adelaide on Saturday, aged 90.

[Nanni Dietrich]

Fellows,

We received an e-mail from one of our collaborators mentioning a driver called Engelbrecht, that died at the wheel of a Porsche Spyder in a practice accident in Kialamy in the late 1960s or early 1970s.

We are looking for additional information on this driver - thank you very much for your help.

Regards,


Muzza

One Peter Engelbrecht who drove a Porsche 550 Spyder did not finish the 9 Hours of Kyalami in 1963, the cause was: "accident, burnt out".
Possibly was he our man?

[Hugo Boecker]

One Peter Engelbrecht who drove a Porsche 550 Spyder did not finish the 9 Hours of Kyalami in 1963, the cause was: "accident, burnt out".
Possibly was he our man?

I took a look in Stewart/Reich 's book "Sun on the grid" Engelbrecht had taken over the car for a second spell when the car cracked up on the Esses bend. The car burst into fölames and seconds later, all that was left was a burnt wreck; so came to an end the most successful Spyder ever built. It has twice won the "Endurance" and also practically every event open to it at some tme or another, on South African circuits. Nothing was mentioned what happend to the driver.

But another sad event is mentioned.
The Opel Rekord [sic race No 16]touring car of Hennie (at the wheel) and Piet Steenkamp pressed for brakes at Crowthorne Corner and found nothing there. The Opel rekord jumped the track and bored into a spectator's stand, injuring several onlookers. A young man died on the way to hospital.

[Quixotic]

I understand Matt was a young lad, only 16y/o who had built the Stinger Vee with his dad Alan. This may well have been their first race in the Vee (perhaps they had an aborted event late last year, not sure about that). Matt had been a kart racer.

The incident happened on the first lap, there was an incident with cars mid pack and in the ensuing chaos, Matts car was hit hard. The ambulance attended immediately and a helicopter was called to evacuate him. My reporter says Matt was too ill to helivac and so was taken to Westmead hospital, where sometime later he suffered a cardiac arrest and succumbed.

This is a really sad situation in this day and age when we seem to take motor racing risk for granted. Matts family must be shattered, a dad and son going racing together and then this.

Certainly my condolences go out to the Harrisons.

Pat

Very sad to hear of Matt's death. That would be the first racing death ever in a Vee in Australia. Not counting the Dam incident or the heart attack in practice.....

My thoughts go out to Matthew's family.....

Edited by Quixotic, 30 March 2011 - 08:52.