http://roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=36854
Never been to Summit point, but how is it possible to hit a bridge at any track. Rest in peace Chad.
Yes, sad day.
The bridge goes over the track at Summit. It's possible to hit it. And, invariably, if one looks at it, one usually goes toward it. Could certainly be enough if one got out of shape on the corner before the bridge.
Based on what I saw a very serious tankslapper is most likely what directed him into the bridge. Tires marks alternating left to right with gaps in between go from left to right across the track from just past the crest of the hill almost to bridge. I was flagging T10 when it happened.
sorry for the loss. We all prey for the friends and family!
Quote from: GIGOLO on June 09, 2009, 10:12:16 AMNever been to Summit point, but how is it possible to hit a bridge at any track.
Makes me think of the bridge going over the last section of the track at Brainerd International Raceway, I never liked seeing that bridge embankment so close to the track while I'm exiting the previous turn - especially if battling with another rider(s).
The old Billy Mitchell Bridge at Road America was close to the track also. Still about 3-4 bridges the track at RA goes under.
Prayers for his poor wife and family.
RIP Chad :(
Our sincere condolences to the family.
thoughts and prayers go out to the family
Chad's widow, Shiloh, has made a request that I hope many of us can contribute to. Donations to the Road Racing World Action fund and specifically directed toward additional airfence for Summit.
http://roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=36909 (http://roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=36909)
Quote from: GIGOLO on June 09, 2009, 10:12:16 AM
Never been to Summit point, but how is it possible to hit a bridge at any track. Rest in peace Chad.
I was standing on the main bridge embankment at Road Atlanta (just after the gravity cavity when it was there and before the last downhill right hander) when Gordon Lunde Jr. lost control at the bottom of the gravity cavity and hit the bridge at the top of the hill. I was standing facing the track on the exit side of the bridge. All I saw was the motorcycle parts flying out from under the bridge. Gordon died in the accident. This was at the GNF in 1997. So...yes, you can hit a bridge by losing control before you get to it and slamming into it head-on. This accident I believe was the last straw that made the Road Atlanta staff decide to get rid of the Gravity Cavity and put in the chicane before the bridge. I'm grateful to have raced their when the Gravity Cavity was still there, but it's much safer now. You would really be hauling the mail up the hill and under the bridge.