Drag Racing Tragedy in Selmer, Tennessee
6/17/07, 09:04 PM
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Drag Racing Tragedy in Selmer, Tennessee
It was a display of speed and power, all in the name of charity that went horribly wrong.
But the 'Cars for Kids' event in Selmer, Tennessee abruptly ended in tragedy last night.
A drag-racing car, performing a stunt designed to make its tires smoke went out of control and careened into a crowd of spectators. Six people died including three teens and two people in their early twenties.
But the 'Cars for Kids' event in Selmer, Tennessee abruptly ended in tragedy last night.
A drag-racing car, performing a stunt designed to make its tires smoke went out of control and careened into a crowd of spectators. Six people died including three teens and two people in their early twenties.
http://www.wrcbtv.com/news/index.cfm?sid=9043
Authorities admit that not enough (or lack of) safety was used in the road after the starting line
"It wasn't a drag race it was a demonstration on a highway, drag racing itself with all the safety measures such as concrete barricades is one of the safest sports for spectators around," Mr. [Victor] Bray said
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news...018969802.html
6/18/07, 09:43 AM
#4
I may just be getting old, but tons of stuff happens at car shows that throw my hackles up as being extremely risky, which I used to think of as no big deal. That was just WAY too much power to be doing anything without full containment from the crowd. This is just a tragedy all around, terrible for the families of the innocent bystanders and terrible for our hobby in the public eye. Freak accidents at sporting events even with all the safety equipment in place are one thing, but any time you watch anyone do a stunt with a car is putting a lot of faith in a total stranger.
6/18/07, 11:06 AM
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The event was an excellent idea for the children, but this will bring that idea to a halt I am afraid. I send out my condolenses to the families who were involed here or lost a child.
6/18/07, 11:09 AM
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I may just be getting old, but tons of stuff happens at car shows that throw my hackles up as being extremely risky, which I used to think of as no big deal. That was just WAY too much power to be doing anything without full containment from the crowd. This is just a tragedy all around, terrible for the families of the innocent bystanders and terrible for our hobby in the public eye. Freak accidents at sporting events even with all the safety equipment in place are one thing, but any time you watch anyone do a stunt with a car is putting a lot of faith in a total stranger.
6/18/07, 11:44 AM
#7
Oh I know it does, and I've been to(and part of) quite a few of them, and have seen quite a few close calls. Yes its all good and fun until your 4 year old has a 500hp car do a burnout over top of him or your g/f gets hit in the face by a wild motorcycle.
**** happens fast, people, vehicles, and pavement don't mix well
**** happens fast, people, vehicles, and pavement don't mix well
6/18/07, 04:09 PM
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Any drag racer with even an inkling of good sense would not have made that pass. Most of you probably know all too weel what can go wrong on a flat drag strip with all the safety precautions in place, even with cars making as little as 200 horses. This car was probably putting down over 1200 horses to the wheels, on a city street (which was not flat), lined with spectators. The driver clearly knew the risks and disregarded them. The safety of the spectators was very obviously not well considered if it was considered at all. You can't expect spectators to know the risks in a situation like that. this could have and should have been avoided. My prayers go out to all those who lost loved ones to this display of ignorance.
6/19/07, 12:15 PM
#13
Stupid, it was just a matter of time!!!! Terrible for the families who went to have a good time!!
6/19/07, 12:21 PM
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6/22/07, 04:20 PM
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When I was young, in York PA. we had the street rods come to town every year.
There were prostreet cars and some with parachutes hanging off the back... lots of cars modded that shouldnt have been on the street.
They would cruise the "circuit" for a couple hours (dont know how much gas they used.. hahah) and then go to the race track or wherever the event was held at the time.
No accidents, but then again they didn't do burnouts in front of people.. they were a little more responsible than that clown that killed those kids...
They admit to not having sufficient safety stuff after the starting line.. well hell the drivers should have been the biggest safety item and someone just had to show off.
There were prostreet cars and some with parachutes hanging off the back... lots of cars modded that shouldnt have been on the street.
They would cruise the "circuit" for a couple hours (dont know how much gas they used.. hahah) and then go to the race track or wherever the event was held at the time.
No accidents, but then again they didn't do burnouts in front of people.. they were a little more responsible than that clown that killed those kids...
They admit to not having sufficient safety stuff after the starting line.. well hell the drivers should have been the biggest safety item and someone just had to show off.
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