Not certain where to this topic as i am writing this with much grief.
Tonight was suppose to be a night that I have been looking forward to since I went to the Texas Nationals back in March/April. I don't remember the exact date. I met some really nice folks there and we took a liking to each other because we shared a mutual love for the Turbo Buick. They shared many tips, tricks and knowledge with me as I am fairly new to the buick scene. I took all that in, researched read thread after thread, spent hard earned money to make my Buick faster. Spent hours working on my car buying second hand and some new parts. Tonight was the night to see if that all was going to make my car faster. I was starting to worry about the weather early this week and it wasn't looking good today. But hey, I had told so many folks that I was going so I went.
I made one pass. Got back to the pits anxious to look at the slip I had just picked up. Put the car in park, popped the hood. Grabbed the computer to save the run. Looked at the slip, I was faster. Picked up 3 mph and over 3 tents of a second. Then I heard it...
Looked in the rear view mirror as what looked like a mustang flying in the air. Ran to the fence but I wasn't the first to run for the vehicle. Those that arrived at the vehicle immediately turned back and I over heard the voice of one telling another don't look. He's gone....
As a chinook test pilot I have heard and scene firsthand what he was trying to keep the others from seeing. I have even shared some of my experiences with Charlie. But this one was different. I had just ran down that same right lane. Why did he hit the rail and not me? Why was it his car that flew in the air and not mine? Why did his car hit that tree and not mine? Why was his car now in two pieces, half in the track and the other half outside the track under the tree? Why?
Not sure I'll be racing my car any time soon.
I turned and saw Kirk with his phone calling for emergency services. I walked to him as he started to break down. I don't know the safety record at Little River but I do know that Kirk knows all the locals and this had to be someone he was close with. I told him that I would be praying for him and the folks affected.. What else could I do?
Emergency services arrived along with the sheriffs department. They blocked the left lane of the track as to keep the scene private which I thought was very respectful of the deceased.
My father in law and I gathered our things and drove back to gatesville. The whole drive back we discussed the events. I am still shaken...
http://www.kwtx.com/home/headlines/Crash-At-Drag-Strip-Leaves-Man-Dead-274984801.html?device=tablet