Sad News

[kat2220]

Tommy Badwin's Father Passes Away after Racing Accident: NASCAR Modified racer Tom Baldwin Sr., father to Nextel Cup Series [#9 Dodge of Kasey Kahne] crew chief Tommy Baldwin Jr., passed away as a result of an accident in Thursday night's NASCAR Featherlite Modified Series race at Thompson Motor Speedway (CT). Following the accident, the race was called while Connecticut State Police investigated the accident site. Baldwin had to be cut from the car and was taken to the UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, MA.(Speed51.com), Thoughts and prayers to family and friends.(8-20-2004)

 

[Brickyard_400]

THOMPSON, Conn. (AP) -- Race car driver Tom Baldwin was killed in a crash at Thompson International Speedway during a Featherlite modified race.

Baldwin, 57, of Moriches, N.Y., is the father of Tommy Baldwin Jr., the crew chief for Nextel Cup rookie star Kasey Kahne. The elder Baldwin died at Hubbard Hospital in Webster, Mass., after Thursday night's accident.

Tommy Baldwin Sr. tried to avoid a collision with several cars coming out of a turn, state police said. His car went into the infield and struck three cement blocks near a light post.

State police said Baldwin's car was struck by a second car, driven by Ronald Silk, that had gone out of control and ended up in the infield. The 150-lap NASCAR race was postponed after 10 laps because of the accident and late hour.

Police said they would work in with NASCAR officials in the investigation. Both vehicles were taken to the state police barracks in Danielson.

 

[bowtie]

moving this to the Black Flag with the other one, will someone grab the door please.

 

[kat2220]

Got the door, now where is my beer??

May He Rest In Peace!

 

[Ward Burton]

 

[racerx11]

Why the police investigation? Why impound the two cars?

 

[boB]

In some states, and Conn. is one of those states, the State Police and/or DMV control the vehicle safety inspections and accident investigations of any automobile related activities.
I believe they also inspect the facilities as well as any other aspects of the program which could affect either competitor or customer safety and work with the promoters and sanctioning bodies along these lines.
Unfortunately, racing is still a very dangerous game to play and people still get killed while playing the game.
Perhaps a thorough investigation by a disinterested third party could lead to a finding, something so obvious that those involved might miss it entirely, which might bring about some small change which in turn may, in the future save the life of one of those who decide they wish to play that game.