Top Rally driver and co-driver killed in Oregon

[rjbcar27]

Mark Lovell and co-driver Roger Freeman were killed instantly when their Subaru Impreza left the road and hit a tree.

http://www.autosport.com/newsitem.asp?id=23806&s=8

It's very rare for a crew to be killed in rallying these days, it must have been one hell of an impact. Both men were British and had been rallying for many, many years. It's a sad loss for the sport and a tragic accident. My thoughts are with the families. :-(

[Norbert]

1. My heart goes out to their families.

Although I don't follow rallying any loss in racing is a loss you hate to see.

[umcwb]

2. Truly a shame...

Rallying is a very dangerous sport. This is especially true for the co-drivers. They can only strap in for the ride and put there trust in the driver.

P.S. When I clicked on this thread, I half expected to hear that one of the Millens had died. They are especially crazy.

[DS1]

3. non-registration link

http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/rally/7166/?from=

Damn, that sucks, there's got to be more to hit than hitting a tree. Don't they have the HANS device?

[rjbcar27]

6. No HANS in rallying

way too restrictive. Suited really for racing not rallying. There's no indication that a HANS would have helped anyway.

I'm navigating this year and have seen a couple of almighty crashes where everyone walked out.

And we're building a totally silly car for tarmac rallying next year. Will concentrate even more on cage strength after this.

[umcwb]

7. What are you basing it on?

A 510 or old Corrola?

[rjbcar27]

8. It's really nuts...

1989 MK2 Renault 5 shell with a mid-mounted 2.5 litre 320bhp Vauxhall V6 driving the rear wheels through a 5 speed hewland straight cut dog 'box. Double wishbone all round running on 17" wheels.

We've designed and built the lot ourselves. Not finished yet but getting there. It's been designed specifically to kill us I think. Should be fun though! :-)

[umcwb]

10. haha, I hope you have a lot of faith in your cage fabbing skills!

That does sound like a death trap. I didn't realize you were in the UK until I saw which car you are using, should have looked at your avatar. That definitely should be fun!

[FlashHarry]

4. A friend of our family was killed at Corsica in 1987

Henri Toivonen, an up-and-coming rally driver. His Lancia left the road and he and his navigator were killed. I had known him since I was a little boy--he used to let me sit in his Sunbeam tiger. It was very sad. But, racing is dangerous. I'm still a fan.

[MaineDem]

5. Another link

http://www.scca.org/news/press03_64.html

So sad. There have been many injuries and even deaths in rallying just recently. I hope this trend doesn't continue.

May they rest in peace. And may those first on the scene and those who took part in this event also have comfort.

[Johnyawl]

9. This is so sad

My heart goes out to their wifes and children.

Geni and I watch the Rally car races faithfully, and have always 'rooted' for the Subaru team.(We have a Forester)

I'm gonna miss them.

You be careful, rjb.