Famoso Crash

[drofdar]

http://www.bakersfield.com/136/story/384799.html

My wife and I had just arrived when top fuel qualifications started. Since the stands were so packed, we had to find seats all the way at the end. Shoemaker made a great pass and had a top speed of around 250. But, he never got off the throttle, and no chute. Very tragic. This is the second time I've witnessed a death at Famoso. We left early.

[mooneye777]

always sad to hear of this, rest in peace John Shoemaker

[Big Tracks]

http://www.bakersfield.com/136/story/384799.html
"But, he never got off the throttle, and no chute. Very tragic."

There was a similar fatality at Green Valley (Fort Worth) in the sixties. It was a typically very hot summer day. Because of some kind of delay the driver had to sit in the car buckled up in his driving suit for a long while. The speculation was that he lost consciousness before he got to the lights because of dehydration or a heat stroke and he never lifted. The car veered off the track and went full-throttle into a wooded area, missing the nets and whatever else was there to stop him.

I didn't personally witness the accident, and I'm glad I didn't.

[mopar34]

A tragedy for sure. Sounds as if he may have been incapacitated prior to the end, could have had a stroke which would have prevented him from deploying. In any case a horrible event to see, especially for family and friends. My condolenses to all who knew him.

[gassersrule_196]

i got to meet him a few times, by all means not close friends but still knew him and talked to him whenever i did see him. and i had planned on going to the march meet this year

[ceh383]

I had to much going on this weekend to get up there, really wanted to go. Now I'm glad I didn't make it. Terrible shame, my condolences to his family.

[BigTruckDriver]

That is sad , he was a buddy of my Dads. It definitely seems as if he passed out or was knocked out during the run. He died doing the thing he loved the most. Hope I can go that way.....