My Condolences to both of there families

Merle Hill, 41, of Ely, and Rick DeKneef, of California, were both killed Sunday when this 1994 Chevrolet Camaro crashed less than 15 minutes after this photo was taken. The car is shown approaching the starting line just after race officials inspected the tires. (Photo by John Plestina)
By John Plestina
Ely Times Editor
Published: Monday, September 19, 2011 1:45 PM PDT
A fiery crash on Nevada 318 about 20 miles south of Lund a little past noon on Sunday claimed the lives of an Ely man and another from California during the 24th running of the Silver State Classic Challenge.

Merle Hill, 41, of Ely, the navigator in the car, and driver Rick DeKneef, 53, of California, both died in the 1994 Chevrolet Camaro they were racing.

Nye County Sheriff Tony DeMeo reported Monday in a prepared statement that a tire blew out and the Camaro rolled several times and caught on fire. Both occupants of the car were pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Nye County Sheriff's Office put the speed of DeKneef's car at about 200 mph. The car had a target speed of 180 mph.

The NCSO has jurisdiction and is conducting the coroner's investigation.

There had been two previous deaths in the 24-year history of SSCC open road races on Nevada Highway 318. There had been none since 1992.

The SSCC has stringent safety rules. Tires and passenger compartments are inspected as cars are approaching the starting line. Tires with nails or other visible damage are not accepted in that condition. All cars must pass tech inspections the day preceding races.

Sunday's race ran with no other incidents.

Six cars did not run the race as it was red flagged following the crash and then canceled.

The Ely Times will have comprehensive coverage of the race and the four days of accompanying events on Friday.

This is horrible to hear....especially so soon after the Reno air race tragedy and in the same vicinity no less. We all try to make motor sports as safe as possible and it's come a long way over the years but the potential for disaster never goes away completely. My condolences to the families...

I was just about to post this. My heart goes out to their family's and friends. Do we know them here at fraxx?

http://www.elynews.com/articles/2011/09/19/news/news10.txt