When Racing Turns Fatal

September 29, 1999 - What started off as a great weekend for racing, turned tragic last Saturday night, when racing accidents claimed the lives of two drivers. Two men, with two different lives, in two different states, and in two different races died while doing something they loved.

In Greenwood, NE, World of Outlaw driver, Kevin Gobrecht rolled during a turn on lap 15 of a 20-lap event, while on his left side with his roof facing traffic, was hit by another driver Friday night. Gobrecht passed away early Saturday morning from head injuries. He was in his first season of WoO driving for Dave Blaney.

In Irwindale, CA Mechanix Wear Speed truck driver Keith Cowherd, collided with Shawn Davidson in turn one on the seventh lap following a restart. Davidson hit a padded area of the wall, but Cowherd hit an area that was not padded. Cowherd was pronounced dead late Saturday night from massive head injuries.

Racing is not just a hobby, for most drivers it's a passion. What is it about racing that entices so many people? Is it the speed, the danger, the excitement, or a combination of the three? For some it's all they ever wanted, a life long dream come true. Yet in a matter of seconds, in one fatal turn of events that life can vanish.

Should the loss of these drivers and the ones before them prevent others from racing? No. Every time a driver steps into the car and straps in, he or she is taking a risk. But isn't that what life is all about? Taking risks.

Everyone takes some sort of risk in various degrees almost habitually. Very few people consciously think of the chance of death while going about their daily tasks. If a racecar driver did so, not only would it put themselves at risk but also those around them. Timidity has no place on a track. Neither does absolute fearlessness.

The cars are designed to promote safety to the drivers, crew members and spectators. The drivers are required to wear helmets, and fire suits. All the rules and regulations are there to protect a driver during an accident. Yet as in all things in life accidents do happen and tragically a life is lost that can never be returned yet will never be forgotten.

These two drivers weren't the first to lose their life to racing and sadly they will probably not be the last. However, in the midst of all of the tragic losses there are hundreds of other drivers alive and well and doing what they love best. The drivers who are gone will always be remembered and dearly missed.

Death is an unavoidable part of life. However, when a driver passes away in front of a crowd it hits people, and generally it hits hard. Not only is the driver connected to their family and friends, he is also somebody's role model or hero. Heroes and role models are supposed to be invincible but they are not, they are flesh and blood just like you or me.

In the words of my kid brother, who may not be famous but sure is smart, "They died doing something they loved. I hope when I die, I can die doing something I love."

On a lighter note, reader Ann Moore from Gadsden, AL asked "I found two old Dale Jarrett cards one is Shoe World and one is Nestles Crunch I'd like to know when he drove these cars, who for, and if they were Busch or Winston Cup?" Pat from Jarrett-Favre tells us that this was Jarrett's Busch number 32 car that he drove in 1997, sponsored by White Rain.

Nikki

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