First off my sincere regards to the family and friends of Patrick and Virginia whom we lost this past weekend.
Secondly, it really annoys me there are a number of you who feel you need to pass judgement on this without having a flaming clue about this event or what happened. Thank you Silver Viper for your informed perspective!
Here is my "I was there" view and some info on the unofficial results. This was my third year running the Virginia City Hill Climb. It is the one event I look forward to all year long (I also run Viper Days, open tracks, autocrosses, etc). It is extremely fun and a great group of people to hang out with. The hardware is pretty incredible for the serious motorheads.
The staff places the utmost priority on safety and driving within yourself. The Safety requirements are the same as for Viper Days. Here is the first portion of driver requirements from the entrance form: "This is NOT a Driver Education event. You must have solo experience at road course track, or hill climb type events. If you can drive within your own and your car's limits 100% of the time, then you should enjoy this event." This is expressed to every driver by the starter before they leave the starting line, every run.
Everyone who runs at this event is well aware of the risks. The road is in perfect condition and there are a multitude of corner workers and safety personnel. Yes, there are certain places on the road that are unforgiving (not unlike many pro rally courses, pike's peak hill climb, etc). Given the fact that it is a 35 mph mountain road in a fairly unpopulated area, there are only guard rails on the tight corners. The larger sweepers have no guard rails as this should not be an issue at normal speed. In most places, even if you exit on the ravine side, you would go down a 25 or 30 degree slope. Sadly, where this car left the track, was probably the steepest portion of the ravine and a faster corner where there were no guard rails. The car went off at the exit of turn 16 apparently trying to correct a slide initiated in turn 16 (from witness accounts and inspection of the skid marks). I don't believe we will ever know if it was mechanical or driver error.
However, it is up to the driver to run within their own and their cars limits. This event has been running on the same road for 31 years, I believe the last fatality was in 1977. A pretty admirable safety record well discussed by Silver Viper.
Here is a link to the Audi VCHC site with track map, etc.
http://www.vchillclimb.org They hope to have the official results up some time today.
As for the "unofficial" results (keep in mind it is 5.2 miles, starting at 5000 feet with a 1200 foot vertical climb on a 35 mph road):
1st: Amir Rosenbaum, Ferrari F40, 3:10.***, average speed 98.5 mph. New overall record (old record, Steve Beddor, RUF CTR 2, 3:12.067)
2nd: Mike Horzewski, Viper GTS, 3:15.1xx, average speed 96.0 mph. Naturally aspirated record (old record, Ori Rosenbaum, Viper GTS, 3:18.706)
3rd: Ted May, Viper GTS, 3:21.9xx, average speed 92.7 mph
4th: Steve Beddor, RUF CTR 2, 3:22.*** (previous record holder, had a tough weekend).
For some great pics of last years event see:
http://www.nsxfiles.com/stories.htm
On the left side, go to Chapter 70 2001 Virginia City Hill Climb
I will try to come up with a video or some other pics over the next few days.
Finally, please don't stop people from doing what they love because it is just not right for you or you are not willing to accept a certain level of risk that others are willing to accept (as long as it is legal, etc).
Best regards,