62°F
weather icon Clear

Man dies at Spring Mountain’s race facility

A man who failed to negotiate a turn while driving at a popular motor sports track died after smashing into a tire barrier at the facility this month.

Todd Crutcher, Director of Marketing for Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club, said the experienced driver had graduated multiple times from the facility’s driving school.

He noted that the man “had three great laps before raising concern.”

“On the fourth lap, the driving instructor noticed that the vehicle was offline coming through the corner and tried to communicate with the student using two-way radios,” Crutcher noted in a Nov. 14 press release. “The student started to slow down, but then suddenly drove off track and traveled about 100 yards without pressing the brakes before hitting the tire barrier.”

David Petrie, general manager of the facility, said Spring Mountain offers its deepest condolences to the victim’s family.

“In all of my years here, this is the first fatality I have ever seen,” Petrie said.

When asked for additional information on the accident, Sheriff Tony DeMeo said though the victim’s family has since been notified, his office “usually doesn’t comment on deaths by natural causes.”

DeMeo, who is also county coroner, also said the victim’s death was not caused by the accident. He would not elaborate further.

Pahrump Valley Fire and Rescue Services Chief Scott Lewis said the initial dispatch was for a fire at the track, and not a motor vehicle accident.

“We were initially dispatched for a vehicle fire, but upon arrival we found an extinguished fire, but it was the result of an accident,” Lewis said.

Additionally, Lewis said the extent of the man’s injuries required emergency crews to summon Mercy Air to transport the driver to UMC Trauma in Las Vegas.

“We provided all life-saving measures we could, but unfortunately it was a non-survivable event,” he said. “The track crew did a good job preserving the scene and taking the initial steps in patient care.”

Petrie, meanwhile, said in the press release, that the facility is cooperating with local authorities in the exact cause of the accident.

“At this time, the incident appears to be a non-mechanical and non-driver related incident that occurred prior to the driver deviating off the track,” Petrie said.

As part of being a member at the facility, various driver training classes are offered for high-performance domestic vehicles including Corvettes, Camaros and what’s known as Radical SR3’s.

Back in September, the facility celebrated its 10th year of operating in the Pahrump Valley.

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Looking for some family fun for Easter? Hop over to Simkins Park

Anyone looking for a fun, family-friendly festivity to enjoy this holiday can hop on over to Simkins Park to join the Mills family as they celebrate Easter Sunday with worship music, free food and an enormous 14,000-egg hunt that is sure to bring a smile to hundreds of faces.

Campground fees to increase at Death Valley National Park

DEATH VALLEY, Calif. — Visitors to Death Valley National Park can expect a slight increase in entrance fees for various campgrounds beginning on May 1.

Clerk staffer Cori Freidhof appointed interim leader

Nye County Clerk Mark Kampf’s time in office officially comes to a close on March 31 and deputy clerk Cori Freidhof has now been selected to assume that vacated seat. Freidhof will take over the office as of Monday, April 1 and fulfill the unexpired term ending Jan. 1, 2027.

Gaming can have impact on us

When does gaming cross the line from recreational relaxation to problematic behavior? How do video games and gambling relate? What resources are available for those who find themselves struggling to control their relationship with video games and gambling?

County eyeing impact fee increases

The cost to develop in Pahrump could go up, with a public hearing on a proposal to raise local impact fees set for next month.

Here’s who filed as political candidates in Nye County

Locals have filed their political candidacy as of March 15 and this year two major offices in Nye County will be up for grabs in the general election. Nye County residents have to first narrow down their preferred party candidate on June 11 in the primary and then vote in November to support their preferred candidates.

Second Source donation for Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Nye County Sleep in Heavenly Peace is now better off thanks to a second donation from The Source dispensary’s Round Up program.

Beatty riled by sheriff’s substation closure

Lone staffer will be relocated to Pahrump to help with workload there; be onsite in Beatty just once a month.

Sales tax question headed to the ballot

Road conditions in the Pahrump Valley are a sore point for many drivers as well as a source of frustration for the crews dedicated to maintaining them but with only so many road dollars to go around, it can be hard to keep pace with the demand.