Just saw on the Bakersfield news that T/F driver John Shoemaker died in an accident in qualifing at the March Meet--ran off the end of the track? Any more info?
It seems to be true What a shame thoughts and prayers http://www.bakersfield.com/hourly_news/story/384552.html
Just talked to "Scott" , and he confirmed That he saw it , and it is true. What a shame, and prayers go out to the family.
his throttle stuck, he went off the end of the track Here is an update on ‘John Schumacher’ (Per Jim Murphy) [not Tony – I apologize for the wrong information]. He did not survive the crash. We did not know him not do we know anything about his family except that they certainly need prayers during this difficult time! <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>
First and foremost prayers out to family and friends. Anyone who has ever strapped into a race car knows there are risks that go with racing. It gets underplayed sometimes, I know I have been lucky a few times in my 59 years. We lost a couple of ledgends in Boyd and Lil John in the past week to illness and it is sad to see a loved one suffer and waste away. It makes me think that someone who goes out, doing what they love, flat out, living life right up to the end may be the lucky one. Gods Speed and R.I.P. GV
I'll confirm the news. I just got back from the track. My buddy Steve Glucoft from AMOCAT (ironbuyer here on the HAMB) is partners in the car, and is on the pit crew. I made my way over to the pit after the accident. John ran a 6.11 at 247 on the run and beat the other car he was up against, but the safety safari said he was slumped over at the wheel at the 1,000 foot mark. the car ran straight and true. Unfortunately John was out of it by the end of the track and never lifted. never pulled the chute. RIP John.
They airlifted him out and we thought he was hurt really bad We were at the between the last stand and the swapmeet and the throttle was pegged! My condolences to the family and friends, and everyone else that is running keep safe Martin
Man I do not like hearing about any accidents.....but to be killed is aweful.....prayers go out to his family.
WOW - that is awefull. His family is in my prayers and thoughts. "Slumped over the wheel at the 1000 ft. mark." He might not have felt a thing. WOW...................
ya Willie me and Sam were there and excited to see him run and we saw him just keep flying at the end, we thought the chute malfunctioned. I had just told Sam how sad it was that we lost Roy Moore there and then this happens. Sad day.
Sad indeed. I never saw his chute open and knew something was wrong then a huge cloud of dust came up. Found out he passed just as I was leaving the track. Prayers to his family. He went out doing what he loved. I hope I'm that lucky. -stick
My thoughts and prayers go out to John's family and loved ones. BUT, when I go, l Hope it's the same way, doing something I lived and loved rather than a long, drawn out, debilitating illness that tortures everybody, you and those who love you, for months on end. And believe me, at the age of 70 now, thoughts of mortality do cross your mind, and you hope for the same type of exit from this world. I've had friends and loved ones go both ways, and believe me, John got the best deal. Dave
Just got home. Didn't know what happened at the time, just that he accelerated through the finish line. no chute. Condolences to his family, friends and fellow racers. These guys risk their necks and put on a great show. I'll lift a beer for him right now..
RIP that`s the best way to die I can think of ! launch in this world pass thru the pearly gates half track.
Damn, that sounds sad, but if he did pass out before he crossed the finish line, that is an unbelievable way to go - and to win the race too - unreal. Going flat out, a winner till the very end. I never knew him, but feel sorry for his family and their loss - condolences.
RIP- John was always a class act and a fun guy. His American Eagle dragsters were always first class. May his family find comfort in knowing he died while doing what he loved. He will be missed.
Slumped over the wheel, didn't pull chute? Sounds like he had a heart attack and it took him down. Then the crash took him out. Sad day indeed. Nothing worse then an accident doing something you love...............but what a hell of a way to go. I'd rather die doing something I loved, then suffer with cancer for years. Godspeed.
this is a sad day for us as we are fellow racers on the 1/4 mile circuit and to hear this is just gut wrenching,,,, our thoughts and prayer go out to the family and friends
I just got home from the track. Tragic way to end what was starting out as a wonderful day at the races.
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