Colorado Springs – A race official was killed during the first practice session for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, according to race director Phil Layton.
The accident occurred this morning, around 8:15 a.m.
The official was a flagman, identified as Henry J. Bresciani, 67, of Colorado Springs.
The car was a Newman-Dragger Open Wheel Mini Sprint, driven by Jay Stewart of Peyton, Colorado. Stewart was not injured. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office did not believe Stewart would be charged with any crime.
The collision occurred near the finish line, close to the summit.
The race begins on Saturday, with about 150 racers expected.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of our friend and
colleague, and we will offer whatever assistance we can to make
this difficult time easier,” Mike Cimino, chairman of the race’s
board of directors, said in a statement.
The board decided to continue the race but to “pay specific
attention” to safety procedures to ensure drivers, spectators and
others attending the race remain safe, Cimino said.
At least four people have died in the race’s 83-year history.
Racer Chandler Bruning was killed in 2001 when his car shot off an embankment during a qualifying run.
A driver died of injuries in 1921, and a motorcycle racer died in 1982.
The race climbs nearly 5,000 feet in 10 miles, ending at 14,110
feet above sea level near the summit of Pikes Peak. First run in
1916, the race is the second-oldest motor sports event in the
country, after the Indianapolis 500.
