Reports from trackside observers at New Hampshire International Speedway indicate that #42 Cup driver Kenny Irwin crashed hard during practice at 11:15am/et. The accident was described as happening in the same place and same manner as the one which killed Adam Petty there on May 12 during BGN practice. Rescue workers were using the Jaws of Life to remove the Indiana native from his BellSouth Mobility Chevrolet. No initial word on Irwin’s condition was released(TNN Motorsports Site) AND from SpeedVision: The crash began at the end of the back straight — the same place where Adam Petty was fatally injured in a crash May 12. Irwin’s car hit the third turn wall at speed, climbed the concrete barrier with its right-side wheels, and skidded through the third turn on the driver’s side. It then struck the wall in the fourth turn and fell onto its roof. Rescue workers got Irwin out of the car relatively quickly, within 10 minutes, and he was taken by ambulance to the care center. Team members said they understood he was unconscious at least some of the time. After 35 minutes, Irwin remained in the care center, and neither team nor NASCAR officials would say anything about Irwin’s status
UPDATE: from the CNN/AP: Irwin is in the in the infield care center and is about to be transported to a local hospital. The early suspicion is that the throttle stuck wide-open on his BellSouth Chevy, sending him into the wall. Irwin’s Chevrolet was a crumpled hulk, tossed upside down between the third and fourth turns at the speedway. There was no immediate comment from track and NASCAR officials
UPDATE 2: ESPN2’s BottomLine crawl is reporting that Kenny Irwin, 30, has passed away due to injuries in a practice crash at NHIS, also is now being reported at ESPN site. Prayers and thoughts go out to Irwin’s family
Statement from BellSouth: The BellSouth family is saddened by the sudden death of BellSouth NASCAR Driver Kenny Irwin earlier today. Kenny was an excellent representative for BellSouth and was very popular with our employees and customers. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kenny’s family and his teammates. Out of respect for Kenny’s memory the BellSouth Racing Team has withdrawn from competition this weekend(That’s Racin’). Also the #40 Coors Light Sabco team, owned by Felix Sabates, who also owns the #42 team Irwin drove for, has opted not to run in first round qualifying and will make an attempt in 2nd round on Saturday(7-7-2000)