Helicopter crashes in Florida, Gibbs not in it UPDATE 2: #18 and #20 Cup team owner, Joe Gibbs, had a speaking engagement in Tampa with a new team sponsor, 3M, this morning and when the helicopter that was to take him there failed to show, Gibbs took a plane. The Helicopter crashed in a wooded area with two deaths confirmed (supposedly the pilots), no one from Joe Gibbs Racing was on the helicopter.(TNT reports during the rain delay coverage – showing the Twin 125’s)(2-16-2002) UPDATE: Earlier reports today of Joe Gibbs and/or members of Joe Gibbs Racing being involved in an early morning helicopter crash were false. As of 1:30 p.m. (EST), Gibbs was on speedway property and awaiting the start of today’ NASCAR Busch Series event.(Joe Gibbs Racing PR)(2-16-2002) UPDATE 2: Two people died in a helicopter crash Saturday while on the way to pick up NASCAR team owner and former Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs. Volusia County Sheriff officials tentatively identified the victims as pilot Michael McNellis of Tampa and Robin Leedom of Las Vegas. Officials were waiting on autopsy results and dental records checks to confirm the identity of the victims. Gibbs, who gave a motivational speech at the meeting, was at the speedway later Saturday for the NASCAR Busch Series event. “It’s real scary … ,” said J.D. Gibbs, president of JGR. “We’re fortunate, but it really puts things into perspective.”(ESPN/AP)(2-17-2002)
