The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb today announced that race official Henry Bresciani, 67, of Colorado Springs, Colo., succumbed to injuries as a result of an accident during the first practice session for the 83rd running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Bresciani was giving competitors the finish flag at the summit of Pikes Peak when he was struck and killed by a mini-sprint car driven by Jay Stewart, a driver based in Peyton, Colorado. EMTs assigned to the Pikes Peak Hill Climb responded to the scene and began life saving procedures. They were then assisted by Event Medical Services paramedics and a Memorial Star Transport Team. Our thoughts and prayers are with Henrys family and friends as they cope with this tragedy, said Phil Layton, race director for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. It is very difficult to lose a member of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb family. The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is a long-standing tradition in Colorado Springs and the second oldest motorsports event in the United States. An annual event since 1916, 2005 marks the 83rd running of the Race to the Clouds. The race is run on a 12-mile course that begins at 9,200 feet and finishes at the 14,110-foot summit of Pikes Peak. It features a variety of automotive, semi truck and motorcycle classes with an average of 150 total competitors.(Pikes Peak International Raceway)(6-22-2005)
