Spectators killed at US California 200 off-road race

[cavegal]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-10978569

At least eight people have been killed after a 4x4 vehicle careered into a crowd watching an off-road motor race in California.

Twelve other people were injured in the crash, at the California 200 desert night race near Lucerne Valley, 100 miles (160km) from Los Angeles.

The driver, named as 28-year-old Brett Sloppy, was unhurt and reportedly fled the scene to avoid an angry crowd.

They stand close to the path of the off-road vehicles, sometimes with little or no protection.

Sometimes you just cannot make these names up... Mr Sloppy.. Oh he fled scene to avoid the angry crowd... WHAT WAS THE CROWD THINKING...???  75 mph stand close to road... I bet he had a helmet and seat belt, where was the Safety crew for the crowd? At the beer stand?

[littlelamb]

Sad for the families

[TJ]

The race organizers were responsible for safety, lots of legal stuff to follow.  That being said, I wouldn't even think of being anywhere near racing vehicles, especially in the middle of nowhere.

[The Hollywood NeoCon]

My understanding is that California is one of the only states that allow this type of racing. After this, if it isn't banned outright, it's certainly going to be regulated back into the pre-industrial revolution age.