Tragic news, Sean Edwards killed as passenger at Queensland Raceway

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/other-racing/425345-rip-sean-edwards.html

 

It was just a heads up.

 

Very Sad News

 

Racer Sean Edwards Killed In Accident In Australia

 

RIP. always a sad day when this happens.

 

RIP. Very sad news. In the OP, it states, "HIS father famously stopped during the 1976 German Grand Prix to pull another driver to safety from the burning wreck."

His father famously risked his own life to save Niki Lauda from his burning Ferrari.

 

My god the entire front end of the car was pushed into the drivers/passengers compartment, the speed must have been very high. I would like to hear more details about what led up to the crash like was it driver error or a mechanical failure or a debris issue that punctured a tire.

 

from the looks of things, either the car suffered massive brake failure or the driver never hit the brakes...no sign of skid marks, and a very large impact. also remember that the fuel tank on a 911 is in the front, between the front wheels.

 

Yes I know that but did not want to open that can of worms but now that that can has been opened.....Since the fuel cell is in front and the engine/exhaust is in the rear the only reasons I can think of for the fire is that the fuel was ignited by an overheated front brake disc or perhaps an electrical spark??

 

(not the crash video, it shows the 20 year old that crashed in another race)
Porsche 996 GT3 Cup Car - Shannon's Days of Thunder 2012 - YouTube

Turn 6 is at about 1:30. I would say at this time, since there are no skid marks of any kind, most likely complete and utter brake failure.

In the comments he says he's not very experienced with the car yet (this is also a year old), but he looks competent enough and it definitely wasn't a first time in the car. Rarely does an accomplished driver coach anyone with less than a years racing anyhow.

 

I'd hazard a guess that the fuel tank split upon impact and found a spark somewhere and ignited, and the car bounced away (but still affected by fire, since Will has serious burns). Part of the car had to be cut as well to get him out...

 

We're losing too many of the good guys lately.

BHW

 

He played the part of his father in the movie, RUSH (pulling Niki Lauda out of his burning car)

 

How crazy ironic and sad. RIP.

 

What's even more ironic/sad is that his dad and Emilio de Vilota (father of) raced together in I think Le Mans (same team/car). They both lost their kids within a few days of each other .

 

It doesn't get much sadder than this.

 

Absolute tragedy. RIP Sean.

 

Somebody has already mentioned a stuck throttle.

When that happens, there is very little time to take evasive action.

 

I saw that report but I'm suspicious...no skid marks, and there are ways to slow a car down with a stuck throttle and brakes. not many ways to slow it down with no brakes.

 

True but I gather that the driver wasn't all that experienced. Its possible he just froze.

 

He had racing experience and a very supportive family. His brother is a successful racer. They have multiple 996 Cup cars...

 

Thanks Peter.
Seems I made an unwarranted assumption.