Nerves run high after Hill Climb racer’s fatal accident
A Pikes Peak International Hill Climb racer said nerves are up ahead of Sunday’s race after a motorcycle crashed and the driver died on the course Thursday.
Qualifying and practice were suspended Thursday following a deadly accident on Pikes Peak. Carl Sorensen, 39, died when his motorcycle crashed on the mountain. A witness tells KRDO NewsChannel 13 that Sorensen’s motorcycle went over a cliff.
ChrisStrauch said he’s participated in the event for more than 40 years, first as a spectator and more recently as a racer.
Strauch said he is more nervous for Sunday’s race because of Sorensen’s accident.
“I am more nervous than normal,” said Strauch.
Strauch said Sorensen crashed on a stretch of road closer to the finish line. Strauch said it’s been a problem spot for him while practicing.
“It’s the roughest part of the road from top to bottom without a doubt,” said Strauch. “Like an earthquake has rolled it and that’s extreme and drastic but at 100 miles an hour it’s extreme and drastic.”
Last year, a rider was killed after a crash at the finish line. The Texas native lost control of his bike in a gravel area after finishing the race. It was first time a person has been killed at the Hill Climb since 2005. A race official was killed in an accident.
PPIHC organizer Mitch Snow said he did not know what caused the crash this year. The entire course has been paved in recent years and Snow said it could give drivers a false sense of security. Snow said the pavement can cause problems.
“Pavement is not supposed to be above 12,000 feet. The road does have some affects from that,” said Snow.
The race can also be dangerous for spectators. Snow said spectators are asked to stand inside the curves to alleviate some of the risk of watching. Lightning is also a problem on Pikes Peak so Snow said fans should drive instead of hike so they can take shelter in their cars.
Strauch’s daughter Sydney Stills will be watching him on race day with the crowd.
“There are some years where you are right on the edge and if you aren’t careful or get to close, you could be injured,” said Stills.
Snow said the race is expected to go on.
