Death at Summit Point Raceway

"RyanFrew" (ryanfrew) 06/10/2014 at 12:24 • Filed to: Ken Novinger

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Sad news was released yesterday when authorities identified the body of Ken Novinger, who was killed while instructing a driver by the name of Eric Vonreichhenback. The crash took place during the final session of an OG Racing HyperDrive Event at Summit Point Motorsports Park in West Virginia. Some details remain unclear, but it is confirmed that the accident happened on Saturday, June 7, around 5:15 p.m. The vehicle, a 2006 Pontiac GTO, reportedly left the track and struck a tree on the passenger side. According to a report from !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! :

Officials say this event allows the driver to use their personal vehicle on the track under the guidance of the NASA instructor. Deputies say the GTO was exiting a sharp left hand turn and went into a spin. The driver attempted to correct the spin but the vehicle left the track, sliding into the grass, striking two trees between the A post and B post of the passenger side. They say both Novinger and Vonreichhenback were wearing helmets. The impact with the tree caused enough blunt force trauma to cause the death of Novinger, police said. No charges are pending against the driver.

I was not personally familiar with Novinger, but the support from the autosport community has been uplifting and it is obvious that he was loved by many. Prayers and condolences for Ken's family.

Edit: Video reports can be viewed !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Kinja won't let me embed.

GeorgeyBoy > RyanFrew 06/10/2014 at 12:28

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Wow that involved some serious force.

TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut > RyanFrew 06/10/2014 at 12:31

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...I am speechless. The amount of force it would take to cause that kind of damage...

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > RyanFrew 06/10/2014 at 12:53

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When I did my track day at Summit a few years ago, I had a ride-along instructor. These guys are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. The loss of one of them is truly a major hit to the motorsports/car community. RIP.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > RyanFrew 06/10/2014 at 17:04

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Jeez thats an awful crash. RIP

However, how was it so easy for the GTO to get to the trees? Shouldnt there be barricades that prevent it from leaving the track?