(www.ppihc.com) is the 2nd oldest motorsports event in the US. It features
rally cars (Euro and SCCA), Showroom modified stock cars, Stock cars (NASCAR
type), Racing truck/SUVs, Formula/sprint cars, Factory supported unlimited
cars, Racing semis, bikes, sidecars, and quads. I've been twice ('00,'01)
and was always very impressed. The racing is dangerous (for racers and
fans), the cars are very quick, the drivers are obviously talented, and they
are VERY nice people to talk to. One of the last old school US sporting
events that hasn't been mucked up by lawyers. My thoughts go out to
Chandler Bruning's family and friends.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Pikes Peak International Hill climb stock car
driver Chandler Bruning of Colorado Springs died Thursday morning after
crashing during his qualifying run for the 79th race on Pikes Peak.
Bruning was the eighth person to attempt a qualifying run on the winding
12.42-mile course when his 1999 Monte Carlo left the road about 200 yards
from the start line.
His car left the road and rolled about 20 feet down an embankment. Bruning
died of injuries sustained in the wreck. He was 31 years old. He is survived
by his wife Amy, his mother Marsha, and sister Dawn Martin.
Hill Climb safety personnel and the Manitou Springs Fire Department
responded to the scene.
According to the Teller County Coroner Debbie Smith, who was at the scene,
it appears Bruning died of a broken neck and possibly a crushed chest. A
tree entered the driver's compartment through a side window.
During Wednesday's final practice session, Bruning, who was practicing on
the lower part of the course, navigated that same corner successfully five
times.
Bruning's death was the third fatality in the Hill Climb's 85-year history
and the first in 19 years. It was the first time a participant died on the
racecourse. Driver Wallace A. Coleman died of injuries following a wreck in
a 1921 practice session, and motorcycle racer Bill Gross, Jr. died of
injuries suffered during the 1982 race.
This was Bruning's fifth year driving in the race, but he was no stranger to
the mountain. He had been coming to races since he was a baby.
His father Ralph was an eight-time stock car champion, the winningest driver
in the division.
Chandler was preceded in death by his father, who died of cancer in March
2000. Chandler and Ralph built the 1999 Monte Carlo for the 1999 race. Ralph
had planned to drive it that year, but the advanced state of his illness
prevented him from participating in the race. Chandler drove the car to a
fourth place finish in the Stock Car division in 2000.
Chandler Bruning was employed as a brewmaster for the Bristol Brewing
Company in Colorado Springs.
One of the trademarks that makes the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
unique in motor sports is the family-like bond-drivers, team members,
officials and even spectators-share.
"In this race, no matter who you are, what country you come from, what kind
of car you race, weather you are a sponsor or fan, you are part of our
family,'' said Tim Bergsten, media coordinator of the PPIHC. "Today we lost
a family member. Our prayers and sympathies go out to the Bruning family.''
Stock car driver Layne Schranz, another second-generation driver, grew up
with Bruning on Pikes Peak.
"We were up there together as boys watching our fathers race,'' Schranz
said. "Chandler was one without a doubt to take the shirt off his back for
you. He would do anything to help you. If you were having a better day than
he was, and you needed a part, he would take it off his car and give it to
you. He was just one of those guys."