Hill climb marred by accidents

[Duffurban36]

This is a news report from KRDO.com

-The 2008 Pikes Peak Hill Climb will be remembered as a dangerous one for drivers. The race was interrupted several times by accidents, some serious. One driver, Brandye Conley, of Colorado Springs was flown to Denver by flight for life with a broken back after the Suburu WRX Wagon she was in smashed into a tree.

-NEWSCHANNEL 13's Josh Simeone is on the mountain and tells us the high number of crashes may have to do with yesterdays weather. Temperatures in the 80's and 90's have dried out the course, making the loose gravel especially slippery for drivers going around sharp corners.

A total of 14 red flags were thrown during the race making it the highest amount in history.

[Not All There]

sad to hear, im sure the event will go on tho for years to come, thats a hardy bunch

[Rallycat66]

The initial reports on SpecialStage are saying both Brandye and Nathan Conley were flown to the hospital with broken backs after striking several trees head on at high speed. Nathan is in a back cast and Brandye is scheduled to undergo surgery in the next day or so. Both are expected to make a full recovery.

Here's a link to the thread on SS.com --> http://www.specialstage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32816

Sending my best wishes and hoping for a speedy recovery for both of them.

Tim

[rollo]

Oh man.. that's the beautiful yellow WRX wagon. The Conleys are a husband/wife rally team. Hella positive thoughts going their way right now.

Happier times.. Laughlin 2007, Saturday night parking lot party:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2416/2002726353_a2458d71ce.jpg

[edit.. there's a brief clip of what happened on YT, it just understeered off the edge of the road (asphalt) on a fast corner, straight into the trees. Holy crap I can't imagine how Nathan must feel.]

[Duffurban36]

I want to cry LOL this **** makes me so ****ing sad (sorry for my language but I've known those two for few years now)

[rollo]

Yeah rally can be a brutal sport.

Sounds like the HANS and the incredible integrity of a modern rally car may have been the difference between this discussion and one that would be even more horrible. If you go see them, let them know how wide the community is that's pulling for them.

[Duffurban36]

I will try to do so Rollo. I can't stop thinking about it and this really sucks. They were having such a great year till this ridiculous weather bull**** had to corrupt it. And DAMN was that Subie fast this year. I only hope that Brandye will be able to walk and co-drive once again. I will keep an update on what's going on.

[WRXCMM]

our prayer are with them.

[Duffurban36]

Ok I just found out exactly where Nate crashed. It was less than 1 mile away from the start line at a very high speed corner. He took out a 40ft pine tree. Here is what is said in todays newspaper

Crash and Burn. At least 3 of the 22 competitors who did not finish endured crashes. The most serious involved Colorado Springs residents Nathan and Brandye Conley, who were airlifted to Penrose Hospital after there 2003 Subaru WRX Wagon demolished a 40ft pine tree less than a mile past the start. "They never had any loss of consciousness," Hill Climb race director Phil Layton said. "Their injuries are non-life-threatening."

[blincubus116]

Yeah rally can be a brutal sport.

Sounds like the HANS and the incredible integrity of a modern rally car may have been the difference between this discussion and one that would be even more horrible. If you go see them, let them know how wide the community is that's pulling for them.


And YES!!!! THE HANS DEVICE IS A MUST! More than likely saved my drivers Brandye and Nate. For any of you planning on rallying your suby. Please have the proper saftey devices such as Hans and professional roll cage installed is a must!

[Drew84]

I hope they can make a return to the sport.

[I Like It Sideways]

I'm glad that RA has mandated the use of the HANS device. I hope other sanctioning bodies follow suit

[Newk_Rally]

so any updates just read this and it's really sad i hope their okay. beautiful car to. always sad to hear best of luck

[Duffurban36]

so any updates just read this and it's really sad i hope their okay. beautiful car to. always sad to hear best of luck

Yea both of their conditions have improved so much. Nathan and Brandye attended XGames as most everyone probably knows. They won't be in rally for about 1-2 months more. Really hope to see them at Rally-Colorado this year though. Updates aren't gonna be needed unless Nathan or Brandye fall down stairs or something and break an arm :shootsself: