Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2015/04/25
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Douglas Barry OFFERED: Subject: [Leica] Sad news <<<<<<<<<<< Some of you commented in the past on the people in my motor racing pictures, as I go to a couple of hill climbs each year with a friend of mine who races in them. I used to be more heavily involved with motorsport years ago, and still have an interest. It's a very informal and close knit community and everybody knows each other and helps each other out. Unfortunately, we had some really very sad news today as one of the drivers in the Irish Hill Climb Championship Simon McKinley was killed in a crash today down in Co. Clare.<<<<<<< Hello Douglas, My humblest condolences regarding the death of Simon McKinley during a racing car mishap today. When I read of a mishap such as this in taking a life, I realize just how fortunate I am being alive after several crash and wrecks during my car racing days many many years ago as a young man. Both in Stock cars and Sprint cars, the more dangerous. As fantastic as the years and race track excitements were both on asphalt and dirt tracks, the elements of death were always riding on our shoulders. My dearest Irene never went to any of the races as she couldn't cope with the potential each time the "Green Flag or light" flashed to put one's foot "pedal to the metal." Yes it was a time! regards, Dr. ted Simon who was a multitimes champion is here seen descending after a run. My friend Brendan is just behind him. http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/DouglasBray/Sport/Motorsport/2012/Indq.jpg. html This is picture of Deirdre his wife and their young son. Absolutely tragic. http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/DouglasBray/Sport/Motorsport/2014/Naul2014_ LittlePitBoss_b.jpg.html Brendan and I were also going to go to the hillclimb as he intended giving his own new car an outing, but he couldn't due to recent unexpected medical treatment. The course is extremely demanding, bumpy, and dangerous, as indeed many Irish courses are now as the wider busier better surfaced roads are being made unavailable due to heavy traffic and can't be closed. Here is a Youtube video of Simon driving in his Lant at the Naul in 2013 which gives an idea of the speed and danger which is always present. Sadly, he is now lost to us. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeJVi3LBSrU RIP Douglas _______________________________________________ Leica Users Group. See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. http://www.avast.com