Race-car fan recalls deadly day at Michigan International

Tim Johnson, ABS Indiana, narrowly escaped tragic accident

For race car drivers, risking their lives is the price they pay to participate in the sport. But racing fans don’t expect their own lives to be jeopardized at the track.
   Tim Johnson, purchasing agent at ABS Indiana and a huge racing fan, will never forget the hot summer day when his own life could have ended at Michigan International Speedway. “Some things stay with you forever,” he says.

A tire and debris bring death

On July 26, 1998, Adrian Fernandez crashed in Turn 4 at MIS, sending a tire and debris over the fence into the stands at the CART U.S. 500.
   Tim and his friends were horrifically close—just 150 feet away. The accident happened so quickly that all they could do was stare in shock and horror.
   “I remember seeing the tire fly into the stands,” Tim recalls. “The tire hit some people. Then it bounced and landed on some more people. It was surreal.”
   The accident killed three spectators and injured six others. Tim can’t forget the sound of the cries and screams from the people in the impact area.

No race stoppage

The CART U.S. 500 continued under a yellow caution flag, briefly, then resumed to green, even as paramedics worked on victims, placed them on backboards and carried them to waiting ambulances.
   “Considering what was going on in the stands, I can’t believe they finished the race,” Tim says.
   He and his friends didn’t learn about the spectator fatalities until later that evening. He says that he has no recollection of who won the race or how.
   “After what we saw, the rest of the day and night is a blur.”

A star-crossed victor

Fernandez, the driver who crashed in Turn 4, had finished first in the qualifying heats. Canadian Greg Moore was the eventual winner of the race. Ironically, Moore was killed on October 31, 1999 at the Marlboro 500 at California Speedway, Fontana.
   On lap nine of that race Moore lost control of his car in the exit of Turn 2, spun into the infield at over 200 m.p.h. and struck a concrete wall upside down.

Tim can’t stay away

Following the tragedy at MIS, track officials upgraded the height and safety of the fences, but attendance began a decline that continues to this day. Tim continues to attend races at MIS, however.
   “It’s something that’s always in the back of your mind,” he explains. “The risk of being injured is small, though, and it’s one I’m willing to take because I love the sport.”
   Not long after the MIS accident, Tim participated in the Richard Petty Experience at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He donned a racing suit and helmet, rode shotgun, and a professional driver whisked him around the track at speeds up to 160 m.p.h.
   “Incredible,” is his one-word description of the adventure.

Next stop: Bristol?

Tim hopes to someday attend a race at the Bristol, Motor Speedway in Tennessee. The half-mile oval is the smallest track on the NASCAR circuit, one that tests the mettle, nerves and skills of the most able drivers.
   “I have a lot of respect for the skill and ability of these guys,” Tim says. “And considering the speeds that are involved, it takes a lot of guts to get behind the wheel and compete.”