From Deseret News archives:
Driver rolls car during charity rally
During the last section of the rally, where drivers were allowed to open up their sports cars on a closed road and go as fast as they wanted, one driver rolled his car.
Richard Losee was taken by medical helicopter to Utah Valley Medical Center where he was in non-life-threatening condition, said Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Doug McCleve.
The Utah Fast Pass Rally began July 30. The four-day event was designed to take drivers and their "super cars" on some of Utah's most scenic roads through areas such as Deer Valley, the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Capitol Reef National Park, as well as treat drivers to several upscale meals. All the money raised in the event went to charity.
The sports cars involved in the event included both old and new vehicles such as Ferraris and Porches. Both the drivers and their cars had to meet certain qualifications in order to participate.
"As a minimum, all cars must be equipped with safety belts, suitable tires, and be mechanically sound. Drivers will be evaluated on their driving skill level and experience. All drivers will be held responsible to adhere to the rules for the event established by Utah Fast Pass," according to the group.
As part of the final day's events, several miles of U-257 between Milford and Delta were closed off to the public so drivers could take their cars through a speed course.
Losee was the sixth or seventh car out of 30 to go through the course, McCleve said. During a portion with a slight curve and small incline he lost control of his 2003 Ferrari Enzo for an unknown reason and rolled. Exact speeds were not known Wednesday but McCleve said he was going over 100 mph when he crashed. Road conditions were dry at the time.
Losee, an experienced driver who has participated in similar rallies all over the country, was wearing a helmet and his car was designed for such incidents. He was conscious and breathing at the scene.
A medical helicopter and emergency personnel were already standing by just as a precaution.
"We try to do all we can to keep safety precautions in place," McCleve said. "It's an extremely unfortunate event. My heart sunk as soon as I heard someone had crashed."
Officials said Utah Fast Pass would have to look at the crash and determine whether it will have the same speeding portion of the course next year.
E-mail: preavy@desnews.com
