Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Olympus Rally 2011 and Thoughts on Matt Marker's Death

Olympus Rally really was a blast for us. We got to kick back and do some "Super Spectating" on Brooklyn stage just like old times. Jens, Britt and I were crawling all over a hillside to get the best view of Brooklyn East, and I was in a ditch behind a tree and a stump for Brooklyn West. We got some good pictures considering the equipment.


There was quite a crowd on our corner on Brooklyn, I think it's instruction 12 East. It's a triple caution with exposure on one side and a rock wall on the other (that I destroyed a rear axle on during Olympus '09).


Last year after DNF'ing we spectated at the same corner where I believe Matt Marker died this year. Now that I've had some time to think about it, I'm glad I wasn't there this year. I don't think seeing a competitor make a mistake and lose their life would have been a good experience for me. His death caused me to reflect on two things: One, he died doing what he loves so is it really a tragedy? He could have swerved to avoid someone on the way to work and clipped a truck. I feel like our sport is still very safe. The other thing is that I'm glad I drive a Saab... I was moving one of the doors around the garage the other day and it is unreasonably heavy, and I plan to keep them that way.

Olympus Rally 2011 Pictures

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm sure it wasn't your intent to post comments that could be hurtful or offensive to Matt's family at this very stressful time- suggesting he made a mistake (maybe he did, maybe he didn't) then insulting the very car he loved and was so proud of. Emotions are raw right now - I'm sure the family would just like to hear thoughtful, positive comments about their deceased son.
God bless you and your fellow competitors - I pray no further tragedy befalls your sport.

Quinn said...

Anonymous,

Suggesting that a competitor who crashes and dies made a mistake is not a comment that insults the driver's skill. It is acknowledging that all drivers are human and mistakes can happen. It can happen to any of us at any time.

No one should take insult to the fact that I take comfort in driving Saab. I'm just expressing my beliefs about my own team and justifying staying in the sport myself.

Thank you for your prayers and comments.

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

Is matts death really a tragedy YES he was one of the sweetest kindest most caring people I ever knew! Some of us knew him pre racing time frame and yes he died doing what he loved but I'm sure he would of it rather been when he was 90 versus 30! Just an untimely comment and as I see what you may have meant it came out horribly wrong! Yes your sport is not more dangerous then it was prior to Matts death but as a fellow competitor the manly thing to do is reflect on what a kick butt driver matt was and how much the racing world will miss him as well as the non racing world!

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