APBA Pacific Offshore Statement Regarding Accidents During San Francisco Offshore Gran Prix.

News/Sports Editors

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 17, 2000

APBA Pacific Offshore is issuing the following statements regarding the accidents during the San Francisco Offshore Gran Prix this past weekend.

There were two events both affecting boats in the Factory 2 class, both events were isolated to single boats.

Accident Reports

The first accident involved the F2-12 Eddie Marine boat. The crew consisted of Clark Donley (Driver) of Alamo, Calif.; Tom Brunner (Throttles) of Canyon Lake, Calif.; and Kenny Smith (Navigator) of Fontana, Calif. The accident happened near the start of the third lap when the boat hit a wave and hooked unexpectedly to the left. Donley was ejected from the boat and died on impact.

The initial rescue crew arrived at the scene by boat within 30 seconds of the accident. APBA Pacific Offshore attending physician arrived by helicopter less than one minute after the accident. CPR was performed at the scene and Donley was pronounced dead by paramedics shortly afterwards. Brunner entered the water immediately after the accident to render assistance.

Brunner suffered a hairline fracture of his leg. Smith suffered facial lacerations. An autopsy is expected to be performed on Donley today.

The second accident occurred shortly after the first, also on the third lap of the race. The boat involved was a F2-91 Warlock Powerboat. The accident happened in a similar manner with the craft hooking upon hitting a wave. None of the crew was ejected from the boat. Bob Vila (Driver), also of Alamo, suffered a broken hand. Lance Henrichsen (Throttles) of Riverside, Calif., suffered contusions.

Safety Preparation at APBA Pacific Offshore Events

APBA Pacific Offshore's first priority is to the safety of the participants in the events. Each team must complete a FAA or DOT physical every two years and a physical every race morning. There is a zero tolerance policy in effect for drug or alcohol use.

In addition to the driver physicals the boat must go through a rigorous technical inspection before entering the race. Included in this pre-race inspection is the condition and certification of safety gear that includes helmets and professional life jackets. The racers must wear this gear at all times for boat testing and racing during the weekend event.

There are a series of mandatory drivers meetings where the race officials and U.S. Coast Guard discuss course conditions, traffic patterns, weather and other pertinent information regarding the event.

The San Francisco Offshore Gran Prix on-water safety team consisted of 20 patrol boats with three or four crew members and two helicopters. The group has a ground control to coordinate any rescue efforts, as well as course maintenance. The organization has more than 50 members, more than half are trained as paramedics. Most of the team are certified divers. This is nearly a one-to-one ratio of racers to safety team.

Further Information

The San Francisco Offshore Gran Prix has been held for 24 consecutive years, this is the first fatality associated with this event. In the 30-year history of APBA Pacific Offshore there have been three fatalities. This event was the first race of the season. The next event takes place in San Diego on the weekend of May 6.

APBA Pacific Offshore President Brian Connors is available for interviews and to comment on the event at any time. Please contact Jennifer Levine, 949/489-5707 to make arrangements for contact.

For more information regarding any of the upcoming events access the APBA Pacific Offshore Web site at www.pacificoffshore.com.