The 200-mile race is held on Soggy Dry Lake on federal lands east of the San Bernardino Mountains. The trucks race along a 50-mile-long loop four times. Videos show the crowd dangerously close to the trucks as they roar by — many drinking heavily. As a matter of negligence, factual and legal causation would appear fairly easy to establish with people allowed to stand just a few feet from trucks speeding along the twisting track. There is a serious question of assumption of the risk. To make matters worse, there appears to have been insufficient medical staff present. It took 30 minutes for emergency crews to get to the remote location. There is however the question of whom to sue beyond the driver himself. These contests are loosely organized but it is sanctioned by the Mojave Desert Racing organization.
This particular spot is called the “rock pile’’ where trucks snake around boulders and are known to go airborne.
After the accident, Sloppy had to be escorted away as the crowd became angry and threatening.
Sloppy stated on his facebook page that he is devastated by the accident: “Soo incredibly lost and devistated my thoughts and prayers go out to all the familys and friends involved. Thank you too all my friends for sticking with me even thru these tragic times I love you all.”
Source: LA Times