[SANDOVAL]

Some of you may have read this story elsewhere, Ben was a frequent poster on many of the boards I belong to. He is also a friend away from the internet. Guys I want you to please take a moment and reflect on this tragedy. Ben was a friend to the Porsche community. I first met him 3 years ago when I purchased a set of 996 seats from him on ebay. We ended up talking about business for over an hour at his home in La Jolla. Since then I would see him often at local events and we would hang out. He had a true passion for the cars and a genuine quality about him. To make matters worse he is leaving behind his new baby girl and wife. They were the perfect family living the american dream. Ben was a great guy, he will be missed by all. Please include his family in your prayers.



http://www.nbc4.tv/news/4562562/detail.html#

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[ds968]

Very tragic ! Was Ben at the german auto fest last year ? Did we ( 968 group ) meet him ? Not sure why he comes to mind..



Sadness. Can't help but think about his wife and the baby at home.



Give your families an extra hug today - this could happen to any of us, at any time. If as well protected as they were the result was still so devastating, we're

exponentially more vulnerable in our daily driving m.o...



Careful out there !

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[Charles Geer]

Sad to hear about a fellow Porsche driver loosing his life. I'm on the other coast and club race with PCA. Porsches tend to give you the best chance of survival...even at extremely high rates of speed. This may sound stupid but this is what I have noticed about fatal crashes and non fatal ones. It does not appear to be the speed that is the killer. It is most often the angle that determines if you will walk away or not. I have seen some crashes at the race track where not much is left of the car...but yet the guy walks away uninjured. I have seen crashes with less speed but are direct, straight on hits and those are the ones that our necks have trouble with. Even though I don't have one yet, I think the Hans (Head and Neck Restraint Sysems) should be as mandatory as the helmet at all track events.

For respect of the persons involved in this fatality I won't explain in detail what happens to your head when it's not strapped in with the rest of the car but it tends to be one of the few loose objects in the car when the automobile suddenly stops.

Safer barriers have helped tremendously in this area as well.



When taking on your favorite tracks...take special consideration in turns that are known for hurting people...ie. The ESSES at Road Atlanta (killed pro driver Bob Akin in 2002). I try not to pass people in turns like this because it is a death sentence for the unassuming or unfamiliar driver who tries to close the door on the turn when you are sitting in his apex.



Slow your students in Hot Spots on the track that can get you both hurt.



Continue to be safe when driving these cars to the limit.



Fly Fast and Check 6



Charles.

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[NeedPorscheSpeed]

Ben certainly will be missed. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/sad.gif" class="smilie" alt="" /> He was a very passionate and friendly guy. I just arrived home from vacation, and upon waking, saw this awful news. I haven't been the same since then, and can't stop thinking about this tragedy. Ben's family will be in my prayers.

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