Kenny Irwin killed in practice crash at Loudon

by Jack Durbin - Motorsport.com LOUDON, N.H. -- For the second time in two months, tragedy has struck at the New Hampshire International Speedway. Kenny Irwin was killed today in a horrific crash during practice for Sunday's Winston Cup race. Irwin's car crashed just yards from where Adam Petty was killed during practice for a NASCAR Busch series race.

Kenny Irwin was taken to the track's medical center and then transported by ambulance to Concord hospital. A spokespersons or the hospital said Irwin died of multiple injuries.

Eye witnesses say Irwin's N0. 42 BellSouth Chevrolet hit the wall at the entrance to turn three. It climbed the wall, then slid driver's side down to the entrance of turn four, rolling on its top as it stopped. Safety crews were on the scene immediately.

The cause of the accident is believed to be a struck throttle.

The accident happened during practice before qualifying leading to the Sunday's race, the New England 300.

Crew chief Tony Glover emerged from the infield media center about 90 minutes after the crash and just shook his head "no" when asked for comment.

Driver Ward Burton, a friend of Irwin's, also refused to comment.

Irwin would have been 31 on August 5th. He moved to NASCAR in 1997 after an impressive career in United States Auto club. In his five years in the USAC midget series, he scored 8 wins, and 20 second place finishes. He won the championship in 1996.

He also had four wins in the USAC Silver Crown (now Silver Bullet) series, and eight in the sprint car series..

After starts in the Craftsman Truck Series in 1996-97 and being named "Rookie of the Year" in 1997, he moved to the Robert Yates No. 28 car. He was the 1998 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Rookie of the Year. He joined Team SABCO this year, taking over the ride from Joe Nemechek