Fatality at Kokomo 97-09-27

The triple class special program at Kokomo Speedway Saturday night, September 27th, was marred by a violent flip during the sprint semi-final that took the life of Kokomo driver Vince Osman. While running near the back of the pack in the semi, Osman apparently failed to see a yellow light brought on by spin behind Osman who sailed down the backstretch and ran over a wheel of another competitor. Osman's sprint car flipped high in the air, rolling end over end four to six times before landing outside the track's turn three wall. Eye witnesses reported that the car landed upside down. The car when towed to the pits did not have extensive damage. The cause of death was initially laid to cardiac arrest with inhalation of fuel fumes suspected of contributing to his condition. Osman was said to be talking to the rescue staff shortly after they arrived. The sprint car drivers entered at Kokomo Saturday night elected to turn they purse over to the Osman family in lieu of running their feature. The stock car class followed this example shortly thereafter. The midget drivers, mostly travelers, chose to run their feature. When this decision was announced the fans in attendance responded with applause and many sent donations to the track office. Before the night was over some $18,000 was collected for the survivors.