twenty years ago today...

[IndyAndy]

.... One of the darkest chapters in the history of motorsports began.

The 1994 F1 San Marino GP, which was held on the weekend of April 29 - May1, would see a major crash occur on each day. While Rubens Barrichello would escape the 1st incident with relatively minor injuries, the next two days would prove to be deadly. May 30th would see the death of rookie driver Roland Ratzenberger, and May 1 would claim the life of three time F1 world champion Ayrton Senna.

wiki: 1994 San Marino GP

Forever in our memories.

 

[fordman84]

I was a kid in HS not following racing, sad stuff. Read the wiki page, but will need to go google more info. Did they ever state a reason for so many deadly accidents in one race?

 

[IndyAndy]

Pretty much just random coincidence that they all happened on the same weekend as far as I've ever heard.

 

[Retroram52]

I agree Indy. I remember that week-end like it was yesterday. Ratzenberger was a shocker but then when Senna was killed, everyone went into zombie mode for quite a while.

 

[Schmoopy1000]

Pretty much just random coincidence that they all happened on the same weekend as far as I've ever heard.

the wrecks were different if that is what you mean by coincidence.

but before the 1st death, drivers were complaining how dangerous this track was. They were uncomfortable with the track. By the end of the weekend two were dead.

Senna's death was because he had an extension welded onto his steering column where the weld broke, which caused him to wreck. So they were different scenario's.

 

[Retroram52]

Both died of the same injury. Basilar Skull Fracture commonly known as blunt force trauma.

 

[IndyAndy]

Just came across this excellent article, which focuses on the events surrounding Senna's weekend, & gives one a bit of insight on the very complex personality of the man:

www.telegraph.co.uk

 

[forty_three]

It's unfortunate that such a weekend happened, but you cannot deny that the sport learned.

No deaths since Senna. And when you look at some of the more spectacular crashes that have happened over the last few years, it really is a miracle. Dr Watkins really carried the torch for safety in Ayrton's honor.

It's a crying shame that Senna wasn't able to retire an old, happy man.