Photo: Gianna Babb
As the resident LeMons fanatic at Autoblog, it was tough to miss out on this year's first race at the Altamont. I live less than 20 minutes away, but prior commitments took precedence, so the team and I postponed our rat-rod run until later this year. Two of my LeMons teammates and I were driving through the Nevada desert on Sunday when we received word that a fellow racer had lost his life the day before. The mood turned somber in seconds. Details were scarce, but as our trek northward unfolded, we were able to get a few more details.
Court Summerfield, a 47-year-old resident of Alameda who worked with his wife, Vickie, at Ole's Waffle Shop, died of a heart attack while running the race. The preliminary investigation performed by the CHP confirmed that nothing was wrong with #39 Team Cant Am's Volvo 242 Turbo and that Summerfield was unconscious when he hit the wall.
Regardless of the circumstances, it was still an emotional blow to those of us that have followed the series since its inception, but one quote from Court's wife lifted our spirits immediately. Vickie said that, "It was really just something that he was happy doing. I'm sure the way he went, he was happy."
Jay Lamm, the man behind the 24 Hours of LeMons, informed us yesterday that a memorial fund has been set up in Court's honor, with all the proceeds going to his wife. You can make a donation by going to the 24 Hours of LeMons website and clicking the "Donate" button on the home page. I just donated what was left in my PayPal account after selling a few parts from my own track-day beater. It wasn't much, but it felt apropos of everything I'd like to think Court enjoyed.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
John Johnson @ May 13th 2008 1:15PM
Really a tragedy. At least it wasn't a safety concern, and he passed without pain. If I had to go at such a young age, I'd want to go doing something I enjoyed this much.
Godspeed, Mr. Summerfield.
Talisman @ May 13th 2008 2:55PM
"and he passed without pain"
Heart attacks hurt...
Anyway im glad he passed doing what he loves also. Just how Id want to go.
John @ May 13th 2008 1:29PM
Rarely do I read stories and have my heart sink, but when I first read about a racer dying at LeMons it did. Its sad that someone lost their life during this event, no matter the circumstances.
To his wife and family, my most sincere condolences.
To you Mr. Summerfield, Cheers. You're going through those pearly gates in style.
Car Designer @ May 13th 2008 1:31PM
I've been on pins and needles since hearing about the accident on saturday, and I must say that it is a relief knowing the circumstances of the fatality. I will keep him and his loved ones in my prayers. I certainly hope that since it was an unfortunate natural cause, that this great race series will continue on with the spirit of Mr. Summerfield and the rest of us LeMons heads intact. Goin' out doin' somethin' you love is the way to go.
B @ May 13th 2008 1:42PM
while his death is surely a tragedy, hearing the circumstances makes me smile. He died doing what i presume it is that he loved. i can think of no better time to go.
Franz @ May 13th 2008 2:03PM
I agree. It's a shame he died, but I'm glad it wasn't due to unsafe conditions/machinery. Not an entirely bad way to go, doing what you like.
Farris @ May 13th 2008 1:47PM
I, too, am relieved to hear the circumstances of this unfortunate accident. God be with you, Court.
I think the LeMons organizers should have a Court Summerfield Memorial Race once a year in remembrance.
racersedge @ May 13th 2008 2:10PM
Bummer. We are not supposed to die while participating in a racing spoof of racing. But it just proves the point that racing of any kind has its ultimate hazards. I love watching racing, and I always hope for the best when there is a bad incident. My first meaningful racing moment was hearing over the radio that Bill Vukovich had gone over the outside wall at Indy and had been killed. I was less than 10 years old and living in California at the time.
CC @ May 13th 2008 2:33PM
Being a member of the team who's car was rolled at the first LeMons at Altamont, I gasped when I rec'd Jay's email regarding Court's passing. While undeniable tragic, I am so relieved to hear that his passing wasn't due to accident or safety issues. My heart goes out to his friends and family.
Ride on, racer!
klitorisaurus @ May 13th 2008 2:45PM
I hope I go out the same way. Only a bit a bit older. Quite sad.
MajorGeek @ May 13th 2008 3:11PM
I like my cars, but I would rather be having sex, but to each his own ;)
urbanswasshbuckler @ May 13th 2008 3:49PM
i live here in alameda and we knew court nad vickie personally when we would line up almost every sunday morning to kit ole's. they were fun, kind, generous people who worked hard not only to make delicious food, but made you feel welcomed and at home, and they created a place that was really part of the community...some thing alot of places you go to eat can't do. he was an awesome guy who willl be missed and our hearts go out to vickie...
heck we remember showing them our newborn son not to long ago....lifes a precious thing, but going out doing something you love is something to be celebrated...
Juan @ May 13th 2008 3:55PM
Driving through the pearly gates in a Volvo. Not a bad way to go.
Godspeed, Mr. Summerfield.
dcheam @ May 13th 2008 5:19PM
My condolences to his wife, family, and friends. If there's any comfort, it's at least knowing that "the way he went, he was happy."
Galley @ May 13th 2008 5:58PM
It's far better to go out doing what you love, instead of passing away on a sofa watching TV.
fbxcore @ May 13th 2008 11:31PM
It's hard to hear about a fellow enthusiast going like that, but at least he went out doing what he loves, I can't think of any better way to go. Living the dream from one life to the next.
Mobius_1 @ May 14th 2008 9:47AM
God will respect you, Mr Summerfield, as you ride through the Gates in your $500 Volvo
Roll on
Fan 1115 @ May 14th 2008 2:31PM
I again send my condolences to the family and friends
of Cort. I was in a position to see the whole event happen and was shocked at what had occured. I wish there was more I could say at this time. To all drivers and future drivers don't let this discourage you for the sport.