Tracy Press

 
An Alameda man died over the weekend after his car crashed into a wall at Altamont Motorsports Park.

A 47-year-old Alameda man died Saturday afternoon after his car crashed into a wall at Altamont Motorsports Park.

Court Summerfield, an Alameda restaurant owner, was one of 90 or so participants in the 24 Hours of LeMons event, where amateur racers to participate in the weekend-long race.

Altamont Motorsports Park general manager Jeff Macey said 24 Hours of LeMons is an independent group that tours the U.S. and rented the track for a weekend. He added that it’s one of the more low-key events at the local race track. The race was billed as a contest for $500 “lemons,” participants show up with decorated cars and costumes, and drivers are in it for endurance rather than speed.

“It’s just a real fun atmosphere,” he said. “Nothing where you think you’d ever have a fatality.”

He said the crash happened at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday. The Alameda County Sheriff’s Department responded and turned the investigation over to the California Highway Patrol.

Macey said the initial word that he got was that Summerfield’s Volvo was traveling about 50 mph when it crashed into a wall. The CHP didn’t report any mechanical failure, and the driver may have had a medical condition that caused him to lose consciousness before the crash.

“There was no attempt to stop or turn. He just drove it head on into the wall. There was something else going on that we may never know at all.”

Summerfield was rushed to Sutter Tracy Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead Saturday. The race continued Sunday morning after a memorial service at the track.

“The racers decided that they’d go ahead and compete in his honor,” Macey said, adding that even in amateur races participants go in knowing that they put their personal safety at risk.

“We all know it’s dangerous and we all know it can bite us. Probably what keeps us going is it’s our passion. It’s what we do.” 

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written by InMyPrayers , May 14, 2008

My heart goes out to his family and friends for their loss. As a sponsor, a friend, and fan of many racers it hurts to see this even when you don't know the person personally. Keeping you all in my prayers.