La Habra drag racer killed in crash
FONTANA -- A La Habra man died Saturday in a drag racing mishap at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana.
Ronald Marcum, 53, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which occurred about 8:30 a.m. at the race track at 9300 Cherry Avenue, California Highway Patrol Officer Jeff Briggs said in a written statement.
Marcum was in the pit area of the race track conducting a "transmission brake test" just prior to the crash, Briggs said.
The test involved revving the engine of his custom-made drag car while keeping the transmission disengaged, the officer said.
"The vehicles transmission suddenly engaged, causing the vehicle to accelerate rapidly," the statement said. "Marcum's vehicle reached estimated speeds in excess of 100 mph in the parking lot before it collided with a parked trailer."
National Hot Rod Association ruled dictate that tests like the one Marcum was conducting must be carried out with the car's wheels raised off the ground, Briggs said.
According to the CHP statement, "Marcum failed to follow these procedures."
Ronald Marcum, 53, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which occurred about 8:30 a.m. at the race track at 9300 Cherry Avenue, California Highway Patrol Officer Jeff Briggs said in a written statement.
Marcum was in the pit area of the race track conducting a "transmission brake test" just prior to the crash, Briggs said.
The test involved revving the engine of his custom-made drag car while keeping the transmission disengaged, the officer said.
"The vehicles transmission suddenly engaged, causing the vehicle to accelerate rapidly," the statement said. "Marcum's vehicle reached estimated speeds in excess of 100 mph in the parking lot before it collided with a parked trailer."
National Hot Rod Association ruled dictate that tests like the one Marcum was conducting must be carried out with the car's wheels raised off the ground, Briggs said.
According to the CHP statement, "Marcum failed to follow these procedures."
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| Frank Girardot, Metro Editor for the San Gabriel Valley Newspapers, brings you behind the yellow tape with takes on true crime, cold cases and more. This is also your forum to discuss crime, its impact on your neighborhood and how we cover it. Have any questions or tips? You can leave a comment here or e-mail Frank. |
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Brian Day is the crime reporter for the San Gabriel Valley Newspaper group. E-mail Brian. |
I will miss you Marcum - I love you so much!!!!!!
- Terry
To the Family & Friends of Ronnie Marcum-
We ALL here at Velocit-E Racing Team send our deepest condolences to you and the family! Keep the faith and the Good Lord up above will take care of all!
Regards,
Andrea with, Velociteracing.com
Marcum.... Sumpteeng wong, you took my breath away! Words cannot describe how I miss you Marcum, my soul mate is gone! You're right our connection, comfort and love only comes once in a lifetime and I will always love you too! I am grateful for every day we had together! Thank you for talking me into it!!
Love Always & Forever -
T (Red)
Marcum.... Sumpteeng wong, you took my breath away! Words cannot describe how I miss you Marcum, my soul mate is gone! You're right our connection, comfort and love only comes once in a lifetime and I will always love you too! I am grateful for every day we had together! Thank you for talking me into it!!
Love Always & Forever -
T (Red)
Marcum.... Sumpteeng wong, you took my breath away! Words cannot describe how I miss you Marcum, my soul mate is gone! You're right our connection, comfort and love only comes once in a lifetime and I will always love you too! I am grateful for every day we had together! Thank you for talking me into it!!
Love Always & Forever -
T (Red)
I wanted to ensure the as many people get this information as possible he had many friends and I want to ensure they get a chance to honor him.
Services Scheduled are as follows:
All services will be conducted at Rose Hills located at 3888 Workman Mill Rd. in Whittier.
Visitation - Sunday 8/16/09 from 6:00pm-8:30pm
Funeral - Monday 8/17/09 at 11am - Sky Rose Chapel
Thanks - T
I raced against the Marcum brothers. I raced Ronnie many times in bracket one. The Marcum brothers were very competitive. The best race in Pro-Gas I remember was final round with me and Charlie Marcum. We decided before the race that we would split the winner and runner up money. We knew it would be to close. I won the race with a 9.75 to Marcum's 9.74. We both broke out but it was a difference of one thousands of a second. Any time we were racing and would get paired with a Marcum you knew it would take your best to beat them. It is sad that Randy and Ronnie are gone. Charlie, You and your brothers made bracket and Pro-Gas racing tougher to win. Charlie, I never wanted to have to race a Marcum. When I did I knew I would have to cut a great light and run right on my dial to beat you guys. Rick Abood