North Sound News

Motorcyclist dies in crash at Evergreen State Fair race

A man riding his motorcycle at the Evergreen State Fair drag races was killed when he collided with a bus at the Evergreen Speedway.
The fatal crash was reported at about noon Monday.  The victim, a 42-year-old from Bothell, died at the scene.  

MONROE, Wash. — The man and another rider were racing one another when the victim lost control and struck one of several school buses parked at the track. The buses are used for other speedway events, including figure 8 demolition derby races. No one was aboard the bus.

Police said initial reports indicated that the motorcycle was new to the rider and that he overshot the track, but the exact cause of the collision will be determined by investigators with the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office. 
The victim’s bike was clocked at a speed of 97 mph when it hit the bus.  Police said the other motorcyclist was traveling “considerably slower” and was not considered to be a factor in the crash.
Neither of the riders were professional racers.
The victim was wearing a helmet and medics reached him quickly, but he could not be saved.

Evergreen Speedway released the following statement:

"There was a fatal motorcycle accident at Evergreen Speedway. This accident occurred during our annual Monday Drag Racing during the Evergreen State Fair. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the racer's family. There is an ongoing investigation, and we are unable to comment further at this time."