Drag racing’s very close racing and media community is shocked and saddened by the tragic circumstances in North Carolina last weekend….

During Saturday’s fourth and final round of scheduled qualifying for the PDRA’s Springnationals event at Rockingham Dragway, there was a horrific top end incident which ultimately claimed the life of Top Sportsman class racer and defending PDRA World Champion, Ronnie Davis.

Davis, 66, who lived in Georgia, was first transported to Moore County Regional Hospital in Pinehurst NC but later to the UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill NC, where he succumbed on Sunday night.

Drag racing has lost defending PDRA World Champion Ronnie Davis

Also injured in the incident was our good friend and media collegue Ian Tocher, who is originally from Canada, but who now resides to in Georgia.

Ian was struck by the errant race car when it vaulted over the guard wall. Ian was transported to hospital with severe injuries to his lower extremities – but is now reported to be in a more stable condition.

Ian Tocher is a highly respected member of drag racing’s media community and current Senior Editor for industry leading Drag Illustrated. He has also been a valued contributor to DragRaceCanada.com for many seasons.

“Everyone at DragRaceCanada is shocked by the news involving Ronnie and Ian,” said Bruce Biegler, founder & editor for DragRaceCanada. “I’ve known and worked with Ian for decades in this sport — all the way back to my days at Performance Racing News. His passion and support for the sport and it’s participants is top echelon. Our hearts go out to both Ronnie’s family and Ian’s family. We hope Ian has as speedy a recovery as possible.”

Ian Tocher is a very respected Canadian drag racing photo/journalist.

Editor’s Note: And if this incident could not have been any more bizarre…..an additional reality is that for a number of seasons Ian Tocher has been the PR person directing Ronnie Davis’ Racing Team….thus adding a simply incredulous coincidence factor.