Ronnie "The King" Davis, 66, killed in crash at Rockingham Dragway in Rockingham, North Carolina

Modified Date: 
Mon, 04/11/2016 - 7:30pm
Accident Date: 
Saturday, April 9, 2016

Drag-Racing Champ Davis Dies From Crash Injuries

On Saturday, Davis had just completed a 4.13-second qualifying run at more than 178 mph when his car turned left, then shot violently back across the track in front of a rival racer's car.

His Corvette cleared a right-side guard wall, then barrel-rolled, the Dragway said in a written statement.

Ronnie ‘The King’ Davis dies from injuries sustained in crash at Rockingham Dragway

Early on in his career, Davis was almost unbeatable at Atlanta Speed Shop Dragway where he was known for dominating the “King of the Hill” competition. That’s where he got his nickname, “Ronnie the King.”

Ronnie 'The King' Davis dies from injuries sustained in drag racing crash

Drag Illustrated reported a that Ian Tocher, 55, of Roswell, Ga., a photographer and journalist, was hit by debris and transported by care flight to UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill. Tocher was in stable condition, according to the magazine's Facebook page.

‘He died doing what he loved:’ Fatal crash claims drag-racing champ

“The entire PDRA community is deeply saddened by Saturday’s incident and offers its most sincere condolences and prayers to Ronnie Davis’ family, teammates and friends,” Bob Harris, president and race director of the PDRA, said in a statement late Sunday. “Ronnie was a fierce competitor, a spirited and kind-hearted human being, and he touched the lives of many during his drag racing career.”

Type: Car Accident
People Involved: 
Ronnie Davis
Ian Tocher

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