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AMA: Tragic crash at AMA Grand National race at Du Quoin

26 July 1999

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- A fatality and multiple injuries occurred last weekend in a crash during the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Grand National Dirt Track Series races at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds.

Rider David Lee Camlin, of Rock Island, Ill., died as a result of injuries from the crash. Several other riders were injured in the same incident, including: Kevin Atherton, of White Pigeon, Mich.; Brett Landes, of Los Gatos, Calif.; Johnny Murphree, of Paso Robles, Calif.; and Gary Rogers, of San Jose, Calif. Rider Paul Lynch, of Street, Md., also went down in the crash, but was uninjured.

The crash occurred on the front straight of the mile-long Du Quoin track, during the first lap of the second semi-final qualifier. A group of riders had exited turn four onto the front straight, when the engine failed on the bike of Shaun Russell who was leading. The racers behind Russell, riding at speed, attempted to avoid the rapidly slowing machine, and the crash occurred.

Camlin was transported to Marshal Brown Hospital in Du Quoin., where he was pronounced dead. Riders Atherton, Landes, Murphree, and Rogers were airlifted to University Hospital in St. Louis. Atherton remained hospitalized Monday, with multiple fractures to his lower right leg. Landes sustained a cracked collarbone, bruises and scrapes, and he was discharged from the hospital Sunday. Murphree had a broken left arm, and was also released from the hospital Sunday. Rogers was discharged from the hospital Saturday night with a broken ankle.

In observance of the loss of Camlin, the AMA Grand National race was canceled. Instead, riders participated in a non points-paying, 10-lap exhibition race for the fans.

Prior to the start of that exhibition race, riders left the starting line one at a time, and in tribute to Camlin, rode in the reverse direction of a regular race. The riders then came back to the start and rode a 10-lap race. On the final lap, the leading riders positioned themselves in a straight line, and crossed the finish line together.

The riders then returned to the front straight, lined up facing the crowd, and removed their helmets as Camlin.

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