Driver killed at I-500

For the second time in the 35-year history of the I-500 Snowmobile Races, a race driver has died.

Michael J. Kolbus Jr., 31, of Munising, Michigan was pronounced dead at War Memorial Hospital about one hour after an accident about 40 miles into the 500-mile endurance race.

Tonight's Sault Evening News quotes witnesses as saying that Kolbus was thrown from his machine as he was emerging from what the newspaper termed the "often-treacherous north turn."

The driver was then hit by at least one of the pursuing sleds.

The accident happened at 10:54 a.m., 54 minutes into yesterday's race.

'He loved to race'

"It's just a terrible tragedy," race chair Jan Bailey told another Upper Peninsula newspaper, the Marquette Mining Journal.

"He loved to race and he comes from a racing family."

Kolbus was wearing bib number 53 and raced on an Arctic Cat. Two other drivers were injured.

Other drivers injured

Media reports indicate that Eric Fountain of Sault, Michigan (bib number 00) was treated at War Memorial for minor injuries and released.

Russell Chartrand of Brimley (bib number 21) has more serious injuries and was admitted to hospital.

Chartrand's reported to be in good condition.

The only previous fatality at the I-500 occurred in 1985.

The 500-mile endurance race resumed after a two-hour delay, concluding shortly after 9 p.m.

For results, please click here.