Earlier today at Norway Speedway in Upper Michigan Doug Rose failed to make the turn 1 radius, left the track, rolled and crashed at low speed near turn 2 of the third-mile oval.
The Green Mamba, a jet-powered exhibition dragster relied on F7U Cutlass engine. Rose built the Mamba that thrilled audiences throughout the USA and Canada for more than 50 years at dragstrips and speedways.
Rose was pronounced dead at the scene, according to a Michigan State Police press release. It was suspected, but not yet confirmed, that he suffered a pair of heart attacks while at the controls. Out of respect, all races were postponed to Saturday.
I spent a couple years with Doug campaigning this fabulous machine that easily exceeded 300 miles per hour in the 1/4 mile with a glorious fire tail three-feet in diameter and sometimes longer than the car itself. There was never a dull day when the Mamba backed out of the trailer. I owe my extensive technical knowledge of jets and turbines to the mentoring by Doug, Walter, Craig and Arthur Arfons. They were the original "jet men" who built drove, and maintained their entertaining, awe-inspiring speed machines to the delight of all who had a chance to see them.
Sad as I am about his passing, I can't help but find comfort that he and Mamba went out together. My condolences to his wife, Jeanie.