ROOKIE “PETE” OLSON
VICTORIOUS IN FIRST JHR RACE DAY- BUT SPENDS EVENING IN HOSPITAL AFTER
CONTROVERSIAL ACCIDENT
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For
Immediate Release
September 10, 2001
Hollywood, CA - Yesterday was Round One of the prestigious
Jim Hall Kart Racing series in sunny Ventura Beach, California. Round One was highlighted by some fierce
competition, as well as significant controversy surrounding rookie Peter
("Pete") Olson, who has come all the way out West from his home state
of Maryland to go pro. With some
experience under his belt in 500cc Super Sport motorcycle road racing (New
Hampshire International Speedway), and a life of racing everything from
sailboats (undefeated team) to BMX, to illegal road racing on Super Bikes and
in high performance cars, Olson's karting debut seems to be constantly
surrounded by controversy. This is
certainly due to his extremely aggressive driving style, which some perceive as
overly dangerous.
Of the three races yesterday, Olson took 4th, 1st, and
5th. But the 5th place is counted 5th
for points, where in reality it was a DNF (Did Not Finish) due to the horrific
accident that many say was caused by a case of Olson again being too aggressive
behind the wheel.
We asked Olson about the final race of the day, and the
accident which moved him back in the points.
In typical brash style, Olson said, “I was behind the leader for 9 of
the 10 laps, holding for a second place on the podium. On lap 10, the final lap, I was passed in
turn one by the 3rd place kart, which was pressuring me the entire race. I was so angry about being passed in the
final lap, that third place wasn't good enough. I tried everything I could to pass him, but never had an
opening. Finally, on Turn 7, the final
turn, I thought I had an opening and tried to dive in on the inside of the turn
and cut in front of him, to retake 2nd place for the checkered flag. I spun out, I think I might have had a
little contact with the 2nd place kart... before I could get going again to
take 3rd place, the kart behind me impacted me. It went up onto my muffler and over my seat, a freak accident,
really. The kart impacted my back, but
luckily I had a rib protector on. I was
treated at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles for rib fractures, a
severely bruised toe, and a cut on my face from the impact of my helmet on the
steering wheel.”
Despite being sick with a fever of over one hundred degrees,
Olson made it to Ventura for his first Jim Hall Racing Series race day, and
achieved a victory – quite an accomplishment.
For more information on Peter Olson, visit his website at www.peteolson.com. And to follow the Jim Hall Kart Racing Series,
go to www.jhrkartracing.com.
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Charles Schepens
Schepens Promotions
29000 West Nine Mile Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48336
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