Veteran drag racer, 80, dies after northern Michigan crash

Published Aug. 20, 2018 2:54 p.m. ET

NORWAY, Mich. (AP) — Authorities say a longtime drag racer died after crashing his jet engine-powered car at a track in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

The Iron Mountain Daily News and WLUC-TV report 80-year-old Doug Rose, driver of the Green Mamba, died Friday evening at the Norway Speedway. Rose, of Ringtown, Pennsylvania, crashed into a guardrail and flipped during an exhibition run.

The newspaper reports Rose drove the Green Mamba for more than 35 years. The car with an engine from a fighter plane could drive in excess of 300 mph (483 kph).

Michigan State Police say the crash is under investigation. Races were suspended Friday and resumed Saturday.