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CUP: NASCAR Official’s Husband Dies In Plane Crash
Written by: Tom Jensen   
07/09/2007 - 07:00 PM
Harrisburg, N.C.
 
A Cessna 310 aircraft, similar to the one that went down in Sanford, Fla. (Photo: Cessna Aircraft) ยป More Photos

The crash of a private plane in Sanford, Fla., this morning claimed the life of Dr. Bruce Kennedy, husband of International Speedway Co. President and NASCAR Vice President/Assistant Treasurer Lesa France Kennedy. At least four others died as a result of the accident.

The crash of the Cessna 310 happened shortly after takeoff from Daytona International Airport. At a briefing after the crash, the Seminole County Sheriff's office said the pilot and co-pilot were both killed when the plane crashed into two homes in a residential neighborhood in Sanford. At least three people were also killed on the ground and four more injured, including three with critical burns, authorities said.

"This morning, at approximately 8:40 a.m. Eastern Time, a Cessna 310 registered to Competitor Liaison Bureau, Inc. of Daytona Beach, crashed in a Sanford, Florida, area neighborhood," NASCAR said in a statement issued after the crash. "At this time, we can confirm there were two people on-board, including the pilot, Dr. Bruce Kennedy and Michael Klemm, a senior captain with NASCAR Aviation. Both were killed in the crash.

"Dr. Kennedy was the husband of NASCAR Board Member and ISC President Lesa France Kennedy," the NASCAR statement continued. "It
is clear that numerous families were affected by this terrible tragedy and unfortunately several people were deceased or seriously injured. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with all of those who were involved in this tragic accident and their families. We will provide additional information as it becomes available."

The plane was bound for Lakeland, Florida, when it declared an emergency with smoke in the cockpit and attempted to land at Orlando-Sanford International Airport, Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen told reporters. But the plane crashed five miles short of the airport in the town of Sanford at a neighborhood called The Preserve at Lake Monroe.

The plane hit one home and ignited another, both of which burned to the ground in a matter of minutes, fueled by the aviation gasoline on board the plane.

The twin engine Cessna 310 is registered to Competitor Liaison Bureau Inc. Competitor Liaison is at 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd. with the late Bill France as the registered agent, according to Florida Department of State Division of Corporations records. Jim France, Bill France's brother, and Lesa France Kennedy and Brian France, Bill France's children, are listed as vice presidents,.