Paul Walker Died Today
12-03-2013, 08:01 AM
#52
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What a tragedy and sad loss. I am very fortunate to have worked very closely with Paul and Roger, hanging out at the track and tuning many cars with them over the years. These were two of the best guys around. I still can't believe it happened..... What a shock! I miss you both Paul and Roger, you guys were role models and great human beings that have left an everlasting impression on my life.
R.I.P. You will never be forgotten.
R.I.P. You will never be forgotten.
Last edited by SALES@OETUNING; 12-03-2013 at 12:13 PM.
12-03-2013, 08:51 AM
#53
MBWorld Fanatic!
I was never able to fill that 3rd slot of "if you could have lunch with 3 people, who would they be?". I just figured it out. Not because of his fame, but because he lived a life any car enthusiast would enjoy living and because who he was as a person. As time begins to pass, more stories of his kind heartedness are unveiling, what a human being, friend, and family man. Great role model!
12-03-2013, 01:02 PM
#54
Former Vendor of MBWorld
It amazes me how we knew so little about him until now, it's sad to think about but I'm 100% there with you. He became someone I wanted to meet once I knew that I couldn't 
12-03-2013, 03:45 PM
#55
MBWorld Fanatic!
I was able to pinpoint exactly where the crash happened on google earth. It would seem they made a right out of the Always Evolving parking lot, made another right onto Kelly Johnson Parkway where it then turns into Hercules Street after the first bend. Looks to me like they were carrying too much speed around that bend and began over-steering as the *** end came out, the CGT's door on Paul's side hit the light pole (with the google earth speed limit reading 35mph on the light pole, to now currently read 45mph as the speed limit was just increased on those roads), went through the pole and stopped as it hit the tree behind it.
Pure speculation, but as much as it kills me to say, after seeing the objects in their path, I would have to say the collision did not take their lives. Small diameter pole and tree, the Porsche didn't stand a chance, especially where it hit on the car, but the resiliency of a human, I think could have taken that hit and survived, depending on the safety of the capsule they were in. Terrible way to go, if I am in fact correct.
Not a forensic genius, but logic tells me the mid-mount engine was the key factor in these tragedies.
Pure speculation, but as much as it kills me to say, after seeing the objects in their path, I would have to say the collision did not take their lives. Small diameter pole and tree, the Porsche didn't stand a chance, especially where it hit on the car, but the resiliency of a human, I think could have taken that hit and survived, depending on the safety of the capsule they were in. Terrible way to go, if I am in fact correct.
Not a forensic genius, but logic tells me the mid-mount engine was the key factor in these tragedies.
Last edited by Autosport7; 12-03-2013 at 03:49 PM.
12-03-2013, 07:28 PM
#56
MBWorld Fanatic!
Despite the price, all these "super cars" really don't have any safety testing from IIHS, NHTSA, and various NCAPS. Thus the safety of those cars in a crash is highly questionable when compared to, say, a more common car ie C-Class, Camry, Accord, etc. Sure, they have this ultra strong carbon fiber occupant shell, but it's the same as sitting in a super rigid solid metal container flying into a wall at high speed.
12-03-2013, 08:13 PM
#57
the car has
front and side airbags for both sides
titanium side impact bars
the car had euro and TUV safety testing which is far more stringent than anything done in the US
Built to be extremely rigid and lightweight, the Carrera GT’s carbon-fiber chassis weighs only 220 lbs. Porsche used steel reinforcements for the car’s windshield, along with steel and aluminum crash absorbing structures at the front and rear of the car. Steel tubing was also used to reinforce the doors.
The fuel tank was centrally located, in a special aluminum drawer in the chassis located between the passenger compartment and the rear engine bay. This central location is used in many racecars, since it helps shield the tank from severe frontal or rear impacts.
Porsche ended production of the Carrera GT in late 2005, due partly to new airbag regulations that were due to take effect in the U.S. These new “smart” airbags could sense the weight and location of an occupant, and vary the strength and size of their inflation based on these measurements.
With a limited-production supercar, it didn’t make sense for Porsche to re-engineer the Carrera GT – especially as the automaker had already sold close to the original projection of 1,500 units.
It’s hard to imagine in this instance, given the obvious severity of the collision, that any form of smart airbag would have made a difference.
We might never know for certain all the events that caused this terrible accident. But speculation that the car involved was inherently unsafe, or not suitable for roads, is completely baseless and inaccurate.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/pau...#ixzz2mSr3D2KI
front and side airbags for both sides
titanium side impact bars
the car had euro and TUV safety testing which is far more stringent than anything done in the US
Built to be extremely rigid and lightweight, the Carrera GT’s carbon-fiber chassis weighs only 220 lbs. Porsche used steel reinforcements for the car’s windshield, along with steel and aluminum crash absorbing structures at the front and rear of the car. Steel tubing was also used to reinforce the doors.
The fuel tank was centrally located, in a special aluminum drawer in the chassis located between the passenger compartment and the rear engine bay. This central location is used in many racecars, since it helps shield the tank from severe frontal or rear impacts.
Porsche ended production of the Carrera GT in late 2005, due partly to new airbag regulations that were due to take effect in the U.S. These new “smart” airbags could sense the weight and location of an occupant, and vary the strength and size of their inflation based on these measurements.
With a limited-production supercar, it didn’t make sense for Porsche to re-engineer the Carrera GT – especially as the automaker had already sold close to the original projection of 1,500 units.
It’s hard to imagine in this instance, given the obvious severity of the collision, that any form of smart airbag would have made a difference.
We might never know for certain all the events that caused this terrible accident. But speculation that the car involved was inherently unsafe, or not suitable for roads, is completely baseless and inaccurate.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/pau...#ixzz2mSr3D2KI
12-03-2013, 09:28 PM
#58
just looked at the google map of the crash location and compared it against pics of the memorial site and the wreck
look at the 3 branched tree for reference (smaller in google)
the pole they hit appeared to be concrete and did not have a breakaway base
and they hit a natural gas service (?)
look at the 3 branched tree for reference (smaller in google)
the pole they hit appeared to be concrete and did not have a breakaway base
and they hit a natural gas service (?)
Last edited by Ingenieur; 07-16-2014 at 05:23 PM.
12-04-2013, 11:41 AM
#61
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I think you are right about the nannies or lack thereof.
12-04-2013, 11:42 AM
#62
Former Vendor of MBWorld
According to E! News, they talked to people at the charity event and said that Paul/Roger were actually taking the car for a test drive because they had been trying to figure out an issue with the vehicle. Paul's last words apparently were, "We'll be right back"
My GF recorded it for me so I watched E! News last night for the first time ever
-Arsha
My GF recorded it for me so I watched E! News last night for the first time ever
-Arsha
12-04-2013, 12:05 PM
#63
MBWorld Fanatic!
Jim Torp (a supposed friend of theirs) who was at the event said they were on their second lap around the loop surrounding the shop, I wonder if the first lap was driven by Rodas and a second lap was had to allow "Brian" to take the driver's seat to give her a shot...?
That Carrera GT was supposedly sold, they were just out taking her for a spin before it went down the road with the new owner.
Man I wish they had stopped after lap one!
That Carrera GT was supposedly sold, they were just out taking her for a spin before it went down the road with the new owner.
Man I wish they had stopped after lap one!
12-04-2013, 12:34 PM
#64
MBWorld Fanatic!
"Man I wish they had stopped after lap one" - After further thought... I guess if there was a malfunction, someone was going to be at the mercy of that car, whether it be them, or the new owner. Hell without a malfunction someone was bound to be injured or worse in that car as to how it is described by professionals who know the machine.
My father always told me, "respect the machine as the machine doesn't feel pain."
When I first bought the C63, I was already looking into tunes. My friends all told me, "Why not get used to the power it already has first, then upgrade?" I said "Why the hell would I do that, I want to get used to the power it will have after the tune so I'm not surprised when the additional power hits.". I am a spirited driving fool when I get in that highly bolstered seat that makes me feel like I am at the track, but I also understand the throttle goes both ways. Gotta respect it, understand it, and appreciate it. Power comes with a lot of responsibility, in this case whoever was driving took the life of another, from what seems like a lack of understanding the power in which they were in charge of (maybe).
My father always told me, "respect the machine as the machine doesn't feel pain."
When I first bought the C63, I was already looking into tunes. My friends all told me, "Why not get used to the power it already has first, then upgrade?" I said "Why the hell would I do that, I want to get used to the power it will have after the tune so I'm not surprised when the additional power hits.". I am a spirited driving fool when I get in that highly bolstered seat that makes me feel like I am at the track, but I also understand the throttle goes both ways. Gotta respect it, understand it, and appreciate it. Power comes with a lot of responsibility, in this case whoever was driving took the life of another, from what seems like a lack of understanding the power in which they were in charge of (maybe).
12-04-2013, 01:55 PM
#65
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According to E! News, they talked to people at the charity event and said that Paul/Roger were actually taking the car for a test drive because they had been trying to figure out an issue with the vehicle. Paul's last words apparently were, "We'll be right back"
My GF recorded it for me so I watched E! News last night for the first time ever
-Arsha
My GF recorded it for me so I watched E! News last night for the first time ever
-Arsha
12-04-2013, 02:51 PM
#66
MBWorld Fanatic!
Autopsy shows he died from thermal trauma. AKA the crash didn't kill him but the fire did. That is probably the worst of it all.
12-04-2013, 04:06 PM
#68
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So it seems that P cars are notorious for this as Ryan Dunn suffered the same exact COD.
http://www.ibtimes.com/blunt-thermal...s-death-292941
I've seen Vettes absolutely decimated and the passengers walk away, not all but most.
http://www.ibtimes.com/blunt-thermal...s-death-292941
I've seen Vettes absolutely decimated and the passengers walk away, not all but most.
12-04-2013, 04:18 PM
#69
Paul Walker was best known for his action-packed films, but many are remembering the late actor, who died on Saturday in a fiery car crash, as a big softie with a huge heart.
During the holiday season several years ago, the "Fast & Furious" actor walked into Bailey Banks and Biddle Jewelers in Santa Barbara, California, and, according to sales associate Irene King, what happened next was practically out of a feel-good Hollywood movie.
King told CBS Los Angeles that an associate nudged her and said, “There’s Paul Walker.”
“Oh, OK, yeah,” King replied with a smile. “I said, ‘Yeah, he’s a nice-looking man.’”
Walker was browsing for bling at the same time as a soldier who had just finished his first tour of duty in Iraq, and was looking at engagement rings with his fiancée.
Paul Walker was just a genuine guy. (Splash News)
According to King, the pair saw a ring set they liked, but it was way too expensive and boasted a hefty $10,000 price tag.
In comes Walker. The blue-eyed actor called the store's manager and told him to put the ring that the couple was looking at "on his tab," but to keep his identity hidden. He promptly walked out of the store. According to King, the store never told the couple that Walker was the man behind the purchase, and nobody ever knew the sweet story until now.
King posted the story on the 40-year-old actor's Facebook page, among thousands of other anecdotes where people remembered him as "generous," "loving," and with a "heart of pure gold." Walker was a dedicated supporter of charities like the Billfish Foundation, and could always be counted on to raise funds for those in need. He founded his own organization, Reach Out Worldwide, after the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
"To do something like that to a perfect stranger is just unbelievable,” King said.
In this case, it appears that Paul Walker's generosity shined brighter than any diamond."
During the holiday season several years ago, the "Fast & Furious" actor walked into Bailey Banks and Biddle Jewelers in Santa Barbara, California, and, according to sales associate Irene King, what happened next was practically out of a feel-good Hollywood movie.
King told CBS Los Angeles that an associate nudged her and said, “There’s Paul Walker.”
“Oh, OK, yeah,” King replied with a smile. “I said, ‘Yeah, he’s a nice-looking man.’”
Walker was browsing for bling at the same time as a soldier who had just finished his first tour of duty in Iraq, and was looking at engagement rings with his fiancée.
Paul Walker was just a genuine guy. (Splash News)
According to King, the pair saw a ring set they liked, but it was way too expensive and boasted a hefty $10,000 price tag.
In comes Walker. The blue-eyed actor called the store's manager and told him to put the ring that the couple was looking at "on his tab," but to keep his identity hidden. He promptly walked out of the store. According to King, the store never told the couple that Walker was the man behind the purchase, and nobody ever knew the sweet story until now.
King posted the story on the 40-year-old actor's Facebook page, among thousands of other anecdotes where people remembered him as "generous," "loving," and with a "heart of pure gold." Walker was a dedicated supporter of charities like the Billfish Foundation, and could always be counted on to raise funds for those in need. He founded his own organization, Reach Out Worldwide, after the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
"To do something like that to a perfect stranger is just unbelievable,” King said.
In this case, it appears that Paul Walker's generosity shined brighter than any diamond."
12-04-2013, 04:21 PM
#70
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Very few people with that kind of generosity and the funds to back it up! We lost a great person, no doubt in that.
12-04-2013, 04:37 PM
#71
that's what it looks like with a double check/strainer and isolation valve what confused me was that around here water is always kept underground due to freezing concerns, not in issue in LA
the car was basically sheared in half by the concrete pole
terrible loss
12-04-2013, 06:57 PM
#73
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sprinkler as in irrigation not fire protection I assume? too small for fire service
that's what it looks like with a double check/strainer and isolation valve what confused me was that around here water is always kept underground due to freezing concerns, not in issue in LA
the car was basically sheared in half by the concrete pole
terrible loss
that's what it looks like with a double check/strainer and isolation valve what confused me was that around here water is always kept underground due to freezing concerns, not in issue in LA
the car was basically sheared in half by the concrete pole
terrible loss
12-05-2013, 12:28 AM
#74
Senior Member
Honestly, given the driving experience and skills, I'm thinking they tried to dodge an animal in the road. Or, something popped out that they tried to avoid and lost control.
No matter how experienced, you're never 100% in control. F1, Nascar, Indycar, etc. drivers lose control during practice laps.
No matter how experienced, you're never 100% in control. F1, Nascar, Indycar, etc. drivers lose control during practice laps.
12-05-2013, 03:28 AM
#75
MBWorld Fanatic!
Been reading a lot if great stuff about the man. He had a big heart and helped so many in need. Guess god wanted him to do bigger things up there in heaven.
