Off-road racing champion Rick Huseman and brother Jeff were among three people killed in a California plane crash Sunday, Oct. 16.
On an already emotionally trying day the professional racing community now mourns two more beloved friends and competitors. It’s been confirmed that off-road racer Rick Huseman and his brother Jeff Huseman were among three people killed in a plane crash while attempting an emergency landing in Barstow, CA. The Beechcraft Bonanza aircraft had been traveling from North Las Vegas to Corona when it crashed about five miles from the Barstow-Doggett airport Sunday afternoon, officials said.
The news comes on the heels of a horrific 15-car wreck that claimed the life of IndyCar champion Dan Wheldon, who left behind a wife and two young sons. Huseman also leaves behind wife Michelle and toddler son Ricky.
Huseman’s amazing career included a record for the most single season wins in short course history and the prestigious Driver of the Year award from Dirt Sports Magazine in 2010. Upon hearing news of Rick and Jeff’s deaths, E3 Spark Plugs President and CEO Todd Arey release the following statement:
The motorsports family suffered two tragedies yesterday with the untimely deaths of Rick Huseman and his brother Jeff in a plane crash; and Dan Wheldon in a horrible INDY car wreck. Rick and Jeff Huseman were important members of the E3 race family, and we are deeply saddened by their deaths. Over the past year we have become very close to Rick and Jeff through our sponsorship of their off road truck program. Rick was a terrific racer and an amazing person, and we will miss his smile and his laugh. We are in shock over the loss of Rick and Jeff, and express our deepest sympathy to his family. I have wonderful memories of the times I spent with the Huseman race team and especially Rick. We ask that you keep the entire Huseman family in your prayers.
As a personal friend to Sam Schmit, we are also reaching out to express our support to the family of Dan Weldon at the loss of his life. I know that the Schmit Race family is deeply saddened by the events of yesterday and we wish to express our condolences and prayers of comfort to the Wheldon and Schmit families.
Todd Arey
President/CEO
E3 Spark Plugs
