Drag racer dies

By The Garden Island

Published: Sunday, July 5, 2009 2:10 AM HST

MANA — Long-time Kaua‘i race car driver Rudy Ramos died from injuries sustained in a drag-racing accident around 6 p.m. Friday at Kaua‘i Raceway Park in Mana, sources said Saturday.

On-site emergency staff responded immediately and transported him to the hospital after the incident, a news release from Garden Isle Racing Association says.

GIRA received information Saturday morning that Ramos, 62, died as a result of his injuries.

“This tragic event is an enormous loss for the entire racing community,” the release says. “Rudy has been part of our racing community for over 30 years; he was a passionate racer and a great sportsman. GIRA is saddened by this loss and our condolences go out to the Ramos family.”

GIRA Vice President Bobby Naciomento said he was unable to release any additional information by press time.

Another driver at the track Saturday morning said Ramos was transported to Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital Friday evening and then to the Pacific Missile Range Facility for medivac to Honolulu.

“NHRA King of the Track” races were scheduled Friday and Saturday at the track. Patrons said racers honored Ramos Saturday evening.

Witnesses said Ramos lost control of his Red 1958 Corvette and was ejected in the incident.

The Honolulu medical examiner’s office reportedly confirmed that Ramos had died. The office said Saturday it couldn’t provide information on his cause of death.


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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of kauaiworld.com.

thehumbler wrote on Jul 4, 2009 3:50 PM:

" Rudy Ramos was one of the finest gentlemen this Island has ever seen. He had a heart so big that it touched more families on this Island then any one can imagine. Rudy didn't just talk he helped and without every expecting anything in return. I know that many people are deeply affected by his passing! He will be missed by many and remember by all those whose lives he so generously touched. From this day forward July 4th will hold even greater significance in my life and those who were affected by Rudy. May Rudy's family and friends be comforted by the Lord in the coming days. "

RS Weir wrote on Jul 5, 2009 10:46 AM:

" Rudy Ramos is the very definition of Best Friend. His death brings great sorrow to all that knew and loved him. "

kelaniz wrote on Jul 5, 2009 11:26 AM:

" My Father (Rudy Ramos) is a great man.

My family and I have suffered the greatest loss of our lives.

An avid hunter, fisherman, race car enthusiast, among many other things, we believe that He died doing what he enjoyed most.

As for me, July 4th will be a day I will never ever forget.

I would like to humbly thank everyone for the loving words and heartfelt condolences.

My Father will be missed by many but, not as much as I will miss him.

I Love You Dad. "

misty1 wrote on Jul 5, 2009 12:49 PM:

" To the family of Rudy Ramos ....i send my condolensces. I pray that the Lord gives you strength as you go through this hardship and loss and bring you Love from each person that Rudy has touch with his friendship. Aloha 'oe Rudy! "

valleygirl wrote on Jul 5, 2009 3:02 PM:

" To the Ramos family may our prayers be with you. "

MrPrem wrote on Jul 6, 2009 11:30 AM:

" i was there when that happend i was towing for wayne costa when he raced rudy i seen everything he will be missed R.I.P Rudy i will pray for his family ... "

bobby morris wrote on Jul 6, 2009 1:45 PM:

" I had the pleasure and privilege of knowing Rudy, a gentleman that lived the true meaning of "Aloha Spirit". Kauai has lost one of its brightess gems! Rest in peace my friend. Aloha Pumehana "

waimeagurl wrote on Jul 7, 2009 1:26 PM:

" R.I.P Uncle Rudy! You will be forever in our hearts. "

alohakauai wrote on Jul 8, 2009 2:01 PM:

" On Saturday July 4 the held a convoy at 8:30 pm in memory of Rudy at Mana Drag Strip. It was the most touching thing I saw so many "racers" driving down the strip to remember such a Great Man. As the convoy was just about down with perfect timing the fireworks from the Kekaha Ballpark set off at made it even more touching.

Aloha Oe to Great Man who was involved with the races! "

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