Cobra accident - Page 2

bobcowan · #21 (**permalink**) 06-08-2010, 12:52 PM

Wow, a lot of jumping to conlcusions. Just because the paper says, "Alcohol appears to be a factor in the crash, police said." doesn't mean that it was. Maybe they were drunk, and maybe they were not. Pure speculation at this point. In some counties, alcohol is always the cause until they find something else.

And Tommy is right. The last picture is a completly differant car. If they can't get the pictures right, why should we believe they can get the facts right.

I don't know these people, or the drivers skill level. But what if it was something like a broken Bilstein at 55mph? That never happens.

CowtownCobra · #22 (**permalink**) 06-08-2010, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhv48

And Texas actually has drive-thru liquor stores.

Ahhuuummm.....yes we do, they sell beer and wine, no hard liquor. Open container is now outlawed, but until a few years back was OK as long as you could pass a breathalizer test.

mdross1 · #23 (**permalink**) 06-08-2010, 01:42 PM

Too bad! The last time I was involved in an accident (1981) with our beautiful 69 Chevelle,and alcohol was the culprit.That too was the last time alcohol and motorvehicles were used in the same sentence at this ranch.Good thing,no way could I ever imagine climbing behind the wheel of the Cobra with a buzz.

Bernica · #24 (**permalink**) 06-08-2010, 02:03 PM

Another tip for you dealers and organizers sponsoring car events that sell alcohol:
If your name is on the flyers and advertising, think twice if they allow alcohol at your car event. Somehow, you will be named in the lawsuit when something goes wrong. "Exhibit A" is the flyer with your name on it!!!
I'm not a Lawyer, but we have plenty here that I would think can back that up.

Excaliber · #25 (**permalink**) 06-08-2010, 03:03 PM

I don't recall that we ever had liquor of any kind at the car shows or cruise in's I attended over the years in Hawaii. Not that myself or anybody else I know there "drank" anyway. A New Years high ball, maybe.

....sounds like it's fairly common on the mainland?

jwd · #26 (**permalink**) 06-08-2010, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhv48

And Texas actually has drive-thru liquor stores.

What's your point? Ever heard of a drive through fast food place? It's illegal to eat and drive in most, if not all, states.

LMH · #27 (**permalink**) 06-08-2010, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhv48

And Texas actually has drive-thru liquor stores.

AZ does also. There's one right across the street from the of the University of Arizona. We all know college kids never drink!
Larry

Jamo · #28 (**permalink**) 06-09-2010, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobcowan

Wow, a lot of jumping to conlcusions. Just because the paper says, "Alcohol appears to be a factor in the crash, police said." doesn't mean that it was. Maybe they were drunk, and maybe they were not. Pure speculation at this point. In some counties, alcohol is always the cause until they find something else.

And Tommy is right. The last picture is a completly differant car. If they can't get the pictures right, why should we believe they can get the facts right.

I don't know these people, or the drivers skill level. But what if it was something like a broken Bilstein at 55mph? That never happens.

Yup.

Just wanted to assure you that someone did read your post and agrees with you.

Just hope the folks make it through the ordeal.

Excaliber · #29 (**permalink**) 06-09-2010, 12:02 PM

As was mentioned earlier, "alcohol" may mean nothing more than a single beer or a glass of wine shared with friends at a local cruise in. The police report, "Alcohol APPEARS to be a factor." So what happened to this experienced driver/owner of TWO COBRAS, one of which is a race car? He's no newbie, alcohol couldn't be ruled out as a factor. Based on the preliminary police report, it's not speculation on this thread, it's a possible factor.

Did the article in the paper get it wrong about which Cobra is owned by the man in question? Or did the reader miss this important note on one of the five pictures posted?

Quote:

Debbie Helms, Christian Hills, and Gregory Helms of Corona Del Mar stand with their '65 Shelby Cobra, one of two that they dispayed at a 2009 car show in Orange.

The picture of his SECOND COBRA, a race car, says to me the guy knew how to drive, he's not a newbie. He wasn't likely showing off for his wife. He would be knowledgable concerning throttle over steer. In other words, I would tend to rule out "driver error" in this single car accident. UNLESS he was under the influence?

Did something break on the car? Or was their indeed alcohol involved?

Jamo · #30 (**permalink**) 06-09-2010, 12:24 PM

Actually, your post provides a fine assample of what "speculation" is all about, you speculator you.

DAVID GAGNARD · #31 (**permalink**) 06-09-2010, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LMH

AZ does also. There's one right across the street from the of the University of Arizona. We all know college kids never drink!
Larry

Louisiana also, only packaged liquor, no open containers, unless you count the drivethru at the Diaquiri huts all over the place!!!!!!!!!!

David

Excaliber · #32 (**permalink**) 06-09-2010, 12:37 PM

The speculatin' prostecution rests it's case!

rokndad · #33 (**permalink**) 06-09-2010, 01:14 PM

Hi gang, long time no post. Been dealing with cancer and have had a rough time. A shame, my car hasn't been driven in over 6 months, but I get in and fire it up once in a while. Until my eyes start burning. Can't push the clutch in since the big C has taken over my left leg.

Regarding the crash, I have met Greg twice at Concours shows in Irvine, just around the corner from my home. Costa Mesa equally close. In fact he has two CSX cars and one of them is built like a Spec Racer. I think they are both CAV cars built right around the time mine was at SAI. I think he is CSX 4756 or 7. I remember that because the sequence was right next to mine.
The Spec racer was built by Newport Shelby Cobras in Costa Mesa,and it had the highest idle I have ever heard outside of top fuel cars. And loud. I thought mine was loud until I heard his. It was an attention getter. The car in the accident is his other CSX car and I don't have my registry handy but I believe it's CSX number is right around his other one.

I too pray for their speedy recovery, and will let the jury stay out on the alcohol issue for now. Take care guys, and thanks for the kind thoughts and visits I've had from several of you on this forum. Hopefully will be back in the game in the not too distant future.

Buzz · #34 (**permalink**) 06-09-2010, 10:37 PM

Here's hoping for your speedy recovery too, Rokndad! Beat that cancer so you can get your Cobra back on the road.

Slither · #35 (**permalink**) 06-10-2010, 07:41 AM

rokndad, didn't know you were ill! We all know you can beat the C thing. You are in our prayers!

dallas_ · #36 (**permalink**) 06-10-2010, 11:33 AM

Whether he had been drinking or not, (and I hope not) it is a bit disconcerting that there appears to be relatively little damage to the car for such serious injuries.

rokindad, hope you're well on the road to recovery.

John

patrickt · #37 (**permalink**) 06-10-2010, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dallas_

...it is a bit disconcerting that there appears to be relatively little damage to the car for such serious injuries.

If you skid out, and come to a complete and abrupt stop by hitting a curb at even 20mph, your head will continue to travel at 20mph, which is roughly 30 feet per second... and it will be stopped by your roll bar. Blunt force trauma to the head of that nature can easily cause severe injuries.

CoupedUp · #38 (**permalink**) 06-10-2010, 11:53 AM

Pic of Greg and I (Greg middle, me on right) at Cars-n-Coffee in Irvine from a while back. Just praying for a good outcome for Greg and his wife...

Doug

Silverback51 · #39 (**permalink**) 06-10-2010, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

If you skid out, and come to a complete and abrupt stop by hitting a curb at even 20mph, your head will continue to travel at 20mph, which is roughly 30 feet per second... and it will be stopped by your roll bar. Blunt force trauma to the head of that nature can easily cause severe injuries.

Use of seat belts and shoulder harnesses are another factor we know nothing about also.

LMH · #40 (**permalink**) 06-10-2010, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rokndad

Hi gang, long time no post. Been dealing with cancer and have had a rough time. A shame, my car hasn't been driven in over 6 months, but I get in and fire it up once in a while. Until my eyes start burning. Can't push the clutch in since the big C has taken over my left leg.

Regarding the crash, I have met Greg twice at Concours shows in Irvine, just around the corner from my home. Costa Mesa equally close. In fact he has two CSX cars and one of them is built like a Spec Racer. I think they are both CAV cars built right around the time mine was at SAI. I think he is CSX 4756 or 7. I remember that because the sequence was right next to mine.
The Spec racer was built by Newport Shelby Cobras in Costa Mesa,and it had the highest idle I have ever heard outside of top fuel cars. And loud. I thought mine was loud until I heard his. It was an attention getter. The car in the accident is his other CSX car and I don't have my registry handy but I believe it's CSX number is right around his other one.

I too pray for their speedy recovery, and will let the jury stay out on the alcohol issue for now. Take care guys, and thanks for the kind thoughts and visits I've had from several of you on this forum. Hopefully will be back in the game in the not too distant future.

Hope you recover quickly too!
Now if you need anyone to come by and drive your car...line forms to the right!
Larry