Jerry Karl

COURIER3 · 2/18/08, 8:47 PM

I just received a message that retired sprint, Silver Crown and Indy car driver Jerry Karl was killed Saturday night in Pennsylvania in a one car highway accident.

Dwight Clock · 2/18/08, 8:58 PM

That is a shame. Jerry Karl competed for many years with the ARDC midgets & URC sprints as well as USAC. He was a tough competitor and a real nice guy. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. RIP:crying:

ronmil · 2/18/08, 9:10 PM

Sorry to hear that. I remember hearing a story that he was struggling to find enough funds to buy food early in his career, so he attached a 2 x 4 to the front bumper of his car so that it was near the ground and would drive in the median. He would manage to score a rabbit for dinner by this method. Don't know if this actually happened or not, but I read it in one of my racing publications sometime ago.

2/19/08, 12:18 AM

This is Jimmy Karl Jerry's brother. Jerry died Saturday morning in a car crash in Maryland. He was in Maryland because his boat was docked there. Medical Examiner states death was from head trama. Its ironic that Jerry should die in a car crash after spending most of his life racing car's. He's being layed out on Thursday 2-21-08 at EMIG Funeral Home 47 N Queen St Dover Pa.

2/19/08, 12:22 AM

Ron that story is true. The story appeared in the book Boys of INDY.

2/19/08, 12:55 AM

Dwight thanks for the nice words about Jerry. Jerry was a good guy and tuff competor. Jerry never got the recognition he deserved. He could race anything with wheels and he built most of the cars he raced from the ground up. Jerry would go through the garage area after a race and buy two or three blown engines. Out of those three he put together one good engine and go out the next race and compete. They dont make them like that any more. Jerry's brother Jimmy.

Barney · 2/19/08, 8:04 AM

Jimbo I am sorry for your loss. Although I did not know your brother I have lost 2 friends in the last few weeks. Its never easy. Prayers to you and your family.

Gregg · 2/19/08, 8:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronmil

Sorry to hear that. I remember hearing a story that he was struggling to find enough funds to buy food early in his career, so he attached a 2 x 4 to the front bumper of his car so that it was near the ground and would drive in the median. He would manage to score a rabbit for dinner by this method. Don't know if this actually happened or not, but I read it in one of my racing publications sometime ago.

I read this story too. I heard it was at a time due to a racing accident he had a broken arm or shoulder (don't know which) so rabbit hunting with a shotgun wasn't an option.

Really hate to hear this. Guys like Jerry Karl gave the month of May at Indy a little more character. I miss things like John Martins Unsponsored Special, the Barney Navarro's Turbo Charged Rambler, the Two Jacks cars, and of course Jerry Karl with first the Oriente Express and the Tonco Trailer Spl.

RIP, Jerry.

davidm · 2/19/08, 2:54 PM

I am so sorry to hear this. Had the pleasure of talking to Jerry at Latimore a couple years ago. He was a darn nice guy! So sorry for the lose.

Ovalmeister · 2/19/08, 5:43 PM

Sad news indeed. Vividly remember Jerry at Indy when I was growing up. I never knew he had a Pennsylvania sprint car team up until 2005? Below is a cool photo gallery a friend emailed me. Should bring back fond memories to folks like me who followed his career in Indy cars. :respect:
David.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/millerr...7603720064481/

2/18/08, 9:10 PM	#3 Re: Jerry Karl
ronmil Senior Member Race Count Last Year: 48 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 18,839	Sorry to hear that. I remember hearing a story that he was struggling to find enough funds to buy food early in his career, so he attached a 2 x 4 to the front bumper of his car so that it was near the ground and would drive in the median. He would manage to score a rabbit for dinner by this method. Don't know if this actually happened or not, but I read it in one of my racing publications sometime ago. __________________ Ron Miller

2/18/08, 8:47 PM	#1 Jerry Karl
COURIER3 Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 39	I just received a message that retired sprint, Silver Crown and Indy car driver Jerry Karl was killed Saturday night in Pennsylvania in a one car highway accident.

2/18/08, 8:58 PM	#2 Re: Jerry Karl
Dwight Clock Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,233	That is a shame. Jerry Karl competed for many years with the ARDC midgets & URC sprints as well as USAC. He was a tough competitor and a real nice guy. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. RIP:crying:

2/19/08, 12:18 AM	#4 Re: Jerry Karl
Jimbo17333 Posts: n/a	This is Jimmy Karl Jerry's brother. Jerry died Saturday morning in a car crash in Maryland. He was in Maryland because his boat was docked there. Medical Examiner states death was from head trama. Its ironic that Jerry should die in a car crash after spending most of his life racing car's. He's being layed out on Thursday 2-21-08 at EMIG Funeral Home 47 N Queen St Dover Pa.

2/19/08, 12:22 AM	#5 Re: Jerry Karl
Jimbo17333 Posts: n/a	Ron that story is true. The story appeared in the book Boys of INDY.

2/19/08, 12:55 AM	#6 Re: Jerry Karl
Jimbo17333 Posts: n/a	Dwight thanks for the nice words about Jerry. Jerry was a good guy and tuff competor. Jerry never got the recognition he deserved. He could race anything with wheels and he built most of the cars he raced from the ground up. Jerry would go through the garage area after a race and buy two or three blown engines. Out of those three he put together one good engine and go out the next race and compete. They dont make them like that any more. Jerry's brother Jimmy.

2/19/08, 8:04 AM	#7 Re: Jerry Karl
Barney Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 262	Jimbo I am sorry for your loss. Although I did not know your brother I have lost 2 friends in the last few weeks. Its never easy. Prayers to you and your family.

2/19/08, 2:54 PM	#9 Re: Jerry Karl
davidm Senior Member Race Count This Year: 21 Race Count Last Year: 23 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 12,509	I am so sorry to hear this. Had the pleasure of talking to Jerry at Latimore a couple years ago. He was a darn nice guy! So sorry for the lose.

2/19/08, 5:43 PM	#10 Re: Jerry Karl
Ovalmeister Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 805	Sad news indeed. Vividly remember Jerry at Indy when I was growing up. I never knew he had a Pennsylvania sprint car team up until 2005? Below is a cool photo gallery a friend emailed me. Should bring back fond memories to folks like me who followed his career in Indy cars. :respect: David. http://www.flickr.com/photos/millerr...7603720064481/