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New Port Richey man dies in crash on race track
By CAMILLE C. SPENCER
Published January 23, 2007
A 65-year-old New Port Richey race car driver died Sunday after running into a wall at the Charlotte County Motorsports Park. Hugh Murphy, of 7239 Arboretum Way, was in the 40th lap of the V-8 Enduro feature event when the crash occurred about 2:45 p.m., the Punta Gorda race track reported on its Web site. Murphy, who was driving the No. 5 car, hit a wall and stopped quickly, the race track said. Emergency workers took Murphy to the Charlotte Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, according to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office. Detectives are awaiting autopsy results to determine the cause of death. All racing events were canceled for the remainder of the day as detectives investigated the crash. Murphy's son, Todd, was racing in the event with his father when the crash occurred, the race track reported. He could not be reached Monday for comment. Hugh Murphy has placed in the top five during previous events at the Punta Gorda race track. Members of the race track are organizing a tribute to Murphy at an event Saturday. Camille C. Spencer can be reached at 727 869-6229 or cspencer@sptimes.com.
[Last modified January 22, 2007, 22:04:56]
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