Rally driver killed in Washington

Matthew Marker, 31, of Elk Rapids, Mich., did not survive injuries sustained in a racing accident Saturday during the Olympus Rally in Washington.

Marker’s co-driver Christopher Gordon of Brooklyn Park, Minn., was not seriously injured in the accident.

The crash occurred when Marker’s car went off the road on a right turn, during the sixth competitive stage of the event, impacting a tree with the driver’s side of the car. Medical personnel responded to the scene quickly, but could not resuscitate Marker.

RallyCar Managing Director, J.B. Niday, knew Marker well describing him as, “a generous, loveable personality that wouldn’t think twice about offering parts to other drivers. He loved the sport and was a unique character from the first day he showed up at the Sno*Drift Rally four years ago."

Olympus Rally organizers and RallyCar officials decided to conclude the Rally American National Championship event at the end of Special Stage 6 and will award points based on those finishing times.