KJ McKinster always loved cars and lived to race them. KJ started racing go karts at the age of five years old, and was enthusiastically pursuing his dream of racing Formula 1 cars someday. Many famous F1 and NASCAR drivers began their profession racing go karts, to train and prepare them for careers racing the larger, faster cars.
KJ was part of a professional racing team and raced top-notch venues, with his family and .....continued from home page...his mechanic by his side. On April 11, 2008, twelve year old KJ was practicing Power-Breaking with his mechanic, during a practice session at the Tri City Kart Club track in Richland, Washington. K.J. made it successfully around the first lap, and he built up speed down the straightaway. The data from his kart (AIM System) showed that he reached a speed of 67 mph. However, KJ was unaware that his brakes had failed, and he was unable to control his kart around the hairpin corner of turn one. A thorough investigation show that two pins were not installed in the braking system on his brand new CRG go kart, causing the brake failure.
He tried to hang on and tackle the corner, but because of the break failure, it was too late to do anything else but try to make the turn as best he could. He caught the edge of the track 3/4 of the way into turn one, and the gravel sucked him down the hill, down the slick grass, and into a four-wire steel cable fence, similar to the fences you see dividing commercial Interstates. This cable fence had no flexibility, and caught K.J.'s neck between his neck protector and helmet, snapping his neck and ripping him out of his kart. He died instantly.
KJ had the best in personal protection, but due to the speed going down a slick hill into a steel cable fence, it was not enough. The fence at the bottom of the hill was a blind spot, a hidden danger. If a safety barrier or a even $5.00 hay bale were located in front of this fence, it would have saved his life, allowing him to walk away from the accident and live his life to the fullest, but this was not the case. Later on, it was discovered that this steel cable fence had injured other racers before KJ. However, it took KJ's death for this track and other tracks to realize the risks of combining steel cable fences and high speed go karts. Some tracks have taken notice, installing safety barriers to protect the driver in the event their kart malfunctions and they go off the track.
The McKinsters have created Safe Trax, a non-profit company designed to bring awareness of the importance of safety barriers on race tracks. The McKinsters also want people to know that with any sport your child is involved in, please examine the playing field and surroundings for hidden dangers. Never assume that someone else has already assessed the safety of the track or sports venue. The best gear and coaches cannot protect your child from safety issues that may be present.
The McKinsters want to thank everyone who has reached out to them during this tragic time. The comments here have touched their hearts, and the notes and letters have kept KJ's memory alive. As well, the donations you have made have helped some tracks install safety barriers.
Never forget KJ, and honor him by turning the other cheek more, loving more, and not holding back when it comes to living your life to the fullest.
Peace and love to everyone KJ has touched.
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