SCCA has issued an official press release regarding the accident:
HILLSBORO, Ore. (July 12, 2003) – Subaru Rally Team USA superstars Mark Lovell, 43, and Roger Freeman, 52, both of England, were fatally injured Saturday during the first special stage of the Oregon Trail SCCA ProRally event.
The first car away from the starting line, driver Lovell, and co-driver Freeman, left the prescribed course moments into the stage and struck a tree in their Subaru Impreza WRX. The two were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel. Details of the incident were held until the families were notified.
“This is a tragic day for the world of rallying and motorsports in general, “said Steve Johnson, SCCA President and CEO, who was in attendance at the event. “Mark Lovell and Roger Freeman were among the best crews in the world, but they were also great competitors as well. Our prayers go out to their families, Subaru Rally Team USA and all of their friends and supporters.”
The duo who had been rallying together for twenty years were competingin their third event together of 2003. They entered the Oregon Trail fresh from success winning the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb of June 27. The 2001 Overall Drivers Champion, Lovell is survived by his wife, Julia, and his children Oliver and Thomas. Roger Freeman is survived by his wife, Alison, and children Becky and John.
A decision was made to finish Day One of the rally while information regarding the accident was gathered and after rally organizershad consulted with SCCA national staff, national safety stewardsand at the request of Subaru Rally Team USA Manager and close personal friend of Lovell and Freeman, David Campion. The field then ran an abbreviated schedule of stages later in the day. The rally will continue with the completion of the final six stages on Sunday as scheduled.
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It is still so lovely to be able to view stories and memories of Roger and Mark. As Mark’s second wife I gave birth to Mark’s 1st Born, Matthew (now nearly 10) who like us all was devastated when Mark & Roger died. Matthew takes great comfort in being able to search out information on his Dad, but it does get a little bit hurtful when his name is never mentioned amongst any of the family tributes. Matthew is the image of Mark and in many ways is just like him, it is a shame that people don’t know about the “other” legacy that Mark left us.
hi louise.
This is roland of toyota team malaysia.not sure if you still remeber me. i heard about mark some time back but never thought of looking up the story of how it happened till today. i hope all is well with you.
my regards and take care.
Hi Roland,
Of course I remember you, I have very fond memories of my rally days with Mark especially in Malaysia. Thank you for thinking of and remembering Mark & I, I trust that you are well and it is so nice to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me lektoris@gotadsl.co.uk
With love xx
Hi,
Can anyone help with some research I am trying to undertake into the Ford Escort Mk.111 (RS Turbo).These were built at Boreham and one was rallied by Mark Lovell and Peter Davis in 1985.
Any photographs or media coverage would be appreciated.
Gone but never forgotten. God chose completely the right time and took away the two most amazing people in my life. Keep shining down on us. I love you & miss you both so muchxxxxxxxxxxxxx