Driver Andy Kirby killed in motorcycle accident

WHITE HOUSE, Tenn. -- NASCAR Busch Series driver Andy Kirby was killed in a motorcycle accident on Thursday night in his hometown.

	Andy Kirby

Kirby, 40, was traveling westbound at a high rate of speed on Union Road when he lost control of his 1985 Harley-Davidson motorcycle negotiating a curve. The accident occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. CT.

"According to our investigation, the driver slid 174 feet on the pavement before he and the motorcycle slid off the road," said Beth Tucker-Womack, spokesperson for the Tennessee Highway Patrol. "He then slid another 47 feet before striking a tree.

"At that time, he was ejected from the bike. There was no sign of drugs or alcohol involved."

Kirby drove in 12 races this year and had a best finish of sixth place at Talladega Superspeedway. He made a total of 28 NBS starts in his career. His racing background included motorcross bike racing and Late Model Stock Cars.

He spent eight seasons competing at Nashville Speedway USA, where he was NASCAR Winston Racing Series champion in 1997 and rookie of the year in 1990.

He is survived by his wife Dori and three sons, Seth, Jonathan and Ethan.

Chad Chaffin, driver of the No. 16 31-W Insulation Pontiac, knew Kirby for 15 years and competed against him at Nashville. He recalled his fellow driver and friend with a fondness and admiration.

"Andy and I were kind of like the end of what I like to call the old-school racers," Chaffin said. "We worked on our cars, set them up and fixed them when we wrecked them.

"I raced against him for about 12 years and we had many a good battle at the Nashville Speedway. He was a great racer. He got his own sponsors, built his own cars and he just really loved racing.

"It was devastating news to me and I really feel for his whole family. He'll really be missed."

NASCAR released a statement regarding the fatal accident on Friday afternoon. It stated: "Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to Dori, Seth, Jonathan and Ethan; and all the Kirby family and friends. Andy will be missed as a competitor and a friend among our racing community."