Tourist crashes, dies at Daytona

UPDATE Robert Powell, a 60 year-old man from Apopka, FL passed away yesterday while participating in the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Daytona International Speedway. The man, who was driving in the “High Banks 8" session at the 2.5 mile superspeedway, was on lap 4 of his 8 scheduled laps when the incident took place.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to this man’s family and friends and we truly regret this incident took place," said Chris McKee, Media Relations Director for RPDE. “I have spoken with Mr. Boswell’s son and he was just happy that his dad was living out his dream of getting to drive a real race car."

The Halifax Medical Examiner’s report shows the Boswell passed away of a heart attack and not from any mechanical issue with the car. Richard Petty Driving Experience PR

02/04/08 A 60-year-old man crashed and died while driving at the Daytona Beach International Speedway as part of the Richard Petty Driving Experience, authorities and family members said today. Robert Boswell was taking part in the Richard Petty Driving Experience, a program where fans pay to get behind the wheel of a NASCAR car, said his son Greg Boswell. The crash occurred about 5 p.m. Sunday, police said. Bowden was taken to Halifax Health Medical Center where he was declared dead at 7pm/et. "He was driving at the time he died," Greg Boswell said. Police released Boswell's name, but they are not commenting on the investigation because it is still active, said Daytona Beach police spokesman Jimmie Flynt. Daytona Beach News Journal