To Our Rally Community,
A few miles from the end of Stage 5 (Icicle Brook) car 909 crewed by TJ Pullen and Erin Kelly struck a tree
on the passenger side. TJ was transported to the hospital and later released but Erin passed away from
her injuries at the scene. Our hearts are with Erin’s family, friends and TJ as we all mourn her loss.
As we continue process this tragedy, it is our duty to learn as much as we can from this incident. Stage
rally’s safety record is something we are proud of. The decision of if someone decides to suit up and get
in a rally car is a very personal one but no one should do that if any piece of the safety puzzle is in
question.
From the police investigation to our own internal reports our goal is that we find what we did well and
what we could have done better. If anyone as anything to add to Friday and Saturday’s events and our
response, please email us at info@rallynewengland.com
From the initial reports, our emergency response could not have changed the outcome of the situation.
While that provides a certain level of solace, we want to ensure outstanding questions are answered for
ourselves and the community. ARA will to continue to investigate and has partnered with third party
resources to expand their understanding of this incident.
The event decided to try and continue on Saturday after several teams expressed the desire to race in
Erin’s honor. After a solemn driver meeting Saturday morning a majority of teams elected to withdraw,
we decided it was best to suspend the remainder of the event. As a worldwide community we are
suffering multiple tragedies over the past year and our sprits are bit more fragile.
We are proud to highlight and commend Sunday River Resorts response to our tragedy. They made the
quick decision to help customers with their remaining hotel room nights and opened up the Rally BBQ 7
hours early. We had over 300 people attend the BBQ and we were able to come together before
everyone headed home. Thank you, Sunday River, for your support.
We can’t not thank our volunteers, teams, crews, and spectators enough for everything they do. Now
we need to rely on each other as we continue to move forward.
Anyone looking to help can donate in Erin Kelly’s name to USAC’s Benevolent fund. Please find more
information here: www.raceaid.fund/donate
Very Respectfully,
Chris Cyr
Chairman
New England Forest Rally
on the passenger side. TJ was transported to the hospital and later released but Erin passed away from
her injuries at the scene. Our hearts are with Erin’s family, friends and TJ as we all mourn her loss.
As we continue process this tragedy, it is our duty to learn as much as we can from this incident. Stage
rally’s safety record is something we are proud of. The decision of if someone decides to suit up and get
in a rally car is a very personal one but no one should do that if any piece of the safety puzzle is in
question.
what we could have done better. If anyone as anything to add to Friday and Saturday’s events and our
response, please email us at info@rallynewengland.com
While that provides a certain level of solace, we want to ensure outstanding questions are answered for
ourselves and the community. ARA will to continue to investigate and has partnered with third party
resources to expand their understanding of this incident.
Erin’s honor. After a solemn driver meeting Saturday morning a majority of teams elected to withdraw,
we decided it was best to suspend the remainder of the event. As a worldwide community we are
suffering multiple tragedies over the past year and our sprits are bit more fragile.
quick decision to help customers with their remaining hotel room nights and opened up the Rally BBQ 7
hours early. We had over 300 people attend the BBQ and we were able to come together before
everyone headed home. Thank you, Sunday River, for your support.
we need to rely on each other as we continue to move forward.
information here: www.raceaid.fund/donate
Chairman
New England Forest Rally
