The race in Pueblo was on the 97th lap when Pardo was nudged from behind, causing him to spin out right into the wall at the pit lane entrance at an estimated 120 mph. He was eventually removed from the wreckage and taken to the hospital by helicopter where he died 45 minutes later.Pardo was later awarded the victory as the race was called due to a time limit after the accident.
At the time, he was in the lead.The crash is unbelievable when seen for the first time.
Auto racing has seen many fatal accidents, but this may be the most devastating I have ever witnessed. It looks as though a giant explosion had taken place upon impact and it even appears as though the end of the wall was broken off as a result. There was no avoiding this crash, and unfortuantely Pardo did not have the same luck as this rally car driver. Not even the impact of a giant school bus into the wall can compare with what was witnessed on this track just east of Mexico City. That was one of the saddest sports accidents.