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San Jose Man Dies In Reno Road Race Crash

RENO (CBS SF) -- A San Jose man died in a crash a few miles short of the finish line at a road race in rural Nevada on Sunday, according to the local sheriff's office.

Philip Bowser, 71, was killed in the crash shortly before 9 a.m. Sunday in the biannual Silver State Classic Challenge held on state Highway 318 between Lund and Hiko, Nevada, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office.

Bowser, who had his daughter Amy as a passenger in the car, was driving a 1997 Porsche 993 that drifted to the right shoulder of the roadway while he maneuvered a slight left turn, sheriff's officials said.

The car then abruptly rotated left and crossed both lanes and went off the highway, rolled over and caught fire, according to the sheriff's office.

Amy Bowser, a resident of Reno, Nevada, was able to escape with minor injuries but her father did not escape and was pronounced dead at the scene, sheriff's officials said.

Sheriff's officials said Philip Bowser had competed in many Silver State Classic Challenge events over the years. He was entered in the 150 mph class at this year's event and his brother was also entered in the race at the 145 mph class.

The race was red-flagged following the crash. A statement on the race's website reads, "All of us at the Silver State Classic Challenge are saddened by the loss of our friend and fellow competitor Philip Bowser. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends."

© Copyright 2014 by CBS San Francisco and Bay City News Service. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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