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Cause of fatal dragstrip crash still undetermined Investigators found no reason why the throttle may have stuck in the car in which a drag racer crashed and died Saturday. An autopsy conducted Tuesday also ruled out health problems in the death of Gresham resident Mel Bresaw, 50, at the Southern Oregon Dragway in White City. According to the Jackson County sheriff's office, Bresaw died of blunt force trauma to the head. "Nobody could find a mechanical cause for the accident," sheriff's deputy Dave Beatty said. Two mechanics looked at the car, along with an investigator from the National Hot Rod Association. Bresaw's car continued past the finish line and crashed into a tree at an estimated 100-120 mph. His car's parachute was open. A witness told police he heard Bresaw feather the gas in an apparent attempt to unstick the throttle. But Jerry Valentine, who investigates accidents at NHRA-sponsored events, checked the throttle equipment in the engine compartment and it seemed OK. The safety equipment was working properly, a sheriff's office report said. Valentine also found that kill switches for the gas and engine had not been shut off. The quarter shift, which would have put the transmission in neutral and slowed the car, had not been engaged. But he said that drivers rarely do that because it'll usually blow the engine. Valentine said he didn't feel there was any foul play involved. Beatty said there was quite a bit of damage to the car, making it hard for investigators. Bresaw had run his car two times earlier that day and didn't have any problems, the deputy said. Bresaw was a member of the NHRA for 20 years. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA