Oakland man dies after speeding Porsches collide in Napa County

Two speeding sports cars collided Sunday during an organized ride for vintage car enthusiasts on a Napa County roadway, leaving an Oakland man dead, CHP officials said.

Jordan Hilsenbeck, 50, of Oakland died in the crash on the rural two-lane route through the Pope Valley. He was driving a 1969 Porsche when another driver - apparently a friend - tried to pass him, Napa County Sheriff-Coroner Capt. Steve Blower and CHP officers said. Blower said the men were part of a motorcade of 35 to 40 vehicles involved in the Bohemian Run, a two-day Northern California rally for vintage car models.

Hilsenbeck and John David Ravitch, 53, had been speeding in the moments before the 3:25 p.m. crash on Pope Valley Road in northern Napa County, according to the CHP. The speed limit is 55 mph.

Ravitch, in a 1989 Porsche, was directly behind Hilsenbeck as they approached Pope Valley Cross Road.

As Hilsenbeck started to turn left onto Pope Valley Cross Road, Ravitch attempted to pass him on the left, crossing over double yellow lines, the CHP said. Hilsenbeck slammed on his brakes but couldn’t avoid the other car and Ravitch’s Porsche broadsided the other man’s Porsche, shoving both cars into a tree.

Ravitch and passenger Adisa Willmer, 51, also of Oakland, were taken to St. Helena Hospital, where they were treated for minor injuries and released.

The CHP said drugs or alcohol didn’t appear to be involved and that the Napa County District Attorney’s Office was alerted about the fatal crash.

Ravitch didn’t respond to a phone call Monday. He is the brother of Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch.

Reached by phone Monday, Jill Ravitch expressed condolences for Hilsenbeck’s family but declined to offer wider comment.

“We’re going to let the process run its course, as it does in matters of this type,” Ravitch said. “My thoughts and wishes of peace are with his family.”

The 2015 Bohemian Run is two-day ride covering up to 700 miles through mostly rural, two-lane roads across the North Coast.

“The spirit of the rally is fun, enthusiastic and the spirit of vintage rally events. Dressing up in period attire is encouraged. You will be surrounded by like-minded and enthusiastic participants,” according to the group’s website.

Attempts to reach ride organizers by phone and through the group’s website were unanswered Monday.

You can reach Staff Writer Julie Johnson at 521-5220 or julie.johnson@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @jjpressdem.