SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- A former state legislator was killed in a three-vehicle crash and two drivers were arrested in connection with the high-speed accident that scattered debris more than 100 yards along Scottsdale Road, authorities said.

Police identified the victim as Cal Holman, 76, who lived near the crash site.

State Sen. Carolyn Allen, R-Scottsdale, confirmed Friday night that Holman used to represent Paradise Valley and was a still-active member of the state Republican party.

He lived just around the corner from the crash and had just called his wife. She apparently then heard the collision, which sent debris flying hundreds of feet.

Police said Robert H. Brakel, 42, of Phoenix, and Travis J. Aronica, 25, of Michigan, were taken into custody on Friday after being treated at Scottsdale-area hospitals for injuries they suffered in the crash.

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They each were being charged with one count of second-degree murder, according to police.

Witnesses told authorities that the vehicles driven by Brakel and Aronica allegedly were drag racing at speeds up to 70 mph when they struck Holman's car. The posted speed limit in that area is 45 mph.

Sgt. Mark Clark, a Scottsdale police spokesman, said debris from the crash was strewn across hundreds of feet of roadway and the investigation will be extensive.

It was not immediately known if alcohol was a factor in the accident, police said.

Timeslips on the Internet from Firebird International Raceway in Chandler show earlier this year, Van Brakel drag-raced his Mercedes, reaching 112 miles per hour. Another Web site shows a souped up Harley for Van Brakel, who it refers to as a "speed freak."

Aronica has his own MySpace page, showing a photo from the Pink Taco in Scottsdale.

It also says he graduated three years ago from Michigan State University and has been managing several Valley Houston's restaurants.

Holman was a Republican in the Arizona State legislature from 1975 to 1985.

Travis Junion is a family friend who considered Holman a mentor. He told us that Holman was famous for his 1973 Camaro, the back of which was always emblazoned with political stickers. He said when you saw the Camaro at the Capitol, you knew Holman was there.

Ironically, police said driving an older model car didn't help Holman's chances. The two suspects, who were virtually unscathed in the crash, were driving newer, sturdier cars, with air bags.

Junion said Holman will be missed.

"He's somebody who was bipartisan, who was a leader, who was more concerned about getting the job done at the Capitol rather than engaging in a lot of the rancor that we see today," Junion said.