Updates: Spectators Injured In Volusia Accident
Column By: RACE PRO WEEKLY STAFF – BARBERSVILLE, FL – At least three people were injured Sunday night at Volusia Speedway Park when the Sprint Car of Dale Blaney flipped over the turn two fence and into a bystanders area.
One of the bystanders injured was flown by helicopter to Halifax Medical Center while two more were taken by ambulance…that was according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s office.
When the call was made to the Sherriff’s office at 9:24pm, two of the patients were trauma alerts.
Late Sunday evening, DIRTcar / Volusia Speedway Park representative Christine Cordova released the following statement.
“Three participants in the pit area were injured in an incident at a DIRTcar Nationals World of Outlaws event at Volusia Speedway Park Sunday night when a car went through the fence in turn two. All were treated and transported to Halifax Health Medical Center.
First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with the race fans. We were able to identify one of the participant as Mr. Gary Streek, from the United Kingdom. He is stable and visiting with family and friends.
Following the incident we responded appropriately and according to our safety protocol and had emergency personnel at the scene immediately.”
The accident occurred on lap two of the World of Outlaws Sprint Car A-Main when contact was made between Blaney’s car and the vehicle of Jason Sides. Both machines got upside down with Blaney’s Zemco #1 going over the catch fence. Rico Abreu was also involved in the incident. All drivers were uninjured.
While Race Pro Weekly works to gather information on this developing story, we request that everyone keeps those injured in your thoughts and prayers. We would also ask that you please keep those involved in the accident, those who witnessed it, the racers that were competing in the Sprint Car feature and the event officials in your prayers as well.
Update 2/20/17 @ 3:45am: Statement From DIRTcar / Volusia Speedway Park
“We would like to extend a thank you for everyone’s thoughts and prayers for the three participants injured in the pit area Sunday night during the 46th running of the DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park.
Two of the three individuals remain in the care of medical staff at Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Fla. Each have family present at the hospital and have requested privacy at this time.
Mr. Gary Streek of the United Kingdom has been released.
A family member visiting one of the injured has since been admitted after experiencing some discomfort.”
Update 2/20/17 @ 11:00am: Statement From DIRTcar / Volusia Speedway Park
“Justin Allgaier Motorsports Crew Chief Kelly Kovski sustained injuries during the mishap Sunday night. He is being treated at Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach, FL. and is listed in stable condition according to a statement issued by Justin on behalf of the family.
The family requests privacy at this time and appreciates all prayers and well wishes. They would also like to thank the first responders and medical staff for their rapid response.
Justin will not compete in the remainder of the DIRTcar Nationals events this year and wishes to thank those teams and crew members who assisted in getting the car loaded so that everyone could get to the hospital to be with Kelly.
The 46th Annual DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park will continue as scheduled with racing tonight.”
Update 2/20/17 @ 12:45am: Statement From DIRTcar / Volusia Speedway Park
“Volusia Speedway Park staff and management worked through the night Sunday to provide support to the family and friends of the participants involved in the incident in the pit area outside of Turn 2 during the World of Outlaws feature event portion of the program and to further evaluate all aspects of the situation.
Prior to the 46th annual running of the DIRTcar Nationals, the safety measures in place at the speedway have done their job. Under its current ownership since 2005, no race car has compromised a catch fence at the speedway. The safety arrangement in Turns 1 and 2 at Volusia Speedway Park includes an earthen reinforced steel guardrail on the racing surface, a buffer area and a cable reinforced steel catch fence.
The catch fence protecting the pit area at the exit of Turn 2 utilizes a different configuration than that which is used around the balance of the facility. In addition to repairing the catch fence, the pit area closest to the racing surface in Turn 2 will be closed to all competitors, participants and officials for the remaining six nights of racing. While not affected by the incident Sunday night, a small set of bleachers intended for use by competitors and crew members that would have fallen within the restricted area has also been removed.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the members of our racing family injured Sunday night, and we are encouraged by the reports of the excellent care they are receiving at Halifax,” said Brian Carter, CEO of Volusia Speedway Park. “We have implemented additional safety measures and are very proud of our emergency medical personnel and their response to the incident.”
Note: As we receive more information, this page will be updated, so please keep checking back. We will make note in all of our social media platforms to alert you of updates.
