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One of three spectators injured when Dale Blaney’s Sprintcar flipped over the fence during a World of Outlaws event at Volusia Speedway Park in Florida last weekend remains in a critical condition in hospital.
The UMP dirt modified crew chief for NASCAR Xfinity driver Justin Allgaier, Kelly Kovski remains in hospital in a stable condition while another spectator, Gary Streek, has been released.
However a 68-year-old spectator, Michael Brooks, remains on the critical list.
In the wake of the crash, Allgaier has withdrawn from the remainder of the events at Volusia this week.
Allgaier Motorsport released a statement regarding Kovski, a 26-race ARCA veteran, that read:
“Kelly Kovski’s 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.”
Allgaier stated that he wished to thank those teams and crew members who assisted in getting the car loaded so that the team could get to the hospital to be with Kovski.
Blaney came together with Rico Abreu and Jason Sides during the feature before the wild flip sent him over the fence.
It is the second time in a week that a Sprintcar has cleared the catch-fence at Volusia, with Joey Saldana riding out a similarly spectacular ride last week during an All Stars event there.
Whilst exiting in a similar place to Blaney on the half mile track, Saldana did not collect anyone.
In light of the two incidents, Volusia Speedway Park officials have cordoned off the area – typically reserved for drivers and crews during races – and removed the bleachers that fell within the accident zone.
“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,” a statement from track read.
“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 utilises a different configuration than that which is used around the balance of the facility.”
Veteran Sprintcar driver, Blaney walked away from the incident unharmed.
His brother, Dave Blaney is a former NASCAR Monster Cup driver and Rico Abreu last year competed in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and recently toured Australia.
The event was part of the annual Dirtcar Nationals that run for two weeks alongside the nearby Daytona Speedweeks and represent the traditional start to the dirt track season in the USA.
