34 replies to this topic

[BLACKFLAG]

Darren was burnt in a sprint car wreck at sportsman tonight. They are waiting on life flight now.

[Hot Dog]

If it's true that there wasn't a fire crew on site, they need to shut that dump down. That's inexcusable.

[George Costanza]

Has to be the worst track in the country to have a fire at...last time I was there I can't recall seeing much of a safety crew.  

 

Hope he is alright.

[George Costanza]

Seems to be confirmed, no fire crew on site.

[spike]

Has to be the worst track in the country to have a fire at...last time I was there I can't recall seeing much of a safety crew.  

 

Hope he is alright.

Tonight our thoughts and prayers are with the driver.  Next week we will start the questions about what you can expect in the way of  insurance, safety and fire protection from Sportsmans Speedway before you decide to race there.

[Hot Dog]

Tonight our thoughts and prayers are with the driver.  Next week we will start the questions about what you can expect in the way of  insurance, safety and fire protection from Sportsmans Speedway before you decide to race there.

There's fools there still racing, even after that just happened. Insane. Race car drivers are their own worst enemy sometimes.

[longtimeracefan101]

Why would drivers continue to race after that. MIKE LEONE tweeted they went to get fire extinguishers Shut the place down

[bill49]

Shame on sportsman speedway there were no fire crew present for the race and the nuckle head track attendants were all in t shirts and couldn't get close to the car. No one even had a fire extinguisher to put the flames out before they tried to drag him out of the car. I have never seen anything like it in my life. Pray for the young driver injured it never should have escalated to the point it did

[longtimeracefan101]

He raced Mercer lastnight. Prayers for him

[RACERSPASTOR]

I just met Darren and his family when he started to race at Mercer they are a super family and I have prayed for them each week ,it is a shame we have to have incidents like this when most of it can usually be avoided. My immediate concern is Darren and his injuries will you join me in prayer for his healing to be complete we really don't need to have our racers in danger without the proper on track care.

 

Ladies and gentlemen as racers you must begin to demand proper safety procedures in place before you go on track,it could be you injured without proper on site emergency precautions.

 

Please understand I have a rather extensive knowledge of EMERGENCY RESPONSE  having served as an EMT for over 12 years and will be an advocate for proper care and treatment in any situation.

 

Heavenly Father we ask you to heal and restore Darren so he can and will be able to resume his passion for racing.

 

Chaplain Bill

[RACERSPASTOR]

I just had a call from Rod Pifer his words are as follows Darren has 2nd degree burns on his ankles and lower legs he will require skin grafts and his stay in Mercy is yet to be known he is not in an assigned room but rod will let me know the details as he knows, the family is asking us to pray for him for a quick recovery.  Darren told Rod as soon as he is healed he will be back in the seat and racing again.

 

Rod wanted me to thank everyone that helped him at the track ,I know the love and close family real racers have and am so glad I can be a part of this family.

 

Trusting Jesus

 

Bill

[R.Lewis]

shut them down. simple,  do not go there. there are other tracks that care about the drivers and the spectators.

[ramey36]

Prayers for a full recovery.

 

Around 1999 I did an article for Stock Car Racing Magazine featuring Mercer's safety program. From Holmatro jaws of life to advanced fire equipment and techniques, Mercer was a top notch safety oriented speedway. They even conducted training on donated used race cars so the crew could get experience on extraction techniques. Hopefully Mercer and other tracks follow this type of program. We can see what happens when they don't...

 

ramey

[longtimeracefan101]

[quote name="ramey36" post="389982" timestamp="1399859908"]Prayers for a full recovery.
 
Around 1999 I did an article for Stock Car Racing Magazine featuring Mercer's safety program. From Holmatro jaws of life to advanced fire equipment and techniques, Mercer was a top notch safety oriented speedway. They even conducted training on donated used race cars so the crew could get experience on extraction techniques. Hopefully Mercer and other tracks follow this type of program. We can see what happens when they don't...
 Mercer is not as good as they were BUT they had not lose the guy on 4. Wheeler they have now, He was quick to get to the 34 car a few weeks back and the fire crew was quick .BUT they need a fewore positioned elsewhere We all know fore is a scary deal.

[DustinC46]

praying for you Darren and family 

 

 

Challingworth Family

[race ace]

first off all our thoughts and prayers go out to this driver and his family and we wish him a speedy recovery . second thing once the insurance company finds out there was no safety crew or fire crew  they will shut them down nobody else will have to.

[Hot Dog]

That's assuming the track has insurance. I feel like you may be giving them too much credit.

[woodhog]

I please ask that this does not get turned into a bashing post.

 

Darren, is my son, and we ask for everyones prayers at this time. It was unfortunate what happened, but he will be back behind the wheel as soon as possible. Darren`s car developed a fuel leak in the heat race, and when he noticed it, he shut the car off and the fuel ignighted.

I have boot looked at the car yet, to see what exactly happened, but we have a maintenance check list, which is triple checked by myself, Darren, and our crew member Shannon. 

 

Darren was air lifted to Mercy Hospital Burn Trama unit in Pittsburgh. He has 2nd, and 3rd degree burns on his legs, and ankles. He will have surgery Tuesday, or Wednesday. He was wearing a 3 layer suit, with full nomex including socks. His right foot got caught trying to exit the car, leaving him in the fire.

 

I need to say a special thanks to Bauer Brothers Racing, Jake Gomola, and everyone else who helped get everything loaded in the trailer.

 

Also HUGE thank you to Pastor Bill Beck. We have only known Bill for a short time, but he is a truly genuine individual, who we are honored to have as a friend.

 

Darren, who is 21, started racing karts at age 6, and moved into sprints this year. The out pouring of support, and well wishes for everyone including former kart racing competitors, local racers, PA Posse members, and even WoO drivers has been tremendous.

 

I will keep everyone informed as updates are available. 

Thank you

Rod Pifer

[T-440]

Thoughts and prayers for Darren and your family!  Best wishes for a speedy recovery!!!

[spike]

Thank you for sharing the event and Darren's condition with us.