Full Throttle

Most, if not all NASCAR fans are aware of the anti-trust lawsuit filed against NASCAR and it’s parent company ISC by the Owners of Kentucky Motor Speedway. That suit is still in the pre-trial stage of venue fights and the discovery process.

This week NASCAR enters into the trial stage of a much less publicized lawsuit. Five years ago a 65-year-old woman was killed at Lorain County Speedway as two cars went into the crowd. 14 others were injured in the accident, making it one of the worst racing accidents in NASCAR history.

Ironically NASCAR had just started sanctioning events at Lorain County Speedway at the beginning of the 2001 season and a few short weeks later NASCAR, the owners and promoters of the speedway were faced with the tragic accident.

The outcome of the trial should be interesting and may dictate how NASCAR operates on the local level. As the “new kid on the block” NASCAR had mandated safety changes to the track prior to sanctioning events. It will be up to the jury to decide whether they are culpable in any way for the accident or sole responsibility is at the feet of the owners.

As Full Throttle reported earlier Lorain County had canceled it’s 2006 season in June with a surprise two day notice to owners and drivers.

Since that time the track has been taken over by former promoter in the 90’s, Terry Adams. The track held its Halloween Festival of Speed October 20^th and has scheduled Saturday November 25^th as a “Thanksgiving Weekend” event with all three stock car divisions in action.

Adams also announced a full 2007 schedule. Late Models will return after a one year absence and a return of the Ohio Stocks which is a Sportsman type division. Super Late Models will be back along with Super Modifieds, Midgets, Trucks, Legends Cars and Sprints.

All pending the outcome of the lawsuit I presume.

UPDATE: So much for “pending.” NASCAR settled the suit on the first day of the trial without admitting any responsibility or liability in the case. Details of the cash settlement to the victim’s family wasn’t released.

Lorain County Speedway, NASCAR, Sports, Auto Racing, Motorsports, Full Throttle