Update 28 Injured At Nationwide Race

From the Daytona Beach News Journal: A violent 12-car crash on the last lap of the DRIVE4COPD 300 sent a tire and other debris flying over the grandstand fence at Daytona International Speedway, injuring at least 28 fans, some critically, among the crowds watching the race from the grandstands.

Speedway President Joie Chitwood said 14 people were taken to area hospitals and 14 were treated at the Speedway's infield care center. Two people, an adult and a minor, were critically injured but listed in stable condition Saturday night.

"First and foremost our thoughts and prayers are with our race fans," Chitwood said.

All drivers involved in the crash were evaluated and released from the care center, as well, said Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR's senior vice president for racing operations.

Halifax Health Medical Center spokesman Byron Cogdell said 13 spectators were taken to Halifax facilities with crash-related injuries. Seven are being treated at Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach, including one minor and one adult who were critically injured. Six other patients injured in the crash were taken to Halifax's medical center in Port Orange, Cogdell said.

All were in stable condition Saturday night, he said.

The remaining patient was taken to Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center in Daytona Beach, according to spokeswoman Lindsay Rew. Rew did not release the patient's condition.

Chitwood said the Speedway is repairing "the facility and will be ready to go racing tomorrow."

O'Donnell said NASCAR is "very confident that we'll be ready for tomorrow's event with the 55th running of the Daytona 500."   http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20130223/NASCAR/130229880/1040?Title=Violent-crash-injures-28-fans-at-end-of-Daytona-Nationwide-race

Sometimes, bad things happen at car races, no matter where it is.

My guess the majority of people hurt where hurt my small debris getting through the fence, but it cannot be argued that the catch fence did it's job because no major parts, like the tire and engine did not make into the spectator section of the stands.

I hope NASCAR does not rush the repairs needed to fix the fence and have a worse accident tomorrow.