Race Car Driver Wannabe Seriously Injured In Racetrack Crash

Race Car Driver Wannabe Seriously Injured In Racetrack Crash

By KOMO Staff

KING COUNTY - A 33-year-old man was seriously injured Thursday after illegally taking his van for a spin on the race track at Pacific Raceways near Auburn.

Police say they believe the man was an electrician who was likely doing electrical sub-contracting work at the track earlier in the day.

But investigators say around 5 o' clock, the man decided to take his 1993 GMC Astrovan for a spin on the track, and was driving the wrong way at a high speed. He was on the straightway in front of the bleachers when he collided with a guardrail.

The impact shattered the van into several pieces.

The driver was airlifted to Harborview in serious condition, but he was expected to survive. He had a dog in the van as well, but the dog was thrown free during the impact and was miraculously not injured.

Police do believe alcohol was a factor in this ordeal. They say charges are likely.

Icon
Current Temp 51 °F
Overcast
More Weather

Travel Times

Traffic

On Demand

Resources and info you need to prepare for the switch to DTV.

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Viewer Poll

Vote for the best high school play of the week -- Watch the plays!

  • Auburn's Carlo runs left, runs right
  • Ferndale's Locker leap
  • Ballard's Downey to Sandstrom