SANDUSKY, Ohio – Driver Joe Speakman was checked and released from an area hospital following an on-track incident during the third heat race of Sunday’s Border Wars event at Sandusky Speedway.
Speakman, who started on the pole of the eight-lap Must See Racing Sprint Car Series heat, led the field to green for the second attempt at the start when he and Mike McVetta made contact on the approach to turn one.
The contact sent both cars off the racing line, with McVetta’s car going straight off the outside of the first turn and ending up against a tree beyond the banking, while Speakman’s machine caught air before coming down on the frame and coasting to a stop in the middle of turns one and two.
Speakman was conscious, alert and talking to medical personnel as he was extricated from his car, but was complaining of lower back pain and taken by ambulance to the hospital for further evaluation as a precaution.
Later in the evening, Speakman confirmed to Must See Racing officials that he had been released from medical care to return home to Richwood, Ohio, and noted that a CT scan conducted at the hospital showed no broken bones or fractures from his shunt.
McVetta was able to exit his car under his own power and returned to the pits following the incident.
His crew was able to make repairs in time for McVetta to start the feature, but the reigning Midwest Supermodified Series champion had to pull in after completing just five laps and finished 20th.