Photographers Struck During Ohio Sprint Speedweek Event Tuesday at Wayne County Speedway

Wayne County, OH - On Monday, June 15, during an All-Star Circuit of Champions Ohio Sprint Speedweek event, trouble broke out during the B-Main portion of the show at Wayne County Speedway. Two cars tangled and flipped while entering turn one. According to sources, simultaneously, the steering mechanism on another car broke while going through the corner, sending the car into the infield out of control, striking three photographers who were stationed in the infield.

Rick Rarer of SprintCarNews.com, Chase Grimm of ChaseG Productions, and Kyle Henline of Ohio Motorsport Photography were all injured Monday night. All three have released statements on social media on Tuesday and Wednesday.  

"Now that I'm out of surgery for my leg and able to kinda function, I just wanted to thank everyone for the outpouring of concern and checking on me. Along with my leg, some concussions, brain bleeds, and a bunch of broken ribs, I'm doing ok. Another leg surgery Friday and hopefully home soon after that. Again, THANK YOU everyone, it really means a lot!" - Rick Rarer

"Thank you to everyone for their thoughts and prayers. I am home and getting into bed now for a long night's sleep. Fortunately, I only sustained some bruised ribs, lots of cuts and scrapes, and a concussion. I want to give Jim Balentine a huge shoutout for helping me out and keeping everyone updated. Also, prayers to Rick and Kyle as they keep fighting." - Chase Grimm

"Kyle was evaluated on site from the FENIX and Apple Creek paramedic services. Kyle was transported to a hospital in Canton, OH, after it was determined it would be quicker than waiting for a second MedFlight to arrive. Kyle was evaluated by the medical trauma unit upon arrival, he was found to have a broken tibia and fibula in his right leg. Around 7:30 AM Tuesday morning, Kyle was taken back to surgery to have a metal rod implanted as well as plates and screws to fix the break. Kyle is currently in recovery at an undisclosed hospital surrounded by family." - Ohio Motorsports Photography

Additionally, Wayne County Speedway issued a statement Tuesday afternoon on social media.

"Our focus today (Tuesday) is on those who were injured during Monday night's Ohio Sprint Speedweek event at Wayne County Speedway. Our thoughts are with the injured and their families during this difficult time.

We would like to thank the Apple Creek Fire Department, Orrville Fire Department, Wayne County Sheriff's Office, MedFlight, Wayne County Justice Center dispatchers, our EMS personnel, and all responding agencies for their quick and professional response.

The safety of our fans, competitors, staff, and officials remains our highest priority. We will continue to review the incident and gather information as it becomes available.

Out of respect for the injured and their families, we will not be releasing any additional information regarding medical conditions or identities." - Wayne County Speedway.

Wednesday night, the All Star Circuit of Champions announced that they will do a helmet pass at all the remaining Ohio Sprint Speedweek stops at Waynesfield Raceway Park, Fremont Speedway, and Wayne County Speedway while sending well wishes for speedy recoveries.  The helmet pass will take place following 410 Sprint Car heat races each night, and all money raised will go to Rick Rarer, Chase Grimm, and Kyle Henline.

The Duffy Smith Memorial was halted for a period of time while medical crews tended to the three photographers before racing resumed.  Kalib Henry would go on to win that night’s A-Feature.  

The All Star Circuit of Champions returns to the Wayne County Speedway for the Ohio Sprint Speedweek finale on Saturday night.