Injury in Speedway crash

Photo: Contributed

A previous Flying Destruction event at the Penticton Speedway.

During a "Flying Destruction" event at the Penticton Speedway Saturday, one driver was unfortunately injured when his windshield shattered during a routine crash. 

The event involves cars taking jumps and smashing into things like RVs. During the last race of the night, one driver had a scary moment. 

"He smashed into a mobile home and his windshield collapsed, so he took a bit of the motor home to the face," said speedway owner Johnny Aantjes. "He has a broken nose, a couple of lacerations to the face."

Unfortunately, it took 45 minutes for an ambulance to arrive, and the reasons for the delay are unclear. Medics, which are always on the scene at speedway events, were in attendance in the meantime.

Aantjes said he spoke to a crew member of the driver on Sunday, who said the driver was "in good spirits," though undergoing operations on his broken nose.

"We're thankful he'll be okay, and he'll be back to race again I'm sure, he's that kind of guy," Aantjes said. 

Aantjes also mentioned his concerns about spectator behaviour during the event in general. 

"We had a number of emotionally charged people trying to run onto the racetrack, which could have been more of a problem than what did actually happen," he said. 

Despite being told repeatedly to stay off the course, one woman stepped onto the track and was within a couple of feet of being hit by a car, Aantjes said. He hopes spectators will understand the importance of staying clear of the track during events, so that everyone remains safe. 

There has been some negative backlash following the crash on the Penticton Speedway's Facebook page, but Aantjes is firm that their drivers know the risks of the sport and the speedway take many safety precautions, and will be back for more Flying Destruction events in the future.