Michael O’Mara 11/13/2006
NASCAR won’t reveal amount of settlement after fatal crash at Lorain County Speedway.
NASCAR and the owners of the Lorain County Speedway were sued when a 65-year old race fan was killed and 14 others were injured July 22, 2001.
Virginia Whyel was watching the race in a wheelchair located in the specially designated handicapped section at the short track located in Amherst, Ohio. Two race cars went out of control and crashed into the stands.
On the first day of trial, NASCAR decided to settle the case, rather than a jury decide the issue of liability.
Jim Hart, the attorney representing NASCAR, told Channel 3’s Mike O’Mara, “we feel so sorry for the Whyel family and the folks who had personal injuries. Other than that it’s done.
Ben Barrett, one of the lawyers representing the Whyel family, said “I believe that NASCAR should step up and take a role in safety at the short tracks”. He added, “NASCAR takes care of the drivers, they also need to take of the fans”.
NASCAR refused to release any details of the cash settlement to the victim’s family. The racing organization did not admit any responsibility or liability in the case.
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