Employee killed in accident at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

It was tragedy on the track, Sunday. At around 12:30 p.m., a corner worker at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca was hit and killed. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office says the victim is a 68 year old man from the Moss Landing area.

The accident happened during something the sheriff’s office tells KION is like an “open track” event.

Right now the initial investigation shows some sort of substance, likely oil, spilled on the track, causing as many as three vehicles to skid. The victim, was not behind the protective barrier.

“He had a flag, a warning flag of sorts. Because of the oil, he might have wanted to warn the
drivers of what was going on,” said Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Commander John Thornburg.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca said in a statement that “the safety of all participants, track personnel and those involved with any event is the facility’s first priority and were reflected in the prompt actions that were implemented.”

We learn that the track reached out to Checkered Flag Racing Association, who had a scheduled event there Monday, saying the track would likely be closed.

Checkered Flag’s President, Ed Kornegay sent a message to their members explaining what happened, telling them they set up a fundraiser to help the victim’s family.

“We wanted to make sure that the corner workers at every track know that we appreciated and
honored everything they do for us,” Kornegay tells KION over the phone.

A corner worker’s job can be dangerous, but is also critical – warning drivers when there is a problem on the track. These are problem that racers often can’t see.

“Conditions including weather that many of us would not want to be out in. Rainy, cold, 100 degrees outside,” Kornegay said.

Kornegay says he doesn’t know who the victim is. He just wanted Checkered Flag to help however they can.

UPDATE: 10/15/2018 12:35 p.m. An employee at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca was killed following a crash on the race track over the weekend.

According to the Checkered Flag Racing Association, a car dumped oil onto the track causing other vehicles to lose control resulting in the death of a 68-year-old corner worker. Corner workers are employees responsible for the safety of those on the track.

The incident happened at the entry of the corkscrew Sunday afternoon.

“They receive little in compensation and often endure 8 hours in very uncomfortable weather conditions. Many have the same passion for motor sports that we do but may not have the privilege to express that passion by driving on the track,” said the CFRA.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca released this statement to KION: WeatherTech Raceway is saddened to confirm the death of a corner worker as a result of an accident that occurred on the track Sunday during an independent rental. As per the facility’s safety protocols, all subsequent sessions were immediately suspended. The safety of all participants, track personnel and those involved with any event is the facility’s first priority and were reflected in the prompt actions that were implemented. The entire racing community is saddened by this loss.

The CFRA said they were not associated with Sunday’s event but felt obliged to start a donation site for the victim’s family. Details: HERE.