Occasionally, we get a not-so-gentle reminder of just how inherently dangerous motorsports, specifically sprint car racing, can be. And like everything else in this sport, it usually happens fast and with little warning. Such was the case on Tuesday night during the World of Outlaws Brad Doty Classic at Attica Raceway Park, when an accident in the final turn of the Last Chance Showdown occurred between Brady Bacon (21H) and the 101 of Kalib Henry.
Henry, a 25-year-old from Sacramento, California, who has turned heads on the national sprint car scene in recent years, was running the high line in a spirited battle for the final transfer spot when he had a small bobble entering turn 3. The bobble allowed Bacon to attempt a slider in the middle of turn 4. The two cars made contact, resulting in the 101 bouncing and making wing-first contact with the fence before flipping and landing upright at the exit of turn 4. Silence immediately befell the broadcast, the stands, and undoubtedly the rooms of those of us watching the event live on DirtVision. Safety crews were immediately on scene and began to work to cut away the twisted machine and free Henry. After some time, it was announced that Henry was “alert, moving, and communicating with safety crews,” which was a welcome message by all. The decision was made to air-evac Henry from the facility. DirtVision’s Conner Wade spoke with Bacon following the incident:
Yeah, we were just racing hard for the transfer, last corner, last lap and i thought i could get to the exit before he did, and i didn’t. So, i hate that. I mean, hopefully he’s okay and they’re just taking precautions. Just racing hard, you gotta race so hard with this deal, there’s so many good guys, local, national, regional, everyone’s here this week in Ohio to race for some big money and big races. Just racing hard, and i raced too hard.”
Around 1 am, the following Facebook update was posted on the Kalib Henry Racing Facebook page.
As always, we’re grateful to the safety crews and first responders who make these events safer for everyone. Thankfully, it sounds like Kalib will be okay, even if he has to endure some recovery time.