The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating an accident at Hartwell Speedway that killed one spectator and injured two others.
Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King announced the investigation Thursday. Inspectors from his office are assisting the Georgia State Patrol and Hart County Sheriff’s office with their probe into the crash.
“My investigators are inspecting the track’s permits and ensuring the track itself was up to code at the time of the incident,” says King.
His announcement comes on the same day the racing fan killed in the crash was laid to rest. Paul Ballenger Jr., 58, of Royston, died when a driver lost control of his car and hit several spectators Saturday night, July 3. According to King, the race car had “mechanical issues.”
The wreck critically injured two others, including Ballenger’s 11-year-old nephew.
According to officials, the car struck a wall and crashed through a fence into the pit area. Ballenger died at the scene. His nephew and a man in his 30s were rushed to the hospital. The driver was not injured.
Ballenger was an auto body repair technician with Ed Murdoch Ford Dealership in Lavonia, according to his obituary. He leaves behind a large family including four children and 14 grandchildren.
His funeral was held Thursday in Carnesville.
According to an online fundraiser, the injured boy was admitted to ICU with a broken arm, ribs, and, possibly, a deep cut to his liver.
Hartwell Speedway released a statement on social media asking for prayers for anyone involved in the wreck and thanking everyone who tried to help the victims.
Hartwell Speedway is a 3/8 mile, slightly banked, clay oval track that was built in 1969. The speedway’s Facebook page touts its “family-friendly environment,” adding it was “founded on grassroots racing and after 48 years still strives to maintain that style.”
In light of the tragic accident, the speedway remains closed this weekend. The owners say they plan to reopen on Saturday, July 17.
