We’ve been asked to share this note from Jeff Sheely who had an unfortunate incident at the track last Saturday. Luckily he is okay.

 

I’d like to personally thank the safety team and track personnel of Thunder Mountain for their quick, professional actions following my accident during Saturday Night’s modified feature. Dirt Track Digest recorded the entire event and documented  just how fast things unfold and how fast people react. I recall the incident completely and was not sure exactly how much time passed from the time I crashed until the 38 was up righted. The video shows that it was literally seconds from the time my car came to a stop, to the time and it was on its wheels. I crashed, heard the voice on the raceiver say “we are going red” and within a short time was asked if I was ok. I responded that I was OK and just wanted to get flipped back on my wheels. Within seconds the team physically turned my car back right side up. No tow trucks or fork trucks, just pure muscle and concern for my safety. Your team gently let the car down without causing any further damage to the car or myself. And then assisted me out of the driver’s compartment by straightening the collapsed roof.

 

I have to say, that once I put my helmet there are very few things that scare me, but being trapped in a vehicle in a non-upright position certainly got my heart going as I thought of battery acid and fuel possibly leaking and me not being able to get out. The “are you OK?” was comforting and then being able to sit in a normal position so quickly was way beyond what I was envisioning. Thank you all involve for your concern and quick action. Again I thought everything went fast but after watching the video I was, and still am completely amazed at the short amount of time it took for everyone to react. Truly remarkable. Thank you.

 

Many people ask why I travel some 140 miles each way on Saturday nights to race when literally there are tracks within a half hour of my home. It’s because of the people like yourselves that  create a fun and safe environment. I can say that each and everyone of you should should be proud of your efforts. I personally am extremely grateful for you dedication to the track and to us drivers and your concern for our safety. I would like to thank each one of you personally but I have no idea who most of you are. Hopefully this Saturday when the somewhat scarred 38 returns for another night of competition I will be able to do that. Lord willing, I won’t need you again, but it is nice to know that you are there for each of us competitors. Thank you again.

 

Sincerely,

Jeff Sheely