Fundraiser being held at Eagle Raceway for Lincoln man critically injured last weekend

A fundraiser is being planned for a Lincoln man who was severely injured in an accident at Eagle Raceway.

The tragic incident happened last Saturday. Friends and family are asking for the community’s help.

Justin Vanderharr of Lincoln was seriously injured in a racing accident last Saturday night at Eagle Raceway. He was a pit crew member hit by a race car that veered off the track.

He was in a medically induced coma for a few days, but now, he is showing major improvement.

“He’s moving his arms and legs. This morning I got a picture of him actually walking, so he’s able to walk a little bit. He also just got cleared today to start eating some normal food and being able to drink,” said Adam Gullion, a race-car driver and good friend of Vanderharr.

Gullion says it’s absolutely remarkable how far Vanderharr has come in just a few days.

“They didn’t think Vanderharr was going to make it to the hospital. And then when he made it to the hospital, they didn’t think there was any way that he was going to make it through the night,” said Gullion.

Vanderharr’s recovery is a great sign, but Gullion says he still has a long ways to go.

He will require intensive rehab, and the hospital bills are piling up.

“The amount of medical bills that he’s going to be facing right now are going to be astronomical,” said Gullion.

A Go Fund Me page that was created for the family earlier this week has raised $6,000 to date.

An added effort to help, Eagle Raceway is helping to put on a silent auction from 5 to 7 pm Saturday night to benefit Vanderharr and his family.

“Whatever it takes to get Justin back, that’s what we’re going to do,” said Gullion.

Gullion has been close friends with Vanderharr for many years.

He has decided to race for his buddy, and he’s adding a personal touch to his ride.

“We’ve decided to change our number to 91–JV so I’m definitely going to be racing with a very heavy heart tomorrow and probably have more fire than I think I’ve ever had. I don’t care if I bring this thing home in a zip lock bag tomorrow, I’m going to do everything I can to win that race for him,” said Gullion.

Vanderharr-themed stickers will also be sold at the racetrack for five dollars a piece.

Gullion says his team made 400 stickers and that the racing community always looks out for each other.

“What’s amazing is when things like this happen, how we’re able to all band together and really just help each other, I think it’s second to none,” said Gullion.

If you’d like donate to the family, head to https://www.gofundme.com/justin-vanderharr.