Lincoln man in critical condition after racecar crash at Eagle Raceway

Cass County Deputies, along with Eagle and Alvo Rescue and Cass County Paramedics responded to an accident on Saturday at 6:45 p.m. involving race cars in the pits of Eagle Raceway. 

According to a news release from Cass County Sheriff William Brueggemann, 60-year-old John Austin of Lincoln had just finished his heat race in his “Hobby Stock” class when the throttle on his racecar became stuck in the open position. The racecar left the track via the pit exit at a high rate of speed and became airborne where the racecar struck a parked and unoccupied racecar which was pushed into an all-terrain vehicle. The group of vehicles was then pushed into a group of people, and into another parked racecar. The collision caused 35-year-old Justin Vanderharr of Lincoln to become pinned underneath the last racecar. The racecar was lifted by several people at the scene to free Vanderharr. 

Vanderharr was transported by Alvo Rescue to Bryan LGH West Hospital with head and internal injuries. As of this news release, Vanderharr is still in critical condition. 

LifeNet and Star Care were called but were unable to fly due to weather.  55-year-old Michael Ramsey of Bellevue was also transported to Bryan LGH West Hospital and was later released.  A third party was transported to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Lincoln by Eagle Rescue. Several other individuals refused treatment at the scene. All others that were injured have been released from the hospitals.

Officials from Eagle Raceway were able to verify that a malfunction caused the throttle to stick open. This is an ongoing investigation.