State Fair Speedway showered with accidents

At approximately 8:15 p.m., on Aug. 19, during a sanctioned sprint car event at the State Fair Speedway, a 15-year-old driver from Carrollton, suffered serious injuries when his vehicle overturned several times while negotiating a curve during the race. He was transported by Air-Evac helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia, for treatment.

At approximately 9 p.m. during an exhibition benefit race, a driver lost control of his vehicle as a result of a multiple vehicle crash during a heat race. His vehicle then traveled over a guardrail barrier and through a safety fence, then struck five spectators who were standing behind the fence in the infield/pit area. The vehicle was operated by Tyson Russell, 25, Crocker. He was not injured. The following injured spectators were identified as:

Mark C. Quisenberry, 57, Columbia, sustained serious injuries and was transported by Eagle 5 helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia.

Lela A. Wood, 34, California, sustained moderate injuries and was transported by Staff For Life helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia.

Jessalin A. Degonia, 27, California, sustained moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to Bothwell Hospital in Sedalia.

Barry L. Smith, 46, Florence, and Archie L. Simpson, 67, Columbia, Missouri, both sustained minor injuries. Both were treated and released at the scene.