Racing fan and driver injured after 300 mph crash at Pacific Raceways sends wheel flying

During a qualifying round at the Muckleshoot Casino Resort National Hot Rod Association Northwest Nationals, driver Shawn Reed experienced a serious crash at Pacific Raceways in Kent, Washington. The incident occurred when Reed's dragster suffered a right-rear tire failure while traveling nearly 300 mph, resulting in a spin and collision with the guard wall. Footage captured by spectator Steve Beasley shows one of the front wheels detaching and flying towards a nearby motorhome, striking a woman watching the race. She was subsequently airlifted to Harborview Medical Center for treatment of her injuries. Reed also suffered significant injuries, including fractured ribs and the loss of a finger, and was taken to the same medical facility.

John Ramsey, the general manager of Pacific Raceways, indicated that a safety review will be conducted to improve protocols for future events. This crash echoes a tragic incident in 2009, when a 6-year-old boy was killed at the Tacoma Dome due to a similar accident involving a truck at Monster Jam. The ongoing focus on safety in motorsport is crucial as such high-speed events continue to pose risks to both drivers and spectators.