Pocomoke Race Driver Update

(delaware online.com , The News Journal)

A drag-race driver survived a high-speed crash into trees Friday at a Sussex County dragway, state police said Sunday.

The crash occurred about 7:20 p.m. Friday at the U.S. 13 Dragway/Delaware International Speedway off Sussex Highway (U.S. 13) just north of Delmar, where a 1970 Chevy Chevelle went into trees at the end of the drag strip, Master Cpl. Gary E. Fournier said.

The 66-year-old driver from Pocomoke, Maryland, was removed from the wreckage by emergency medical services, Fournier said. A Delaware State Police medevac helicopter airlifted him to Christiana Hospital, Fournier said, noting that his injuries are not life-threatening. No other injuries were reported.

Details of how the crash occurred were not available.

Driver Carlton Mason suffered a severe break on his left arm and hand, a broken leg, two broken ribs, a collapsed lung and cuts on his face and arms, according to the U.S. 13 Dragway and Delaware International Speedway’s public Facebook page. The post described the crash as “horrific.”

Mason was in intensive care, but alert and talking with doctors, speedway officials posted Saturday.

“Ladies and gentlemen, whatever your beliefs are, we can say that a true act of GOD happened last night. Please pray for the Mason Family as Carlton now begins his road to recovery,” the post said. “Also we ask you for your prayers for the Russell family. Vernon Russell’s car received severe damage but the fact remains, he was safe and sound. Cars can be replaced, lives unfortunately can not be.”

The post – by Sunday showing 452 likes, 134 shares and 89 comments including many offering prayers – ended with speedway officials’ thanks to emergency personnel, track crews, the Delmar fire and police departments, as well as state police.

“These folks did an awesome job,” the speedway said. “Also, to all the racers who jumped in to help, we cannot thank you enough.”

The driver’s son, Eric, posted that words could not describe how much everyone’s concern about his father meant to him, thanking God his life was spared.

“He is doing better,” Eric Mason posted later Saturday. “Thank you all.”

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