9 Investigates: Safety at Sprint car races

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — 9 Investigates found out no one in the state government is responsible for checking to make sure certain racetracks in Florida are safe. Eyewitness News found out it’s up to insurance companies to do the inspections.

Channel 9's Mike Springer began looking into the safety checks after a Sprint race car went through the catch fence at the Volusia County Speedway Sunday night. A 68-year-old man was critically hurt and two others were also injured. Sunday's crash was the second one last week.

The cars can reach speeds of more than 100 mph and weigh nearly 1,400 pounds.

Springer found out there are at least five tracks that do Sprint car races in Florida.

Volusia County and state officials both told Eyewitness News that they do not control safety regulations at the track.

Officials with the track told Eyewitness News there are no single regulatory body or agency responsible for the safety at motorsports facilities.

Track officials said safety features can vary from track to track and add that the insurance providers set those standards.

Eyewitness News wanted to know who provided the insurance for the race and what safety standards were required for Wednesday and Sunday races, but we have not received a comment.

Springer also called a half-dozen companies that provide insurance for racetracks to see what safety standards they require, but those calls have also not been returned.

Track officials told Eyewitness News that the facilities are inspected every three years by the insurance provider. It’s unclear when the Volusia County Speedway was last inspected.

Cox Media Group