Written by:
SPEED Staff
SPEEDtv.com
34 year-old USAC Midget racer Chad McDaniel, a native of Concordia, Kansas, died in an incident Friday night when he collided with another car at Knoxville Raceway.
McDaniel was first transported to Knoxville Hospital, then airlifted Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, IA, where he was pronounced dead early Saturday morning from head and neck injuries suffered in the impact.
He is survived by his children Trevor and Taylor and his wife Trish. McDaniel led the SMRS Great Plains Midget Series points standings going into Friday's event at Knoxville.
“On behalf on the entire USAC Racing community, we are deeply saddened and carry heavy hearts today with the passing of Chad McDaniel” stated Kevin Miller, CEO of USAC Racing. “Our sport has lost a passionate racer today, and our sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to his family during these most difficult times.”
“He was not only a friend, but a gentleman who loved his family and his sport,” said John Stewart, President/CEO of USAC/SMRS Racing. “He will be deeply missed by all of us.”
USAC has established a charitable fund for the family and is asking the racing community for their support. Donations can be made online at www.usacracing.com/store or can be mailed to USAC offices at 4910 West 16th Street Speedway, Indiana 46224.
