Young Racer Critically Injured in Rare Crash

First, here is a picture of a Jr Dragster for those who have not seen one.
NHRA rules limit the speed and ET by age and experience from 8 yrs-17yrs old.
8 year olds are limited to a 12.90 ET or slower in the 1/8th mile (660') which translates into about 40-45 mph under most conditions. Older racers are limited to a 7.90 ET and reach speeds near 80mph. While Jr Drag Racing is considered very safe, every dad, mom and racer knows that a race car can hurt you on any given day.
In over 13 years since Jr Drag Racing league was formed, this (story below) is the first serious injury reported. Every dad makes sure these cars are as safe as humanly possible before sending our children down a racetrack. NHRA and safety equipment manufacturers will most certainly be looking at ways to make these cars even safer than they are. Most safety developments in motorsports today were developed and used first on the drag strip by drag racers starting with seat belts, fire suits, chromemoly/tig chassis, the HANS device, and the original funding to create the SFI rating used on every piece of safety equipment in every racecar in every form of auto racing today.

Red Stater's heart goes out to the Greer family and also prayers for a speedy recovery for Kaylee. Story Below-

Wed April 11 2007 from Competition Plus
8-year-old Kaylee Greer suffered life threatening injuries while making her very first pass in a Jr. Dragster at Ohio Valley Dragstrip near Louisville, Kentucky last week. According to reports, after turning off the track her car veered left and hit a retaining wall head-on.

Kaylee was StatFlighted to Kosair Children's Hospital in Louisville, where doctors said they had never seen anyone survive the type injuries she suffered. She's presently still at Kosair, where she underwent surgery last week and was fitted with a halo. Kaylee has been kept sedated to keep her from moving, and had additional surgery this week to put in trach and a feeding tube. Her father reported that she has moved her hands and feet, but her road to recovery will be a long one.

A race to benefit Kaylee is scheduled for Sunday, April 22, at Ohio Valley Dragway. Complete race details, as well as information regarding other fund-raising activties scheduled for the day of the race, can be found on the track's web site at: www.ohiovalleydragway.com

A silent auction will also be held that day at the track and if anyone would like to donate an item to be auctioned off for Kaylee's benefit they can contact:

Tammy Smith, 502-494-7864, or Missy Bobblitt, 502-510-1933.

A bank account for those who wish to donate in that manner has been established. Anyone can make donations payable to:

Kaylee Greer Recovery Account

and mail to

Kaylee C/O Tammy Smith
8602 Old Boundary Rd
Louisville, Ky 4029

NOTE from Redstater: There are a number of Oklahoma based Jr Drag Racers (big cars too) and we encourage each of you to help the Greer family in their hour of need.

UPDATE: 4/15/07 Kaylee Greer's Condition Improving.

-red