FORT WORTH, Texas — An investigation was under way Tuesday after a racing driver was filmed violently flipping a checkerboard-striped trailer he was sitting in while competing in a rally of auto trucks and racing vehicles at Texas Motor Speedway.
Investigators were still trying to determine exactly what happened Sunday night when fan Bradley Jordan reportedly watched the driver flip the trailer in the middle of the track, strolling backward across the bumpy road until he was knocked out.
The driver in question is Clint Gardner, a driver in his second year with the ASA National Sidecar Association. His family said he is expected to make a full recovery.
“I want to apologize to the NASCAR community as well as NASCAR fans for what occurred with my crew members in my car last night during the ASA sidecar race at TMS,” Gardner said. “I am a young team, and in my second year in the sidecar, and it is important that I continue to put forth the effort every weekend so we can win race after race.”
Gardner started 19 of 22 races this season and earned two top five finishes and three top 10s to be the ASA National champion. He is currently the fourth-ranked driver.
The ASNA National truck series consists of sprint racing elements in a sidecar or the “Super Seat,” in which a racer does not have a traditional steering wheel or pedals but drives the sidecar through a virtual circuit.
The race Gardner finished was on the dirt portion of the track. That’s where the footage of the trailer flipping over appeared.
“I, like everyone else, am concerned for Clint’s safety and that of his family,” ASA Series promoter Bob Lacrosse said. “As for the rest of the race, Clint and his crew put forth another excellent effort, however, unfortunately, the unfortunate circumstances took away from what could have been a fine performance. My sincerest apologies to Clint, his team and his family.”
No charges have been filed.
Gardner was transported to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital after the incident. The independent examination will be reviewed and all the information gathered will be turned over to the Texas Racing Commission.