TIOGA CENTER, NY – A snowmobile drag racer was air-lifted to Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Pa., following a frightening crash Saturday at Skyview Drags.
Ken Burlew, 66, of Ithaca, was involved in a scary crash with defending Bike/Sled champion Brent Garcia, Cincinnatus, when the wheelie bar on Garcia’s Buell motorcycle broke off, forcing the motorcycle rider into Burlew’s lane, where he was accelerating on his snowmobile.
Burlew’s drag racing Skidoo snowmobile, equipped with special front rollers made for asphalt or concrete track racing, made contact with Garcia’s motorcycle, catapulting Burlew and his snowmobile into the air. Burlew fell backwards and heavily impacted the surface.
Track and emergency personnel responded immediately to the stricken driver. Renee Jordan, the track’s trained emergency technician, cleared Burlew’s airway, and track personnel treated the driver until the Robert Packer Hospital helicopter arrived and transported the stricken rider.
Following two cat scans and other tests, Burlew was released after a night’s stay at the Sayre health care facility. There were no broken bones, and Burlew luckily escaped what many at the track felt was a very frightening incident.
“I’m proud of all of my emergency personnel and employees who took immediate action in caring for Ken,” said Track Director and Promoter Amy Culver. “Incidents like this happen in racing, and I’m happy to say that Ken received immediate care which lessened the chances of a more serious result.”
Racing for the day was postponed following the harrowing accident and will be rescheduled at a future date. Super Pro and Pro completed three rounds of competition, while Street was in the lanes for its third round when the accident occurred.
Action continues this Saturday with the holiday May 29 Old School Nostalgia Night, featuring nostalgia Funny Cars and a touring NETO nostalgia series. On Sunday, a full show of Summit 660 Series bracket racing will take place, and the date will also be utilized as a rain date for the Old School Nostalgia race in the event of inclement weather on Saturday.
For more information on this weekend’s racing, contact the track at (607) 687-9392 or check the track’s Web site at www.skyviewdrags.com. Camping is available on the grounds this weekend.
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