Chris Morefield Crash at Peoria Speedway - Driver Has a Broken Back

Chris Morefield involved in crash with Mitch Caskey – Back broken, in two places – Video below

Chris Morefield and Mitch Caskey were involved in a crash at Peoria Speedway. It took place on May 27th, 2017.

UPDATE: Now, there’s a video of the incident (WATCH BELOW)

There was a red flag early in the race. That was a red flag for a separate roll-over.

As they went back green, the two drivers were racing hard for position in the SB Late Models heat race. They raced side-by-side for several laps.

Chris Morefield Dirt Late Model — Chris Morefield

However, Chris Morefield ran tight through the center of turns 1-2. Big push, as he exited the corner it became snap loose. The back-end stepped out. That nearly put Caskey in the wall, however, they all continued.

Until the got the next corner. Caskey changed lanes, moving from the top to the bottom. He parked his front nose it under the fuel cell of Chris Morefield.

He drove it so deep that the nose actually made contact with the left rear wheel. This catapulted Chris Morefield, up and over. He barrel rolled through turns 3-4 as fans screamed.

Chris Morefield Dirt Late Model Crash at Peoria Speedway — Chris Morefield Crash

The end result was a busted racecar, the first night of racing for the new look on the car. The dirt late model crash also resulted in a broken back for the driver who rolled.

Chris Morefield spoke to me about the crash that night, “There was a big crash a few laps before. I heard Mitch was under the impression I caused it. But I was way ahead of that one.”

Chris Morefield stated a few days after the crash, “Thanks everybody, long road ahead my back is broke in two places.”

Mitch started the main event. However, his name was later moved to the bottom of the results sheet. Mitch Caskey from North Lawerence, Ohio was DQ’d from the main event.

Peoria issued a brief statement the next day. Stating, “Peoria Speedway does not and will not tolerate any unsportsmanlike conduct. Anyone operating their race car in a manner in which we feel is unsafe and/or potentially harmful to their fellow competitors, will be barred from any further competition…”

They continued, “Peoria Speedway and all of its family ask that everyone continue to pray for a full and speedy recovery for Chris Morefield.”

5 days after the crash, Chris returned home for the hospital. “Ok I’m home from hospital lot harder then I thought. But I need now that I’m home a PlayStation 3.”

A GoFundMe page has been created to help Chris Morefield support his family as he recovers from injury. So far, they’ve raised $760 of the $20,000 goal.

As of now, it’s unsure when Chris Morefield will be able to return to the track. Team One-Oh will need to build another late model, that was their only car.

Now, there’s a video of the incident. Watch the Chris Morefield crash video below.

Author: Shane Walters