Racing community rallies to support the family of the fallen driver
On Friday night, Keith Jacobs unloaded his No. 12j machine at 311 Motor Speedway in Stokes County, North Carolina. He was competing in the 604 crate late model division.
Mike Fulp, the owner of the track, stated that Jacobs suffered a medical emergency in the race.
Witnesses said they saw the driver slump over the steering wheel. He then hit a wall head on. The car went airborne before returning to the ground.
Jacobs was later pronounced dead.
The crash took place on lap 10 of the race. Jacobs was running 4th at the time. He set his best lap on lap 7, just a few laps prior to the accident.
Jacobs was a veteran dirt track racer with 30 years of competition at 311 Motor Speedway alone.
The 604 race was cut short due to the tragic accident. The drivers agreed to donate the prize money of $4,300 from the race to the family. Additionally, an anonymous donor is set to match that effort up to $6,000.
The track returned to racing on Saturday night, the night after the crash. The Schaffer’s Fall Nationals were at the speedway with a $10,000 payout to the super late model winner.
“Everyone please keep the Jacobs family in your thoughts and prayers tonight as 311 Speedway has lost a legend Indian Outlaw Keith Jacobs. Godspeed my friend. 311 Speedway is going to dedicate Saturday night to the Indian Outlaw Keith Jacobs. Also all of the 50/50 tickets that are sold Saturday night will go to the Jacobs Family,” the track said in a statement.
The track held a moment of silence ahead of Saturday night’s program. Fans and competitors wore black ribbons to honor Jacobs on Saturday night.
Stokes County EMS confirmed the death shortly after the incident.
