Video of the Justin Bonnett crash: Fuel cell dislodged in crash during Snowball Derby weekend at 5 Flags Speedway
Justin Bonnett entered the Snowflake 100 on Saturday night. The event is a week long show at 5 Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida.
Watch the Justin Bonnett crash video below.
The Snowflake 100 is a 100-lap race on the half-mile oval. It features the Pro Late Model division (crate late models) and leads into the Super Late Model event each year.
Justin Bonnett is the grandson of NASCAR star Neil Bonnett, who died in a practice crash in the 1994 Daytona 500. The Alabama driver ranks 45th on the all-time NASCAR wins chart.
Bonnett also became the first driver to win a NASCAR race outside of North America in 1988. That year, he won the Goodyear NASCAR 500 at the Calder Park Thunderdome in Melbourne, Australia.
Neil Bonnett drove the No. 12 car for Junior Johnson & Associates between 1984-86 as well as Kennie Childers Racing in 1979. This weekend, Justin Bonnett was piloting the No. 12 machine.
After several days of practice sessions, Justin qualified 32nd in the 36 car field and was set for the main event.
Justin Bonnett crash at Snowball Derby
On lap 54 of the 100 lap race, Jarrett Parker spun in turns three and four. Justin Bonnett was unable to avoid contact.
The fuel tank of Parker’s machine was exposed. The impact created a large fuel fire instantly. Bonnett then spun to the infield with a fire trail in his path.
The medical team quickly arrived at the scene. He was pulled from the car with the help of the safety crew.
Bonnett was taken to a hospital in Pensacola, FL. He was then airlifted to a hospital in Mobile, Alabama.
He suffered a compound fracture of the fibula and tibula. Justin’s injuries included a broken leg, which required surgery.
Additionally, he sustained burns to his hands face and neck.
The Snowball Derby weekend was set to conclude on Sunday with the 300-lap Super Late Model event. Rain washed out the race and has postponed it to Monday afternoon.
Early Sunday morning, the driver underwent surgery.
The team provided the following updates throughout the night. They were written by Kristen Bonnett Ray, the daughter of Neil Bonnett.
Justin Bonnett: Medical updates
December 7, 2019 – 10:25pm: “This is Kristen, Justin has sustained a broken leg and burns and is being treated as I type this. Thank you to everyone who helped extinguish the fire and help get him out of the car.”
“Thank you all for the messages, texts call and most of all the prayers. Please continue to lift him up in prayer. I will update as soon as I have more information.”
December 8, 2019 – 1:29am: “Justin has been sedated and is being prepared for surgery on his leg. His burns are also being treated. Thank you for your prayers. We will update in the morning.”
December 8, 2019 – 7:30am: “I truly can’t thank everyone enough for reaching out to our family during this time. We are blessed in many ways and are thankful for Gods protection.”
“Justin will have some healing up to do as he sustained burns to his hands, face and neck. He also sustained a compound fracture of the fibula and tibula which will be repaired this morning.”
“He was sedated just after the accident and was flown from Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola to a hospital in Mobile that was better equipped to address his injuries.”
“Thank you to the first responders and the medical staff at both hospitals and to the individuals at the track that immediately ran to help him especially the man (that I have just received a name and number of) that pulled Justin from the car.”
“Our family will contact him in privacy but sir, thank you for your selflessness and quick actions, you are a hero.”
“All of your texts, calls, messages of encouragement, and prayers have been a blessing to us and we are grateful for each and every one. ❤️BONNETT12”
Justin Bonnett Crash Video
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Links
Justin Bonnett Racing | 5 Flags Speedway
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