Cedar Lake Speedway sees tragic accident in season opener

A worker has lost his life at the Wisconsin dirt track

Cedar Lake Speedway is a 3/8-mile clay oval. The track is located in New Richmond, Wisconsin.

This weekend, the short track is back in action. It marked the season-opener after multiple postponements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Anxious fans, after weeks of sitting at home were excited to head for the race track.

The opener is scheduled as two-day show. Friday night, the track featured bus races with Traditional Sprint Cars & Midwest Modifeds.

On Saturday night, the track was scheduled to host a second event. It would feature Late Models, Modifieds, Super Stocks, Midwest Modifieds, Limited Late Models & Traditional Sprint Cars.

Scott Brandt took the win in the sprint car feature. That would be to the only class the complete a feature.

Accident at Cedar Lake Speedway

The races were cut short on Friday night amid a terrible accident.

A bus rolled in turn two on the first lap of the bus race. As safety workers attempted to clean the accident scene, a worker was crushed by the bus, according to multiple fan reports.

One fan stated the bus had flipped. It then caught fire. The driver of the bus appears to have been cleared of the crash.

As crews hooked chains to the bus to roll it back over, the chain became dislodged and the bus was dropped on the worker, according to fan reports from the track.

A medical helicopter was called into the track. However, the helicopter did not immediately leave the speedway.

One fan stated that the track did not announce the death of the track worked. However, she witnessed medical crews cover the body.

The track has not released a statement on the accident. It’s unclear if the event is set to continue on Saturday night.

This is a developing story. Updates will be posted below.


UPDATE

The St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the track worker has lost his life. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The man is Edward Nicholson, he was 62.

Saturday’s portion of the show has been canceled. The track announced the change via social media.

Track statement

On Sarurday afternoon, the track released the following statement:

“Cedar Lake Speedway is mourning the loss of a long time member of our racing family. Eddie Nicholson died from injuries sustained while clearing the track of an incident.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family during this very difficult time. Thanks to all of the emergency personnel that responded Friday night. Eddie will be greatly missed.”

“Tonight’s races are canceled. Details regarding next week’s event will follow.”

Cedar Lake Speedway crash scene
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