The short track racer was a multi-time champion at Langley Speedway
The racing community is mourning the death of a veteran this morning. The driver was killed in a Saturday night crash at Langley Speedway.
The event took place on July 11th. It was offered to a sold out crowd of short track racing fans.
Shawn Balluzzo was a 11-time champion driver.
Langley Speedway is a 0.395-mile oval in Hampton, VA. It’s a NASCAR Home Tracks sanctioned facility.
The crash occurred during the modified division race.
Balluzzo went over the hood of another competitor. He was launched into the turn two wall where he made heavy impact.
Safety crews went to the car directly after the incident. They cut off the roof of the car to remove the driver from the cockpit.
The 64-year-old has passed since the crash.
The veteran racer dominated the short track. In 2019 alone, the driver won 16 of the 17 modified races at Langley Speedway.
The modified race was the second of a double-header. Balluzzo finished 2nd in the opening feature and was looking for the win, all the way to the end.
Langley Speedway statement on the death of Shawn Balluzzo
On Sunday morning, the track issued the following statement:
“Our hearts are heavy this morning. Driver Shawn Balluzzo passed away following an incident during Saturday night’s modified feature at Langley Speedway, leaving behind a championship legacy both on and off track.”
“We won the hearts of our fans with 11 track championships and a driving style that made one of the most respected competitors we’ve ever known.”
“The Langley Speedway family grieves at this terrible loss and offers our deepest condolences to his wife Terri and his three children. We ask that you respect the family’s privacy during this trying time.”
Racing community comments
Virginia Motor Speedway also issued a statement:
“He won the hearts of our fans with 11 track championships and a driving style that made him one of the most respected competitors we’ve ever known.”
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Brad Keselowski: “Sad to lose a fellow racer and a champion. My condolences to his family.”
Hermie Sadler: “Sending my condolences to the family, friends and fans of Shawn Balluzzo. Raced with him in my early LMSC days. He was always genuine and helpful off the track, and a fierce competitor on it.”
Jeb Burton: “Praying for his family and friends.”
