Tragic accident at the dirt track over the weekend
The Hart County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that one person died in a crash at the Hartwell Speedway dirt track. The 3/8-mile track is located in Hartwell, Georgia.
Hart County fire/EMS stated that a car spun and went through the infield area of the dirt track. Crew members and fans stood in the infield.
Sheriff Mike Cleveland noted the driver lost control and hit a concrete wall on the inside of the track. The car then climbed the wall, went through a chain link fence and entered the infield area.
Paul Ballenger
Three people were injured in the incident, one was a child. A male in his thirties also suffered injuries. 57-year-old Paul Ballenger died from injuries.
The driver was not injured in the crash.
Hartwell Speedway issued a statement on Saturday:
“Everyone at Hartwell Speedway ask that you please keep those involved in the tragic accident tonight at the Speedway in your thoughts and prayers. We would also like to thank all those who came to the aide of those injured.”
Ballenger is survived by two daughters and son-in-law, Amanda and Jeffery Lord, Colbert, GA, and Jennifer Ballenger, Toccoa; Two sons Steven Ballenger, Toccoa, and Josh Wade Elberton; 14 grandchildren; two sisters, Shirley and Andy Mckie, Commerce, and Brenda Goodwin, Royston; Brothers, William Ballenger, Commerce, Robert Ballenger, Canon, and Clinton Ballenger, Homer; and his girlfriend Terri Patman.
Services will be Thursday morning at 11am at the B D Ginn Memorial Chapel with Rev. David Carithers.
Related: Hartwell Speedway Dirt track for sale (2019)
