A pit area altercation led to an arrest and felony charges
Over the weekend, the Southern All Star Racing Series hosted a dirt late model event at Southern Raceway. The track is a 3/8-mile dirt track in Milton, Florida.
GR Smith and Ashton Winger were involved in an on-track incident. That incident later led to a confrontation in the pit area.
While under caution, GR Smith drove into the 2nd place car of Winger, three times. Two of which resulted in a spin.
Gary Winger, a Georgia man was arrested following the pit area altercation that followed. He’s been issued two felony charges.
Santa Rosa Jail records note the 51-year-old is facing a first-degree felony count of burglary with assault or battery and a second-degree count of aggravated battery causing bodily hard or disability.
23-year-old Scott Winger (Ashton Winger) was also arrested.
On Wednesday, the series released a pair of penalties for the two drivers.
Southern All Star Dirt Racing Series: Penalty Notice
Following this weekend’s altercations at Southern Raceway the following penalties are being implemented on the parties involved:
“Ashton Winger will be suspended for 60 days with zero tolerance probation due to a crew member using a weapon in a physical altercation with G.R. Smith. Drivers are responsible for their crew, this is what lead to this decision.”
“G.R. Smith will be suspended indefinitely for his actions on track. The driver struck the 12 machine repeatedly under caution. He failed to comply with our race director who repeatedly told him to leave the track. He was disqualified from the event. Requirements for reinstatement will be discussed with G.R. privately and once the requirements and stipulations are met the suspension will be lifted.”
“Both parties are remorseful for everything that occurred Saturday. We hope to see them competing with the Southern All Stars again in the near future.”
“The Southern All Stars apologize to the fans and Southern Raceway for the altercations that ensued on Saturday and hate to see this happen in our sport. This kind of stuff is not acceptable and will not be tolerated at any SAS events.”
“Following G.R. Smith’s unacceptable behavior on track, track personnel and security were called to his pit area to be sure that a safe place was provided for the competitor to be able to load his equipment and leave the premises. Unfortunately the altercation occurred before the Santa Rosa County officers could get to the site in time.”
Rule changes
“Going forward the Complete Double File restart will remain. A cone will be set out at the starting line, competitors MUST STAY in line through the cone to the start and finish line. Leader will have lane choice and must fire first. An official will be in turn 4 to help monitor each start.”
“If a competitor is caught jumping first time they will go back a row the second offense they will be sent to the rear of the field (pending cars a lap down). Third offense the driver will be sent to the pits.”
“Also going forward: Drivers, crew members, or parties affiliated with race teams that choose to verbally abuse, threaten, or physically go after a race official can result in disqualification from the event with further penalties up to the discretion of the officials.”
