PENN TOWNSHIP -- Two drivers remain in the hospital, after a sprint car crash at Selinsgrove Speedway over the weekend. Newswatch 16 talked with some people who witnessed the wreck at the track in Snyder County
In races like this last July, sprint car driver, Duane Mausteller from Bloomsburg has driven around the track at Selinsgrove speedway thousands of times but a race over the weekend ended with Mausteller involved in a serious crash. Driver, Ryan Kissinger was trailing behind and saw Mausteller's car flipped over.
“I was scared. Worried for Duane. It was a pretty nasty site." said Ryan Kissinger.
According to the speedway, the crash happened on the back stretch. During the third lap of Saturday night's feature.
"One was sitting on the race track and, unfortunately, Duane came around and made contact with that car sitting on the track." said Steve Inch, Selinsgrove Speedway.
Mausteller and another driver, Jamie Collard, were taken to the hospital.
“We all know it can happen but, something like this shouldn't happen. It's definitely scary." said Ryan Kissinger.
The raceway, it's more than just a track to some drivers, who say it's more like a home. The drivers, they are all friends who are very upset to hear that Duane was hurt doing something he loves.
"It's just something we do. We enjoy it. We strap into a car and go 140 miles an hour sometimes. You just can't really explain it." said Kissinger.
The sprint cars are loaded with safety equipment, but when crashes happen at speeds of nearly 130 miles an hour they can be deadly.
“Whenever something like this happens you do take a closer look at the cars. Analyzing the cars to make them safer." said Inch.
According to the speedway's website, Mausteller is being treated for head injuries at Geisinger Medical center near Danville.