DAYTONA, FL -- A NASCAR fan from Susquehanna County is pushing for more safety at Daytona International Speedway after he was injured more than 2 years ago at the racetrack in Florida.
At the end of a Nationwide series race at Daytona in 2013, a long road of trouble started for brothers from the Great Bend area. They were sitting in the upper level when a wreck sent debris into the stands.
"You see them wreck all the time but nothing like this," said Allen Davis.
Davis has the scar to remind him of that crash. He and his brother Jeff sat down with Newswatch 16 near New Milford and recalled what they could of the day Allen's life changed.
"You felt things flying in the air. like the dust, there was a lot of dust in the air and a lot of debris in the air. you could feel it hitting you," said Jeff Davis, Allen's brother.
Turns out Allen was one of the spectators hit by flying car pars. He was taken to the hospital and doctors said he suffered a traumatic brain injury. The section of the fence that was supposed to keep Allen and others safe failed to do its job.
"I can`t drive a truck. My employment opportunities are limited," added Davis now that his injuries have limited what he's able to do.
Allen Davis spent quite a while recovering from the injuries at the racetrack in Florida. Not long after coming home to Susquehanna County he went back to Florida for more treatment, upending his life. Now the Davis brothers hope something is done to keep NASCAR fans safe.
"They could make them go slower but that wouldn't be nearly as entertaining. It`s all about entertainment and all about money," said brother Jeff.
More fans were injured in a crash at the same turn at Daytona last month prompting the brothers to speak out for better safety measures so that no one else's trip to Daytona or any other track turns into a nightmare.
"You would hope they would make them more safe. that would be the ultimate goal. wouldn't want anyone to get hurt," said Allen Davis.
Davis' attorney is still in talks with NASCAR about improving safety. Daytona wouldn't comment while the legal process is still underway.
