Myrtle Beach Speedway is suffering the loss of one of their own following a fatal two-car crash during Friday night’s Southeast Limited Late Model Challenger event. According to Speedway officials, 56-year-old Surfside Beach resident Jackie Ward crashed his No. 3 late model ride into the outside wall of Turn 1 of the South Carolina half-mile.
After being found unresponsive, Ward was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead just 47 minutes after the collision. According to Horry County Chief Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard, an autopsy is taking place wherein officials hope to find out more about what caused this late model driver and long-time race fan’s death.
To honor the memory of this local driver, Speedway officials postponed the remainder of Friday night’s activities until the following day.
“We lost a fellow racer and a great friend of ours here at Myrtle Beach Speedway,” said Speedway Officials. “Jackie was a part of the racing community and our family at the speedway, and he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, pit crew, friends, fans and fellow racers.”
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has additional information is asked to contact Corporal Brian Connelly at 301-863-4816, ext. *1456 or by email, [email protected].
We at RacingJunk.com send our condolences to this driver’s friends and family. Stay tuned for added information about this investigation as it becomes available.
RIP