Racing is one of the most dangerous sports in the world, and that danger was all too real for one veteran driver competing in a short track race over the weekend.
53-year old Robbie Brewer reportedly suffered a “medical emergency” while driving at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
The venue has played host to the NASCAR Cup Series, but last weekend’s event was from one of the smaller series that run throughout the venue in the spring and summer.
According to local news outlet WXII, Brewer suffered a medical emergency that caused him to crash the car into a barrier. He made direct contact with the wall on Lap 16, and the wreckage was so significant that the car’s roof needed to be removed to pull him out.
“We are saddened by the passing of Robbie Brewer after he was transported to an area medical facility following an on-track medical incident during last night’s event at Bowman Gray Stadium,” the venue said about his passing a statement.
“Robbie was a talented and passionate racer, and highly respected competitor among his peers. Our thoughts and prayers are with Robbie’s family and friends at this time.”
Brewer was part of a 20-lap race around the short track at Bowman Gray, a track he had raced at with consistency through various series since 1990. He made over 250 starts in the Sportsman Division and even won the points title there in 2011.
NASCAR ran its annual “Clash” pre-season event at Bowman Gray this year after years of holding it in the Los Angeles Coliseum.
Brad Lewis, another driver at Bowman Gray, said that he was saddened by Brewer’s death because he “was like a big brother to me even though we were not that far apart in age.”
“He was a wheelman through and through. I’m not only going to honor him the rest of the season but for as long as we race out there. He’ll be missed.”
Rest in peace to Robbie Brewer, and we send our condolences to his team, friends, family, fans and loved ones during this difficult time.
