Monday, April 08, 2002
Sprint-car racer killed at Eldora
The Associated Press
ROSSBURG, Ohio — A sprint-car driver from Lima died after crashing into a wall on the first lap during a race at Eldora Speedway, officials said.
Jimmy Johnston, 39, crashed into the wall Saturday night during the Modified feature, which was won by Scott Orr.
Johnston had just crossed the start-finish line of the half-mile clay oval track when another car clipped him while attempting to pass.
Witnesses said Johnston's car hit the wall head on at an estimated 80 to 90 mph and rolled more than 10 times.
Johnston was taken to Wayne Hospital in Greenville. A hospital spokeswoman would not confirm his death.
A Darke County sheriff's deputy confirmed a driver died at the raceway but would not give details until after a coroner makes a report.
A phone message was left with the Darke County coroner.
The race was red-flagged for more than an hour before resuming and the Eldora Stocks ran after the completion of the Modified race. Johnston's death was not announced until after the end of the stock car race.
A recorded message at the speedway said, “We regret to announce that longtime veteran Jimmy Johnston of Lima, Ohio, was fatally injured on the first lap of the Modified feature.”
Johnston had raced primarily 360 Sprints at Limaland Motorsports Park for nearly two decades and was making a rare Modified appearance.
Rossburg is about 40 miles northwest of Dayton.
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Sprint-car racer killed at Eldora 
