ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida Highway Patrol report shows that the decision to run cars in the wrong direction on the Walt Disney World Speedway might have been a factor in a fatal crash on the tracks in April.
Instructor Gary Terry, 36, was killed when a driver lost control of a Lamborghini and crashed into the end of a guardrail.
Photos: Man killed in crash at Disney race attraction
Raw: Fatal crash scene at Exotic Driving Experience
Investigators said the sports car, which was going about 100 mph, wouldn’t have been exposed to the guardrail’s end if the cars at the Exotic Driving Experience were run counterclockwise.
FHP’s four-page report concluded that a decision to run sport cars on the Walt Disney Speedway in the wrong direction was a factor in Terry’s death.
Terry worked for the Richard Petty driving experience for more than 15 years.
He was riding with Tavon Watson, 24, when the Lamborghini crashed.
FHP’s investigation said Terry’s car wouldn’t have been exposed to the end of the guardrails had the cars been traveling in the direction for which the track was designed, which was counterclockwise.
The driver was going the opposite way, and had just completed four laps at 102 mph before he lost control.
Industry experts said in April that the Lamborghini might have been traveling the opposite way to slow down the car.
The practice allows drivers to make frequent stops.
Investigators found no mechanical problems that would have contributed to the crash and Terry’s death was ruled accidental.
The report said the investigation is complete and no charges were filed against the driver because the crash was an accident that occurred on private property.
Related Story: 9 Investigates potential safety issues after deadly crash at Walt Disney World Speedway
WFTV
