A veteran racer from Tampa was killed Saturday night during a race in Bradenton.
David Steele, 42, of Tampa, was competing in the Southern Sprintcar Shootout Series at Desoto Speedway.
He was operating an open-wheel sprint car when his left front wheel made contact with the right rear wheel of another vehicle. His vehicle became airborne and spun before it struck a wall. Steele died as a result of his injuries.
According to ESPN, "Steele won the 2004 and 2005 United States Auto Club Silver Crown national titles, ranking third in career wins with 16. He also earned 26 USAC national sprint car feature victories in his career as well as 18 USAC national midget wins. Steele made two NASCAR Xfinity Series starts in 2000 and three Indy Racing League starts in 1998."
Jack Briggs, a maintenance worker at the Speedway said, "It really didn't look that bad. It was like everything just happened in slow motion. I hope the family will be OK and I hope they don't give up on racing.
The Desoto Speedway posted the following on their Facebook page:
Desoto Speedway owners and staff are saddened by tonights passing of David Steele in the Sprint car feature. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends who were all in attendance, to see him try to win his 100th Florida race.
