Driver hospitalized following crash at Great Lakes Dragaway

Updated: 10:42 a.m. on May 30, 2023:

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The man who was injured at Great Lakes Dragaway on Monday, May 29, David Douthit of Douthit Motor Sports, has given a thumbs-up on social media, noting that he is in good spirits. He is being treated for second-degree burns on his eyes, nose and neck.

POSTED: 3:30 p.m. on May 29, 2023:

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Monday, May 29, a fiery crash at Great Lakes Dragaway sent a drag race driver to the hospital with burns to his face and arms.

The crash took place around 2:30 p.m.

The owner of Great Lakes Dragaway told CBS 58 News the incident happened when the driver was performing a stunt down the Union Grove track in his own wheel standard car.

While driving, the car began to "handle poorly," crashing into the track's walls at 70 miles per hour and ultimately catching on fire.

The driver, and sole occupant of the car, was able to escape on his own.

He was airlifted via Flight for Life to Columbia St. Mary's Hospital for further treatment.

The crash served as a reminder to racers just how extreme the sport truly is.

"If you're not thinking of safety before the race, you probably shouldn’t be in the car," said Nate Windsor, a longtime drag race driver.

Windsor went on to say crashing is one part of the sport.

"At some point, you're going to have a mechanical failure on the car that’s probably going to end up putting you in the wall, and that’s why you have all your safety stuff," said Windsor.

Windsor has never crashed, but his dad has had some close calls, hitting racetrack walls at speeds upwards of 115 miles per hour.

"You are very, very cautious, you're very aware of what can happen," said Shane Windsor.

The driver of Monday's crash is expected to be okay.