A crash at Berlin raceway collected a pack of cars but it was what happened afterward that has drivers in the industry praying for their colleague.
Drivers Boris Jurkovic and David Fretz were transported to a local hospital Saturday afternoon following the collision in turn two at the short track. Fretz’s super late model appeared not to slow in the aftermath of the collision, instead hitting the driver side of Jurkovic.
Two ambulances arrived on the scene along with paramedics, while the cars were shielded from the crowd as extraction efforts were underway.
General manager Jeff Striegle confirmed to local media that both men were initially “responsive” and would be undergoing CT scans. Track officials later told MLive.com that Jurkovic’s injuries were non-life threatening and has sustained injuries to his legs.
We reached out to Striegle this evening for an update as multiple drivers posted to social media soliciting prayers for Jurkovic, including Donnie Wilson and Stephen Nasse.
Cody Glick with Hamke Race Cars also chimed in saying Jurkovic “needs some thoughts and prayers.”
Jurkovic is an Illinois native and a frequent racer at Berlin in his black #53 SLM. He won the 2021 Icebreaker earlier this year at the track and has a racing career spanning decades.
This is a developing story.
BILL
May 22, 2021 at 10:48 pm
While the cats were shielded? This site never proofreads before posting.
Matt Weaver
June 5, 2021 at 4:54 pm
Hi Bill,
We’re a small team of freelancers. No one gets paid. We all do it in our spare time because we love short track racing. If you want to help us hire a copyeditor, there is a Patreon link at the bottom of every story. You can support us that way and you would see the quality increase tremendously. Thank you. This story was typed on a cellphone in real time because it was a breaking news situation. We’re trying our best.