I-44 Speedway likely to make changes after fire

NEWCASTLE — Almost one week after Harli White's mini-sprint caught fire and the 12-year old suffered third-degree burns, the racing will be different at I-44 Speedway.

White wrecked her Restrictor Class mini sprint car Saturday and was trapped inside as the car burst into flames. She is currently being treated at Shriners Burn Hospital for Children in Galveston, Texas.

No I-44 officials have confirmed whether racing will continue Saturday, but fans and parents have commented on discussion boards on the I-44 Web site, claiming races will continue as scheduled but with many changes.

Greg Moore, whose 12-year-old daughter races in the Restrictor Class at I-44, said track owner Clyde Steen is embracing new safety precautions to ensure another tragedy like White's is avoided.

Those precautions include fire retardant uniforms for track officials, a 500-gallon water tank available with a pump and foam fire extinguishers that will spray for up to 55 seconds.

"They might not have been very prepared before (White's wreck),” Moore said. "But I would say they are more prepared than any other track around. I feel very safe about my daughter racing.”

Moore said White's tragedy has become the talk of racing circles nationwide. He said safety precautions will probably reach new heights everywhere.

"I think tracks all over the state and the country will be a lot better after this.” Moore said. "Everyone is thinking about her (White) all over the country. Everyone is taking a hard look at the equipment they are using. It is a shame that it takes something like this to open our eyes.”

Wade Jarvis, whose 10-year-old son Cody races in the Junior Sprint Class, said his son will be safe while racing.

"I have been doing this my whole life,” said Wade Jarvis, who has raced full-sized sprint cars and NASCAR-type trucks. "I am going to do everything I can on my end to make sure my kids are safe. That is what I have always done. I have just heard rumors, but I know there will be changes. Things like this bring change.”

Steen, the I-44 Speedway owner, has not commented to The Oklahoman since White's crash.