Race Official Dies, Another Injured in Dirt Track Crash

Tragedy strikes World of Outlaws racing series as emergency response vehicles collide at Kennedale Speedway Park

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:52am

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A race official named Billy Hurt tragically died after two emergency vehicles collided while responding to a crash during a World of Outlaws sprint car race at Kennedale Speedway Park in Texas. Another official, Jerry Myers, was injured but is in stable condition. The crash occurred just before 9 p.m. local time on Saturday night as the officials were responding to an accident involving driver Marcus Thomas, who had flipped his car during the Last Chance Qualifier race.

Why it matters

The World of Outlaws is one of the premier dirt track racing series in the United States, drawing top drivers and large crowds. This tragic incident highlights the inherent dangers of motorsports and the critical role that safety officials play in protecting drivers and spectators. It also raises questions about emergency response protocols at racing events.

The details

According to police, the two emergency vehicles collided with each other as they were responding to the initial crash involving driver Marcus Thomas. Both officials were ejected from their all-terrain vehicles in the collision. Billy Hurt died at the scene, while Jerry Myers was hospitalized in stable condition.

  • The incident occurred just before 9 p.m. local time on Saturday, March 16, 2026.
  • The remainder of the World of Outlaws event was postponed following the crash.

The players

Billy Hurt

A race official who had more than 23 years of experience in safety and rescue operations for sprint car racing, including with the World of Outlaws, American Sprint Car Series, and other major events. He was also a firefighter in Columbia, Missouri for over 25 years.

Jerry Myers

Another race official who was injured in the collision with Hurt while responding to the initial crash. He is currently in stable condition.

Marcus Thomas

The sprint car driver whose crash initially prompted the emergency response that led to the fatal collision.

World Racing Group

The company that owns and operates the World of Outlaws racing series.

Brian Carter

The CEO of World Racing Group.

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What they’re saying

“Beyond his professionalism, Billy exemplified what it meant to be a good person, always putting others before himself. He dedicated his life to ensuring the safety of every racer, making their well-being his main priority. And beyond the track, his kindness shone further with every interaction, quickly becoming a friendly face to everyone he met.”

— Brian Carter, CEO, World Racing Group

“Billy was proud to be a public servant. He enjoyed his job. He always came to work with a smile on his face. He was never down and out. He showed up. He did his job and he was really good at it. He did it with an attitude that people wanted to work with him.”

— Zack Privette, President, Columbia Professional Firefighters

What’s next

The crash is under investigation by local authorities, and the remainder of the World of Outlaws event at Kennedale Speedway Park has been postponed.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by safety officials in motorsports. It highlights the need for continued focus on emergency response protocols and safety measures to protect both drivers and support personnel at racing events.