RACING driver Robbie Brewer has tragically died after experiencing a medical emergency during a race over the weekend.
The 53-year-old veteran stock driver died at a North Carolina short track on Sunday.
Veteran racing driver Robbie Brewer has died after experiencing an on-track medical emergency over the weekend[/caption]
Brewer died at the age of 53[/caption]
Brewer’s car made direct contact with the wall of the quarter-mile track at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
The vehicle eventually came to a complete stop near the start-finish line.
Track workers helped remove Brewer from the car, and an ambulance took him to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased, per the Winston-Salem Journal.
“We are saddened by the passing of Robbie Brewer after he was transported to an area medical facility following an on-track medical incident,” the track officials’ statement said on Sunday.
“Robbie was a talented and passionate racer, and highly respected competitor among his peers.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Robbie’s family and friends at this time.”
The details of the medical emergency have yet to be released.
Brewers was participating in the 20-lap Sportsman Series race at Bowman Gray.
The four-division racing event sees thousands of fans each Saturday night in the spring and summer.
Bowman Gray was also the location for this year’s preseason NASCAR Cup Series exhibition event in February.
Brewer’s career began in 1990.
He made over 250 starts in the Sportsman Division.
Brewer won the points championship in 2011.
Fellow Bowman Gray driver Brad Lewis has a connection with Brewer.
Brewer’s medical incident occurred while he participated in the 20-lap Sportsman Series race at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina[/caption]
His race shop is near where Brewer lived.
Lewis said Brewer “was like a big brother to me even though we were not that far apart in age.”
“He was a wheelman through and through,” he said.
“I’m not going to honor him the rest of the season but for as long as we race out there.
Track crew working to remove Brewer from his car after suffering the medical emergency on lap 16 of the first-20 lap Sportsman Series race[/caption]
“He’ll be missed.”
Fans also sent their tributes concerning Brewer’s sudden death.
“Brewer’s impact on the sport and the community will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Robbie,” one wrote.
“So incredibly sad. RIP,” another commented.
“Man, that’s heartbreaking. Robbie was a legend at Bowman Gray. Thoughts are with his family and the racing community,” a third added.
