Driver Dies In High Speed Race At BIR

A 70-year-old man passed away on Sunday afternoon after he crashed at high speeds during a race at the Brainerd International Raceway.

Mel Shaw, 70 of New Jersey, died after slamming into the wall at Turn 3 during a Sports Car Club of America race shortly after 2:00 P.M. on Sunday.

Shaw’s vehicle left the track after hitting the wall.

Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Deputies and North Ambulance Service were called to the scene at 2:22 P.M. involving a fatal crash with a race participant.

Shaw was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was transported to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.

BIR officials believe there is a possibility that Shaw may have suffered a medical emergency during the race to cause the crash, such as a heart attack or stroke, although such notions cannot be confirmed until the autopsy has been completed.

The incident remains under investigation.