Man dies after being hit by sprint car at Jacksonville Speedway

The racing community was rocked by tragic news Friday night after it was announced that a man had been struck and killed by a race car at the Jacksonville Speedway in Jacksonville, Illinois.

A 65-year-old man identified Saturday morning as Ralph A. Willhite of Jacksonville was struck by a 410 Sprint Car that went out of control and entered the infield at a high rate of speed. Willhite was pronounced dead at the scene by the Morgan County Coroner’s Office.

The following statement was posted on Facebook by the Morgan County Coroners Office:

On Friday, June 28, 2024, one person died in an accident at Jacksonville Speedway.

Ralph A. Willhite, 65, of Jacksonville, was in the infield when he was struck by an out-of-control 410-wing sprint car. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Morgan County Coroner Marcy Patterson.

An autopsy is scheduled for Monday.

According to several local media reports, at least one other person was taken to a nearby hospital with serious injuries.

Following the first reports on Friday evening, the racing community quickly came together to express their condolences to the victims of the tragedy.

Dirt Late Model star Brandon Sheppard, who grew up 20 minutes from Jacksonville Speedway, made the following statement on his Facebook page:

“Sending love and prayers home to Jacksonville Speedway. As many of you know, there was an accident at the track tonight – and many are wondering who, what, when, where and why. Please pause and just pray for those affected by this tragedy.”

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.