KNOXVILLE Iowa — A Kansas driver died from injuries suffered Friday night during a race at an Iowa speedway. Chad McDaniel, 34, of Concordia, Kan., was driving in the United States Auto Club Midget Nationals event.
USAC officials said McDaniel was transported to Knoxville Hospital, then airlifted to Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines with head and neck injuries. Mercy Medical Center spokesman Gregg Lagan said McDaniel was pronounced dead at the hospital at 12:37 a.m. Saturday.
McDaniel's car struck another driven by Davey Ray, of Davenport, on the 18th lap of the 20-lap King Doodlebug Classic feature race.
Ray's car flipped in the fourth turn before being hit by McDaniel.
McDaniel's mother, Dianna, said the outpouring of support at home and throughout the racing community has been strong.
"I'm just shocked," Dianna McDaniel said. "He just had so much going for him."
McDaniel's father, Eugene, said Saturday that his son made extra efforts to help others, particularly children who admired him for his racing skills and warm personality.
"Everyone in the town of Concordia respected him," Eugene McDaniel said. "He always had time — it didn't matter who it was. He was very good-hearted."
Chad McDaniel ran his own business, Chado's Auto Body & Glass, and demonstrated a deep sense of self-reliance in everything he did, his father said.
"He helped anybody that needed help," Eugene McDaniel said. "Spectacular person."
The last racing-related death at Knoxville Raceway occurred during the 2006 Knoxville Nationals sprint-car event, when Steve King of Jetmore, Kan., crashed.
"On behalf on the entire USAC Racing community, we are deeply saddened and carry heavy hearts today with the passing of Chad McDaniel," Kevin Miller, CEO of USAC Racing, said in a news release. "Our sport has lost a passionate racer today, and our sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to his family during these most difficult times."
McDaniel is survived by his wife, Trisha, and children, Trevor and Taylor, USAC officials said.
USAC has established a support fund for the family. Donations can be made online at usacracing.com/store. The Midget Nationals will run tonight as scheduled, USAC spokesperson Dick Jordan said.
