HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — The racing community is mourning the death of Shawn Balluzzo who passed as a result of injuries sustained during a crash at Saturday night’s modified feature at Langley Speedway.
Balluzzo, 64, was an 11-time champion at Langley Speedway.
Hampton Public Safety Communications received a call just after 9:45 p.m. on Saturday for a report of a motor vehicle extrication at Larry King Law’s Langley Speedway.
Members of the Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue arrived on the scene and found Balluzzo suffering from life-threatening injuries. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment where he later succumbed to those injuries.
Hampton Police officials said the initial investigation revealed that during a scheduled race, two vehicles came in contact with one another sending one vehicle into a protective wall.
“The Modified Class race car is not a motor vehicle produced for highway driving. The vehicle was secured by NASCAR Officials at the safety inspection garage at the track for inspection of safety devices,” said police officials in a statement released.
“A detailed NASCAR report is forthcoming. The Hampton Police Division documented the incident as an industrial accident and the follow-up investigation will be handled by the appropriate authorities.”
A statement from Virginia Motor Speedway remembers Balluzzo as a champion both on and off the track.
“He won the hearts of our fans with 11 track championships and a driving style that made him one of the most respected competitors we’ve ever known.”
Balluzzo was featured in a story by WAVY News 10’s Nathan Epstein last year after his daughter was diagnosed with pediatric Leukemia.
The Hampton Police Division is still investigating the crash.
Stay on WAVY.com for the latest updates.
