Post by Admin on Jul 12, 2020 21:03:27 GMT -8
11 TIME MODIFIED CHAMPION DIES AFTER ACCIDENT AT LANGLEY
Shawn Balluzzo, one of the great champions in Langley Speedway history, passed away Saturday following an incident at the Hampton, Virginia facility. The 11-time Modified track champion was competing in the evening's second Modified feature when he suffered a fatal incident in turn two.
"Our hearts are heavy this morning. Driver Shawn Balluzzo passed away following an incident during Saturday Night’s modified feature at Langley Speedway, leaving behind a championship legacy 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. The Langley Speedway family grieves at this terrible loss and offers our deepest condolences to his wife Terri and his three children. We ask that you respect the family’s privacy during this trying time."
Since Langley Speedway reopened following a hiatus in 2016, Balluzzo had won 35 Modified features at the .397-mile oval, and all three of the division's track championships between 2017 and 2019. Last season, Balluzzo won 16 of the track's 17 Modified races.
Virginia Motor Speedway, which is located approximately one hour from Langley Speedway, also offered a statement sharing the track's thoughts and prayers for Balluzzo's family and paying tribute to his career.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Shawn Balluzzo and our friends at Larry King Law's Langley Speedway," the statement says. "Please keep Terri Balluzzo and the rest of the family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
The incident occurred during the second feature for the Modifieds in Saturday's racing program. Balluzzo finished second to Matt Carter in the first race of the evening. Carter would go on to win the second feature, which was shortened in distance, following the incident.
Speed51 offers its heartfelt thoughts and prayers for the Balluzzo family.
-Story by: Zach Evans, Speed51 Content Supervisor - Twitter: @ztevans
-Photo credit: Virginia Motor Speedway Facebook
Source: SPEED51.com
