Thompson Speedway SK Modified Division Driver Passes Away Saturday Following Qualifying Event At Track

THOMPSON – Thompson Speedway SK Modified division driver Jimmy Smith of Woodstock passed away Saturday after suffering a medical issue in his race car at the track following a qualifying event.

Smith was 62-years old.

Smith had just finished racing in an SK Modified division heat race when he came off the track and parked his car behind his hauler in the Thompson pits.

SK Light Modified division driver Cam McDermott was parked next to Smith in the pits. He said he saw Smith’s lone crew member yelling for someone to call an ambulance just after Smith parked in the pit area.

“Me and my crew guy just jumped in and started to try and cut the roof off,” McDermott said.

Emergency medical officials performed life saving techniques on Smith while rescue officials worked to cut through the roof and roll cage of Smith’s car. A source said Smith was transported to Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam where he was pronounced dead.

“We send our deepest condolences from the whole Thompson Speedway family and the Hoenig family,” Thompson Speedway general manager  Jonathan Hoenig. “Our thoughts are prayers are with his family and friends and everyone here at the track.”