Two Norris Crew Members Sustain Burns

A part-time crew member for the Eric Norris Racing team is in stable but guarded condition and another crew member is expected to be released from the hospital today after a fire erupted from the rear of Manabu Orido’s car during the Snap On 250 NASCAR Winston West race at Irwindale Speedway late Saturday.

Dave Valdez, from Manteca, Calif., was airlifted to Los Angeles County USC Medical Center with second-degree and some third-degree burns to his neck, face and the lower part of his body. His status was listed as critical early Sunday.

Valdez, 57, was the gas man for Orido’s car when during a normal pit stop on lap 120, something broke off the can as he pulled it away from the car. Gas splashed out and hit the rotor inside of the left rear tire causing a massive fireball. Valdez was engulfed in flames and rolled around on the track until safety officials could tend to him.

Another full-time crew member, Donnie Butts, also was caught in the fire and was taken by ground to Methodist Hospital in Arcadia. Butts, 37, suffered burns to his chest and stomach. Butts, from Buena Park, is expected to be released today, according Matt Stowe of the Norris team.

The fire brought out a caution flag on lap 121. On lap 146, the red flag was thrown so that the L.A. County Sheriff’s helicopter could transport Valdez.

When the race was restarted, Austin Cameron, who had come in during the 25-lap caution period, stayed out while all the leaders came in on lap 185 during another caution and hung on to win.

It is Cameron’s first win on the Winston West circuit. Kevin Richards finished second and Butch Gilliland third. Pole-sitter Sammy Potaschnick came back after a blown tire to end up fifth.

Ron Peterson of San Bernardino led 48 of 50 laps to win the Mechanix Wear speed truck challenge. Peterson had to hold off the charge of Darren Young. The two swapped the lead before Peterson took it for good on lap 5. After a caution on lap 44, Young, from Gilbert, Ariz., tried for the lead on the restart but Peterson held on.

Pete Zarcades of Las Vegas led from start to finish in winning the 50-lap American Cities Racing League race.