Nearly $15K raised for driver injured at Speedway
By Spencer Hall
The racing community has come together to raise about $15,000 in support of one of their own after driver Gregory Sorenson sustained a spinal injury at an event at the Rocky Mountain Speedway earlier this month.
Sorenson was racing in a super stock race on August 9th when his car experienced a mechanical failure, causing the vehicle to roll several times and leaving Sorenson with two fractured vertebrae.
In a statement posted to social media, Sorenson detailed the incident.
“Corner one and disaster strikes. The rear end snaps without warning, launching me into the air. Mid-flight, I knew I was in trouble, but all I could do was hold on for the ride,” Sorenson wrote. “The Rocky Mountain Speedway safety crew was on me instantly, and within 20 minutes I was strapped in and heading to the helicopter out of Valemount.”
“Two fractured vertebrae later, I spent hours stuck staring at a hospital ceiling and trust me, that gets old fast. You start picturing cars ripping around above you just to stay sane,” Sorenson said.
He was cleared to leave the hospital three days later on the morning of August 12th. The Goat reached out to Sorenson for additional comment, but did not receive a response by time of publication.
In a written statement, Rocky Mountain Racing Association President Tamara Cinnamon said that thanks to Sorenson’s safety equipment and the high build quality of his car, his injuries are far less severe than they could have been. She added that on-site medics and first responders acted swiftly to get Sorenson the medical attention he needed.
“Their quick thinking, calmness under pressure, and seamless teamwork ensured he was safely removed from the vehicle and in the care of medical professionals within minutes. It was a textbook example of skill, preparedness, and dedication in action,” Cinnamon said.
She added that Sorenson is a talented young racer, who “led the pack” and entertained the crowd throughout the weekend of the event with his speed and skill.
“His spirit shone through even in the moment. When asked by a medic if he knew where he was, he replied, ‘The Rocky Mountain Speedway in Valemount and I was hauling ass!’ We’re grateful he’s on the road to recovery and wish him a full and speedy return to the track,” Cinnamon said.
The Rocky Mountain Racing Association has started a fundraiser to support Sorenson as he recovers from his injury, with the association matching the first $2,000 raised.
“Gregory is a great young man from a racing family that has always given back to the sport and to all of us. Now we’d like to give him a hand up,” Cinnamon said.
Donations poured in from other racers, fans and the Merritt Speedway. As of writing on Aug 18th, a total of $15,000 not including mailed cheques has been raised, according to Cinnamon. Those interested in donating can send funds via e-transfer directly to Sorenson at [email protected] with the password onthemend.
