KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — A racer who crashed his car into a rival’s vehicle after a race at the Galesburg Speedway has been found not guilty of assault and property damage.
Lance Gary throttled up and intentionally slammed into Matthew Elsey’s vehicle after a race on May 28 where both drivers traded paint, vaulting one his front wheels through the driver’s side window. However, it took a jury took less than 45 minutes on Tuesday to decide that act wasn’t enough to merit a conviction.
Gary told jurors the wreck was accidental and that he wasn’t trying to hurt Elsey.
A track manager also testified, saying the cars are built fragile and the damage Elsey’s vehicle suffered looked worse than it actually was.
Gary’s year-long ban at the track has been lifted. The Michigan Speedway Promoters’ Association is also anticipated to lift Gary’s statewide ban.
– Anthony Pollreisz
