Daytona Track Services/Fire Rescue Team Honored

The Daytona International Speedway Track Services and Fire Rescue Team was honored with the Track Services Teamwork Award on Monday at the annual NASCAR Track Services Summit in Concord, N.C.

Each year the Track Services Teamwork Award is granted by NASCAR to a Track Services Team that has exemplified strong teamwork during an unexpected or adverse event at a NASCAR function.

Accepting the award on behalf of the Speedway was Senior Director of Track Operations Pete D’Agresta, Director of Emergency Services Troy Willrick and Speedway Fire Chief Mike Cordle.

“The Daytona International Speedway Track Services and Fire Rescue team demonstrated incredible teamwork during the 2012 Daytona 500,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. “Faced with an extraordinary challenge, the Track Operations and Fire Rescue team exhibited coordination and professionalism that was nothing short of outstanding.

“Receiving the Track Services Teamwork Award is an honor for every member of the team at Daytona International Speedway.”

On Lap 160 of the 2012 Daytona 500, with the race under caution, Juan Pablo Montoya suffered a mechanical failure that caused him to lose control and strike a jet dryer, resulting in a massive fuel spill and fire. The Track Services and Fire Rescue Team responded immediately, ensured the safety of both drivers and suppressed and extinguished the fire. The crew then removed the damaged vehicles, cleaned up the remaining fuel and repaired the track surface.

The incident required EMS, Fire Rescue, Cleanup, Track Services and Engineering teams to work together efficiently and effectively to make certain the track was in condition for drivers to complete the race.

All of the rescue, fire, clean-up and repair work was completed in two hours and the race was able to resume to the checkered flag, which was taken by Matt Kenseth for a second time in his career.