Sprint Car Driver Kramer Williamson Passes Away Following Injuries from Crash, Sprint Car driver Kramer Williamson passed away on Sunday after suffering multiple injuries in a qualifying race at Lincoln Speedway in Abbottstown, Pa., on Saturday.
A news release from United Racing Company confirmed the tragedy, noting that Williamson's car took a series of flips in the second turn of the first URC 360 sprint car heat race.
Williamson underwent surgery on Saturday evening after being airlifted to the trauma center of York Hospital, was listed in critical condition throughout and died of complications at approximately 5:30 p.m. ET.
One of the more accomplished sprint car drivers, Williamson won 410 such races throughout his illustrious career, including 67 victories and three individual championships in the United Racing Company 360 sprint series. He'd been racing since 1968.
The 2008 National Sprint Car Hall of Fame inductee is also a member of the United Racing Company Hall of Fame and was popular amongst fans as well as his fellow competitors.
ESPN news services reports that Williamson kept his age a secret, but that he had been racing for over 40 years. He was known simply as "Kramer" on the sprint car circuit and drove an unmistakable Pink Panther No. 73 car.
Company co-owner Josh Zimmerman praised the legacy Williamson left on and off the track.
"URC lost the most popular driver and accomplished driver in our storied history," said Zimmerman, per the URC's news release.
Zimmerman's wife, Cher, sent out her condolences in discussing the lasting impression Williamson left:
We are so saddened by the loss of an unforgettable member of our URC Family. Kramer was the sweetest and funniest driver I have ever known in racing. He made racing a family affair and simply adored his wife and children. I know the national racing community will join us in remembering Kramer and sending prayers to his family at this very difficult moment.
URC special events promoter Bob Miller also shared his thoughts regarding Williamson's personality and sent out his best wishes to the Williamson family:
Kramer had such a love for this sport that included his competitors and race fans. He was an intense driver that always found a win to bring some humor into any situation, it was just who Kramer was. Kramer will be sadly missed and our sympathy goes out to his family, our thoughts are prayers are with you.
Williamson is survived by his wife Sharon, children Kurt and Felecia and brother George.
A news release from United Racing Company confirmed the tragedy, noting that Williamson's car took a series of flips in the second turn of the first URC 360 sprint car heat race.
Williamson underwent surgery on Saturday evening after being airlifted to the trauma center of York Hospital, was listed in critical condition throughout and died of complications at approximately 5:30 p.m. ET.
One of the more accomplished sprint car drivers, Williamson won 410 such races throughout his illustrious career, including 67 victories and three individual championships in the United Racing Company 360 sprint series. He'd been racing since 1968.
The 2008 National Sprint Car Hall of Fame inductee is also a member of the United Racing Company Hall of Fame and was popular amongst fans as well as his fellow competitors.
ESPN news services reports that Williamson kept his age a secret, but that he had been racing for over 40 years. He was known simply as "Kramer" on the sprint car circuit and drove an unmistakable Pink Panther No. 73 car.
Company co-owner Josh Zimmerman praised the legacy Williamson left on and off the track.
"URC lost the most popular driver and accomplished driver in our storied history," said Zimmerman, per the URC's news release.
Zimmerman's wife, Cher, sent out her condolences in discussing the lasting impression Williamson left:
We are so saddened by the loss of an unforgettable member of our URC Family. Kramer was the sweetest and funniest driver I have ever known in racing. He made racing a family affair and simply adored his wife and children. I know the national racing community will join us in remembering Kramer and sending prayers to his family at this very difficult moment.
URC special events promoter Bob Miller also shared his thoughts regarding Williamson's personality and sent out his best wishes to the Williamson family:
Kramer had such a love for this sport that included his competitors and race fans. He was an intense driver that always found a win to bring some humor into any situation, it was just who Kramer was. Kramer will be sadly missed and our sympathy goes out to his family, our thoughts are prayers are with you.
Williamson is survived by his wife Sharon, children Kurt and Felecia and brother George.
