Driver Killed, Another Injured In “On-Track Incident” At Daytona International Speedway

Mark Mathys/Facebook

Tragedy struck during an Audi Club track rental session at Daytona International Speedway Saturday (Oct. 28). An “on-track incident” left one driver dead and another injured.

Official details about the incident haven’t been disclosed, but a statement posted to social media indicate that the deceased was Mark Mathys. His sister shared details of the crash on Facebook.

“Mark had a flat and pulled to the wall. While two other cars came around and hit each other sending one into the wall hitting Mark. They had to take the top off the car to get him out and he died either instantly or on the way to the hospital,” Beth Ann Mathys-Griner wrote.

Other reports indicate that Mathys got out of his car to inspect the flat tire when he was struck by another car.

Mathy’s daughter paid tribute to her dad with a touching post sharing that the last time she saw her dad was two weeks ago following the birth of his first grandson.

A statement was issued by Dayona International Speedway confirming the accident.

“We are saddened by the passing of a driver after they were transported to an area medical facility following an on-track incident during today’s Audi Club track rental session. Additionally, our thoughts are with the driver who was injured during the same incident. Daytona International Speedway will coordinate with both Audi Club and local authorities during their investigation into the cause of the accident,” the statement read.

International GT, one of the organizers of Saturday’s event, also issued a statement, saying: “We confirm the death of a driver who was transported to a local hospital after an incident during International GT’s practice session at Daytona International Speedway. A second driver involved in the incident was also transported to a local hospital. Our deepest sympathies go to the family of the driver who has passed. We would like to give our well wishes to the second driver during their recovery.”

Mark Mathys was a businessman who owned the Put-in-Bay Resort and Bay Lodging in Ohio until 2020 when he sold the properties for an estimated $4.4 million. He was a veteran driver in the International GT racing series.