The Greatest Dirt Track Crash Ever

[highgroove]

The 1990 National 200 @ Santa Fe Speedway

The accident started when Lil John Provenzano broke a transmission coming out of turn two. He started to go into the infield and was reportedly waved back out onto the track so that he could enter the infield in a different location. Cars behind him swerved to miss, stirred up a whole lot of infield dust which combined with the sun setting in between the turn 3 trees, blinded the drivers. A couple got together and completely blocked the track, the track was so slick that those who did see the wreck in time locked up their brakes and slid into the back of the pile, eventually reaching 3 high in several places. A total of 19 cars were involved including the leader at the time Bob Pohlman Jr who had dominated every 1/2 mile show that year. Lil John was able to repair his car during the 2 hour break to clean up the mess and eventually won the race.

[HoosierDirtFan]

The 1990 National 200 @ Santa Faye Speedway

The accident started when Lil John Provenzano broke a transmission coming out of turn two. He started to go into the infield and was reportedly waved back out onto the track so that he could enter the infield in a different location. Cars behind him swerved to miss, stirred up a whole lot of infield dust which combined with the sun setting in between the turn 3 trees, blinded the drivers. A couple got together and completely blocked the track, the track was so slick that those who did see the wreck in time locked up their brakes and slid into the back of the pile, eventually reaching 3 high in several places. A total of 19 cars were involved including the leader at the time Bob Pohlman Jr who had dominated every 1/2 mile show that year. Lil John was able to repair his car during the 2 hour break to clean up the mess and eventually won the race.

I was there that night. One of the most odd wrecks I've ever seen to date at the National Clay Track Championship 200. Miss Santa Fe. That was a unique track. The Tiedt <> (not sure on spelling) family knew how to promote and run a race track period. They raced all kind of series there: WOO Sprints, USAC Late Models, USAC Sprints, USAC Midgets, AMA Flat Track, and lot more.

[Pops15]

A lot of good cars got wadded up in that race.
I sure miss that track.
Howard probably rolled over in his grave when his family sold the track to developers. He had fought for years to keep the place open. Howard Teidt was the best and hardest working promoter this region has ever had.

[1bbmft]

I raced LM from 1979-1987 at Santa Fe , that was the best tack I every have raced on in 40 years. FALS comes close but that little almost flat track was awesome!!! My Dad raced LM there from 1956-1966, I have some pictures from there but I'm always looking for pictures of the there. If anyone has any please let me know I'd love to buy some.

I can name some of the cars in the pictures, #7 is Frank Raebar, #55 Freddy Lofgren, #77 Steve Pastva, #56 Gary Webb, #25 Kevin Rodrick, #Tom Reints, I was there that day WHAT A MESS

[HoosierDirtFan]

Bob Pohlman Jr. in the Green #27.

Gibby Steinhause #21 <> (spelling) also involved in the wreck

[TheJet-09]

I was there as well. What many who weren't probably wouldn't believe is that the packed grandstand you see was actually on the back stretch. I don't recall just how much bigger the front stretch stands were, but nonetheless, what a crowd. Those were the days (major wreck excluded)!

[yenko2]

Dave Lilja photos

[DadofTrouble]

I was there as well. The front stretch stands were huge. Packed with people for that race. As you said -a 2hr delay to clean up. They allowed the drivers to fix their cars in order to rejoin the race if possible. Had some of the best times of my life at that track.

[1bbmft]

Does Dave have photos? Anyone know how to get in touch with him?

[b1eagle]

I did not watch any of the wrecks because there is nothing great about a crash.

[racecar1127]

There is a Facebook page that is all about Santa Fe speedway. Lots of pictures on it. I have to find the name of it. I was there also. I seem to remember some of the bigger names ran the 200 a few times like Moyer and bloomquest or am I wrong?

[pierceFAN]

saw it live...unreal....cars just kept slamming into cars..piled on top of each other like you did it on purpose...one of the strangest wrecks ive seen...i heard bobby caused it!

[AnonymousNate]

I have seem something like that with my own eyes at tricity a few years back. first lap in 1&2 whole field had a real nice tangle up! think maybe 3 cars missed it/avoided it

[HoosierDirtFan]

saw it live...unreal....cars just kept slamming into cars..piled on top of each other like you did it on purpose...one of the strangest wrecks ive seen...i heard bobby caused it!

John Provenzano caused it. He got just to the low side of the track off turn 2 and kicked up a $h!t ton of dust and drivers couldn't see. I remember that wreck like it was yesterday. To this day still the craziest wreck I've ever seen.26 years later.

[Highside Hustler25]

Any time I think of the most incredible dirt late model accident, Jack Bland at Hagerstown comes to mind. And he only injured his hand.