Josh Burton was an up and coming 22-year-old non-wing sprint car driver looking to make a name for himself on the always tough Indiana sprint car scene. On Friday night he was racing hard near the front of the B-Main when he was involved in an accident that sent his sprint car flipping while entering turn one. Emergency medical personnel rushed to Burton's machine where he was unresponsive but breathing.

He was carefully removed from his car and rushed to a local hospital. Burton remained unresponsive until he later passed away on Saturday. Bloomington Speedway released the following statement about the tragic accident.



"This is the hardest thing I have ever had to type. We have lost Josh Burton. On behalf of the owners, general manager, every employee and volunteer at Bloomington Speedway, our prayers and most sincere heartfelt sympathies, go to Josh Burton's family, friends and all his many fans. Losing a true racer is never easy, but when it is someone so young, so nice, that so many loved and respected, it is almost more than our sport can bare. Josh always took time to speak anyone and especially to fans, he always had a smile and something good to say to you. Gone far too soon, but Josh Burton will never be forgotten. I have no doubt he is on the pole, and has his "Orange Hoosiers" in the air. God Speed Josh."

Many racers have painted the logos on their race tires orange to honor Josh Burton's memory. All of us at OneDirt want to extend our thoughts and prayers for Josh Burton's family and friends as they cope with the loss of a racer taken too soon.