Boy, 12, flown to area hospital after racing crash
at Auburndale Speedway

by Jennifer Moore

AUBURNDALE, Fla. - A 12-year-old boy suffered critical injuries in a crash at Auburndale Speedway.

According to spokesperson Donna Wood, it happened at approximately 7:45 p.m. during a kids race.  Tyler Morr, of Arcadia, was driving a car, and there were five other vehicles on the track.

During the second turn, the boy's car reportedly collided with another car - then hit the wall.

Both drivers were the sole occupants of their vehicles at the time of the crash and both were harnessed and wearing helmets. The vehicles were reinforced inside as is common with standard race type cars.

Both vehicles are non-registered modified cars built strictly for race track operation. Speeds of vehicles involved in the crash are estimated to be no more 40-45 mph.

Wood says the boy was first airlifted to Lakeland Regional Medical Center with life-threatening injuries, but then flown to All Children's Hospital once he was stabilized.

A statement on Auburndale Speedway's website says Saturday's races were canceled after a "tragic accident occurred during our Kids Club heat race. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tyler Morr's, family and friends."

Morr is reportedly now in critical condition.

Polk County Sheriff's Office Traffic Homicide deputies are conducting a crash investigation.