Race officials reflect on Benson crash

MARNE, Mich. (WOOD) - In an instant, about 4,000 cheering fans were silenced.

West Michigan racing legend Johnny Benson crashed his car, and it erupted in flames Saturday night at Berlin Raceway.

"I've seen thousands and thousands of crashes," race photographer Steve Bennett said. "I've been at Berlin Raceway 17 years, and the crash I saw with Johnny Benson, I have to say, was one of the top five most serious crashes I've ever seen there.

"You had almost 4,000 people there, whatever the count was, and it was dead silence. You could drop a pin and hear it."

Grand Rapids native Benson was hospitalized after crashing his ISMA supermodified car. Originally, he was in serious condition at Spectrum Hospital. Fortunately for many fans, as of 4:30 p.m. Sunday, he was listed in fair condition. There is no word on when he will be released, but he is expected to make a full recovery.

The reigning Craftsman Truck Series champion was traveling at speeds topping 100 miles per hour.

Berlin Raceway held a press conference Sunday to discuss the accident.

Raceway representatives said they expect Benson to be back on the track before the end of the year.

Although he suffered some minor burns after his car caught fire, the majority of Benson's injuries resulted from breathing in the chemicals used to extinguish the blaze.

What impressed raceway representatives most was the rescue effort after the collision.

"The car had barely stopped, and they were already jumping out of the back of the safety truck ... fire extinguisher in hand, and the flames were already going out, you know, before you could hardly even realize what was going on," said Kevin Striegle, who works in public relations for Berlin.

Added Michael Blackmer: "The safety crew just did an excellent job. They worked with Johnny, Johnny worked with them, he talked with them, so I was very proud."